If serving the newest, coolest cocktail is the mission at your next dinner party or knowing all the new cellar door openings is at the top of your agenda, then our curated guide to Australia’s latest in drinks news will be your boozy bible.
From the Sydney rum distillers and South Coast to cool new Yarra Valley wine destinations and Vinteloper’s chic tasting room upgrade in the Adelaide Hills, these are the spots worth having on your radar this month. And if trending sips are what you’re looking for, then we’ve curated the best, from a new limited-edition whisky from Tasmania to non-alcoholic bitters and the lesser-known spirits riding on a high this season.
Here’s our guide to the latest drinks news to know about.
Meet the Makers Festival returns to the NSW South Coast
Returning for its second year, NSW’s Meet the Makers Festival will showcase the lively essence of Milton and the surrounding South Coast region through local talent, creativity and culinary excellence. Each weekend in September, indulge in festivities including a wine-blending workshop at Cupitt’s Estate and a farm-to-table banquet hosted by MilkHAUS & friends.
The event will run from 6-28 September. Check out the festival’s Instagram for more information.
Fin Wines’ cellar door and tasting room
Victoria’s Yarra Valley has a cool new destination to check out. Fin Wines’ chic cellar door and tasting room shows off lo-fi and indie wines, from a chilled red to prosecco/vermentino pet nat. Stars of the snack menu include the City Larder pâté, LP’s saucisson and Chappy’s chips with Fin’s own vinegar.
For more information, visit finwines.com.au
Red Mill Rum’s Sydney cellar door
Red Mill Rum, a charming barrel hall and working rum distillery steeped in history, has opened its cellar doors in Rozelle. First established in 1933 and lovingly relaunched in 2020 by the original founder’s great-grandson, the distillery welcomes spirited guests for tastings, tours and the lowdown on how whisky casks can shape flavour: heaven for the curious Sydneysider.
Visit redmillrum.com.au for more information.
Maxwell Wines’ new tasting room menu
As GT’s current South Australian Restaurant of the Year, Maxwell Wines should already be firmly on your radar. But for those looking for an excuse to revisit, executive chef Fabian Lehmann has curated a new tasting room menu to keep things interesting. Snack highlights include the crisp chicken skin tart and French toast with caramelised onion and wagyu bresaola.
For more information, visit maxwellwines.com.au
St Hugo Wines’ New Epicurean Cellar Dining
Barossa Valley mainstay St Hugo has introduced an Epicurean Cellar dining experience, where guests can enjoy a long, languid lunch paired with exclusive back-vintage wines. Dishes have been created with the St Hugo cellar in mind — think seafood paired with 2918 riesling, duck with a 2013 grenache, shiraz and mataro blend, and blush-pink lamb rump along with a 1993 cabernet sauvignon. Cheese and dessert pairings can be added to the experience should you wish to finish on something sweet.
For more information visit sthugo.com
Chandon’s new-look Yarra Valley homestead
Heritage meets luxury in Chandon’s reimagined Yarra Valley homestead. The glorious wraparound verandah gives way to light, airy interiors by designer Melanie Beynon, while local furnishings add to the polish. With views over the vineyard and oak garden, the scene is set for tasting Étoile or basking in the luxury of the exclusive event space — made with private dining and enchanting garden parties in mind.
Tasmania’s Tolpuddle opens new tasting room
Tasmania’s Tolpuddle vineyard has opened a sleek new tasting room in the Coal River Valley. Expect to sip on Tolpuddle’s collectable chardonnays and pinot noirs as expansive floor-to-ceiling windows give way to sweeping views of the vines, while wooden interiors and rattan accents appoint a luxury mood.
Vinesmith is the new city cellar door in Melbourne
Melbourne’s Flinders Lane has a chic new opening to check out. Vinesmith’s city cellar door shows off a local wine list with drops from the Blue Pyrenees and Glenlofty Estates on the tasting menu, while walnut interiors set a sleek tone. Joining the venue’s roster is a late-night bar, French bistro and wine shop.
