I love technology. I’ve often wondered why hotels haven’t adopted automatic checkin systems like the airports for quick, efficient entry anytime of the day or night. Then I check in to 1888 Hotel and get the friendliest service I’ve had in years and I remember why I value good service.
Heston Blumenthal fans will have to go into an online ballot for the chance to experience his famous Fat Duck menu in Australia.
Home to some of the oldest vines and biggest names in Australian wine, the Hunter Valley is a drawcard for lovers of a quality drop. Word on the street is the 2014 vintage is set to be a cracker! Talk of “best ever” and “vintage of the century” are being whispered by winemakers. Hunter Valley 2014 Semillons are being bottled and released now, whilst 2014 reds are maturing in oak barrels until their release later in 2015.
It all started in the mid-80s by a handful of wineries wanting to celebrate the region by showcasing Barossa wines paired with culinary delights over a winter’s weekend at their cellar doors. From these humble beginnings, Barossa…Be Consumed Gourmet Weekend has evolved into a celebration of the best of the Barossa food, wine and arts.
The Hunter Valley is an ideal weekend getaway with stunning vistas, great cellar door experiences and divine dining. The Hunter Valley is known for its award-wining Semillon and elegant Shiraz and with over 150 cellar doors in the region, you’re spoilt for choice. If you want to delve beyond the big name wineries and discover some hidden gems, head up some back roads to smaller, boutique wineries for a more intimate experience. We bring you a boutique list of wineries that showcase the regions best.
Here at alluxia, we are addicted to Instagram. While we follow a lot of travel and foodie types one of our favourite people to follow is artist Vincent Fantauzzo. Fantauzzo is an Australian painter renowned for his portrait work including the 2008 Archibald Portrait Prize of the late Heath Ledger, which won him the runner-up and the People’s Choice award as well as last year’s entry of his partner Asher Keddie.
