111 days of lockdown in Metro Melbourne Victorians living in the Melbourne CBD and the metro area were under 111 days of lockdown starting 9th July until and including 27th October until 23:59. Apparently this was the longest lockdown for…

As a student I enjoyed studying history. I found learning about the wars, the evolution of language, and the establishment of modern democracy fascinating. Learning about peoples' liberties and how their freedom was challenged over the years was thought provoking…

Raising a glass of wine and beer to all those on the front line These are such unparalleled and extraordinary times and I feel the weeks during the first lock down started to blur into one. Watching the news for…

As of midnight on Monday 30th March, Victoria in Australia is now in Stage 3.  So playgrounds, beaches and gyms are closed and social distancing goes up another level, groups of more than 2 (apart from family) gathering is not…

Having worked  in the wine trade since 2003 and passed the Diploma in Wines & Spirits, I have enjoyed analysing, tasting and assessing wines. I can spend hours reviewing the acidity, structure and flavour profiles of wine as well as…

There are so many wineries and breweries to visit in McLaren Vale. I love exploring them all and also seeing how passionate the owners are taking that step to build their business in a very competitive market. McCarthy's Orchard I…

Pirate Life moved into Port Adelaide, into a renovated old warehouse in March earlier this year.  This new brewery in the old Dalgety woolstores houses 24 taps, a Pirate Life merchandise shop, a barbershop (Robbie's Chop Shop) with space for…

Loving visiting wineries on the weekend, when time allows, I have visited many in McLaren Vale along with hubby and son. The Barossa Valley is home to some fantastic wineries and great cellar doors which are child friendly I have…

In the past, I had always found beer ‘heavy’ and very filling and would feel bloated post drink. But now with the huge range of interesting craft beers made with the different styles of hops, barley and infusions of fruit,…

Child friendly wineries....children and wine tastings...do they or can they go together? Can you take your child/children to a winery and can both parties have an enjoyable day? Yes, they can....and on an afternoon with parents, adults and open spaces,…