Adelaide Hills’ Vinteloper opens new cellar door after bushfires
South Australia’s Vinteloper has entered its relaunch era following the 2019 bushfires that took out its heritage farmhouse. The new opening sees high-spec restorations to its tasting room and cellar door, taking in its Adelaide Hills surroundings and showing off drops from new varietals to vintage releases.
Top drops for winter sipping
Villa Maria Pinot Noir
With its subtle spiced notes and vibrant red fruit flavours, Villa Maria’s Pinot Noir from New Zealand’s famed Marlborough region is the perfect winter companion. Available for $24.99 at your local bottle shop.
Petaluma Piccadilly Valley Chardonnay 2024
Rated 95 points by Ray Jordan and Shanteh Wale, this chardonnay showcases vibrant citrus, white peach, and delicate oak. Elegant, complex, and mineral-driven, it’s an exceptional expression of the Piccadilly Valley. Available for $65 via Dan Murphy’s.
Lark Distillery Dark Lark 2025 Single Malt Whisky
A testament to Tasmania’s unique whisky-making super climate, once uncorked, Dark Lark 2025 reveals evocative layers of ripe papaya, maple-glazed almonds and espresso gelato. This bold single malt whisky, expertly crafted at Lark’s Bothwell Distillery, pays tribute to the transformative power of darkness – a source of unbridled creativity and inspiration. It draws inspiration from the Bay of Fires, where fiery lichen sets the rugged coastline aglow at dusk. This year’s Dark Lark release celebrates Tasmania’s striking landscape, the creativity sparked by its night and the creators who thrive in it. Available for $250 from select independent retailers.
Patrón El Alto
Patrón Tequila expands its prestige portfolio with Patrón El Alto, a rare, masterfully aged blend of Extra Añejo, Añejo, and Reposado tequilas, crafted from the finest Weber Blue Agave. Currently available for $315 at Dan Murphy’s.
Mumm 2015 Reserve Blanc De Blanc
This elegant and lively Champagne of Grand Cru Chardonnay delivers fine, delicate bubbles; a balanced mineral core with floral notes of jasmine; and a brilliant pale gold hue. It’s the Champagne to pop at special occasions. Our tip: serve on Good Friday before a seafood feast. Currently available for $190 at Dan Murphy’s.
Hickson House Oyster Shell gin
Joining traditional and Australian botanicals, repurposed oyster shell is the not-so-secret ingredient lending Hickson House’s gin its minerality and creamy mouthfeel. Saltbush and seaweed add to the oceanside ambience, while finger lime and ruby grapefruit shape its smooth, dry finish.
Papa Salt Paloma tins
Cool off with TikTok’s trending sip, the Paloma. Where warmer weather usually calls an Aperol or Hugo Spritz to mind, the Paloma is typically a grapefruit, tequila and lime refresh. Gin-based riffs are also on the rise, as seen here with Papa Salt’s easy-drinking Paloma tins.
Zonzo’s Cicchio Pistachio Spritz
While the Limoncello Spritz has been trending as TikTok’s drink du jour, it’s Zonzo’s Cicchio pistachio take that has our attention. Calling on Sicilian flavours, this bright bottling meshes notes of honey and melon with creamy pistachio. Best served on a balcony somewhere warm.
Pundi bitters
First Nations farmer Dominic Smith is bringing a native edge to seasonal spritzing. This trio of homegrown bitters picks up on the trend for non-alcoholic drinking with flavours of wood, leaves and fruit. Expect local mint, rosella, smoky peppercorn and wattleseed to amp up drinking.
Enchanté Rosé
Race car superstar Daniel Riccardio has rounded out his D3 wines range with Barossa stalwart St Hugo’s with the addition of new sip, Enchanté Rosé. Following two bold red varietals, this lighter tipple is ideal for sunshine sipping and snacking. In taste, Enchanté Rosé is medium-bodied and off-dry; crisp on the palate and perfect for an afternoon pour with friends.
For Barossa locals or visitors, be sure to stop by at St Hugo’s for an in-person pour. Otherwise, pick up a bottle at a local bottle shop.
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