After almost two years of living through this pandemic, we decided it was time to shake off the funk and celebrate the season.
For starters, this edition marks 10 years since this magazine launched, so we’re cheering about that milestone. Inside, James Halliday maps some of the shifts that have happened in Australian wine over this time, and it’s clear that a lot has changed. That includes developments with Halliday Wine Companion, too, and in this issue, you’ll meet the two new members on the tasting team.
Also inside, we look at some of the wines that tend to get pigeonholed as being ‘festive’, and talk to some key producers about these styles and how we should enjoy them. We also tap into some of the best wines for warmer weather, including an enticing selection of Italian whites, versatile reds that transform when chilled, and Tasmania’s star sparklings, to name a few.
In addition, we share some great ideas for all those upcoming catch-ups. Discover perfect gifts for the season, quality wines that now come in alternative, sustainable packaging that are ideal for picnics, and some crowd-pleasing dishes that are particularly easy to transport.
Plus, after going so long without travel, our tour of Margaret River should inspire some future adventures – the region’s coastline, stellar wines and friendly cellar doors are a winning combination. And if you’re itching to get overseas, you can get a taste of Greece and Portugal with UK wine authority Jane Parkinson’s selection of their top whites, which are bang on for the season.
As always, the tasting notes at the back of the magazine should fill in any gaps with the wines to seek out, share and enjoy, so we hope this edition offers plenty of ways to celebrate over the coming months.