NOTES FROM THE EDITOR

Our plan was to go lightly on the festive season this edition, but we clearly got swept up in the excitement along the way.

As a result, this issue is heaving with drink suggestions, gift ideas and inspiration to see you through the season. To kick things of, we turned to ve people in the know to share their wishlist of drinks for the party end of the year, each within a specific budget. Starting at $150 and moving up through $350, $500, $750 and $1000, the selections are invaluable. While you might expect the choices within the bigger budgets to be out of reach, there are some surprising value quaffers across the lot. With beer, spirits and sherry also getting a look-in, we recommend you pilfer widely from these lists.

Also included is Tyson Stelzer’s buying tips and top Champagne and sparkling picks across a range of price points, creating a handy outline for lovers of ne zz. UK-based wine writer Jane Parkinson also provides a dozen international wines for summer drinking, spanning a variety of grapes and styles. en there are the super approachable recipes from chef Matt Wilkinson and wife Sharlee Gibb that won’t see you stuck in the kitchen while everyone else has all the fun.

And for anyone pondering their next holiday destination, our stories on wineries in Queensland and the Adelaide Hills, plus standout wine bars in Paris and an unexpected wine trail in LA’s Malibu might just provide some direction.

We hope it all helps you nd that perfect bottle for your coming occasions, with a little spare change for New Year’s. Cheers to a safe and happy festive season!