HIBER-NATION:

textural whites and orange wines, with overt cinnamon spice, the tang of orange juice and a lush texture. Try it as a party starter. industry, we’re perhaps a little further down the track on our zero- and lowalcohol journey. Winemakers I know applaud the leaps in teetotal options, though they’re less convinced by the quality of zero wines.

Brewers large and small have also been getting in on the act, and it’s only set to grow.

I’m told I am ‘sober curious’, the tag given to a growing band of (mainly) Millennials who try abstaining from drink altogether — curious about sober life — or drink mindfully and by virtue moderately. While I think I’ll fall into mindful and moderate, I don’t feel the need for labels; for now I’m relishing the opportunity to take a booze break and to explore another vibrant and emerging segment of the drinks market.

LOOKING for ways to help those in need? Look no further.

The entire world is experiencing uncertainty right now, and while Australia looks to be turning a corner in the COVID-19 global pandemic, with cases stabilising and restrictions slowly easing state by state, the devastation caused by the coronavirus is apparent.

The 2019 Foodbanks Hunger Report found that 5 million Aussies had experienced food insecurity — more than a 20 per cent increase compared with 2018 — and with the impact of the past four months, these stats are already outdated. Food relief charities are reporting a 50-70 per cent increase in the number of people reaching out for support — many of whom have never needed support in the past, with the highest rises being from students and families. With government data indicating the pandemic’s long-term impact will include high unemployment for the next couple of years, it is believed the increased level of need for food relief will continue.

The main support people are reaching out for is pantry items and food staples, and delicious. has partnered with the Feed Appeal to launch the Fill a Pantry campaign to enable you to help.

From today, you will be able to help fill the pantries of struggling Aussies, from students to small households and large families. A donation of $15 will help to stock a student’s pantry well enough to feed them three meals a day for a week; $25 will feed a couple or a small family three meals a day for five days, and $100 will feed a large family three meals a day for a week. Even $10 can help, providing a treat bag for a family in need.

Feed Appeal guarantees that 100 per cent of donations go in grants to food relief charities, and whatever is raised in each state or territory goes to food relief in that state, meaning local funds directly help to nourish local communities.

For more information, and to donate to help struggling Aussies today, visit mycause.com.au