After everything 2020 has thrown at us, we think there’s more cause than ever for great wines this festive season.

Even you feel like skipping the big celebrations this year, we still believe there’s a place for good wine, the ceremony of sharing it and the joy this brings. That’s why we’ve packed this edition full of ideas. We turned to the Halliday tasting team for their best tips, traditions and wine buys for the season. While there’s a common love for Champagne and sparkling among them, they also offer some incredible bargains that over-deliver.

It’s a great way to get to know the full tasting team, which recently expanded with new members. While James Halliday still plays an integral role on the team, he’s taken a hardearned step back from his management duties on the annual Halliday Wine Companion. If you missed these recent announcements via winecompanion.com.au and our social channels, Tyson Stelzer has now taken up the new position of chief editor. You can learn more about Tyson on page 20, and read James’s reflections on the early days of the Companion on page 24.

Also in this issue, we check in on chardonnay, chat to Max & Me’s Phil Lehmann, look at Australian prosecco and take a tour of McLaren Vale. UK wine authority Jane Parkinson tells us why she’ll see out 2020 with great Champagne, James Smith offers beer matches for our favourite summer dishes, we share four seasonal recipes ideal for entertaining, and our gift guide brings plenty of inspiration. And for anyone needing to scratch that travel itch, you’ll find five cocktails from exotic global destinations to recreate at home and make you feel like you’re there. Almost.

Cheers to a safe and happy holiday season.