On-Trend

We’ve put together a snapshot of the latest trends, competitions, upcoming events and venue openings to keep you up-to-date with what’s new in the wonderful world of drinks.

WIN: 4 PINES SPACE BEER ZERO GRAVITY EXPERIENCE

4 Pines Brewing Company has announced a competition prize that is literally out of this world. For seven years, the brewers have been working with Saber Astronautics in the U.S. to create a beer that can be drunk in space, and they want to test it on you. They’re offering one lucky winner return flights to Cape Canaveral, Florida; three nights accommodation and a seat on a zero-gravity research flight, 32,000 feet above Earth to drink their space beer prototype. To enter, complete a 50-word essay and make a pledge to purchase a space beer bottle for $90USD at the Vostock Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign launching in April. To read more about the competition, go to the website www.vostokspacebeer.com/competition.

VISIT: GRAMPIANS GRAPE ESCAPE

Looking for an escape from city life? Head to Grampians in Victoria this May for the Grape Escape, a two-day food and wine event where you can meet the makers, taste fresh local produce, graze from dozens of food trucks and wine stalls, jump in on immersive masterclasses and enjoy live music. Adult tickets range from $30-$110 depending on your chosen activities and can be purchased from: www.grampiansgrapeescape.com.au

NEW: FOUR PILLARS BARREL AGED GIN RANGE

Four Pillars has expanded its barrel-aged gin range with the release of a Sherry Cask Gin. Aged for a year using 42 ex-sherry barrels from 15 to 25 years of age, the new gin has notes of deep cassia, star-anise, dried fruits and nuts, with hints of pine needles and crushed coriander. The Sherry Cask Gin joins the Chardonnay Barrel Gin (formerly known as the Barrel Aged Gin) and the Christmas Gin in the Four Pillars barrel aged portfolio.

TRY: GINKIT ARTISAN GIN MAKING KIT

Looking for something different to do this weekend? Why not turn that basic bottle of vodka (yes, vodka) you have lying around into your own bespoke gin? With GINKIT you can create a unique artisanal gin in under 36 hours! The kit includes hand-selected aromatic juniper berries, mixed spices and custommade copper hardware to transform your base spirit in just six steps. The kit is priced at $54 and can be purchased at www.ginkit.com.au.

Australia’s longest-running regional food and wine festival is returning this April, celebrating the quality local produce and wine of Orange’s cool climate region. The week of events will include Forage – a 4.1km walk through Orange’s stunning vineyards, followed by a ninecourse degustation menu of wine and tasting plates; the Autumn Grazing Dinner in the picturesque village of Blayney; a night market and much more. To read up on all the events and purchase your tickets, go to www.orangefoodweek.com.au. VISIT: ORANGE F.O.O.D WEEK

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VISIT: BAR PATRÓN

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Sydney’s premier restaurant group, Rockpool Dining Group, has joined with global tequila brand, Patrón, for a unique fine dining experience that draws on all the things we love about Mexico. With a menu that features all your favourite colourful dishes and a cocktail list of Mexican classics spiced up with a few Patrón bespoke serves, this is one fiesta that Sydneysiders need to salsa on down to.

BUY: NESPRESSO LATISSIMA ONE

Nespresso and De’Longhi have announced the launch of The Latissima One. An update on the existing Latissima range, the new machine allows users to pick from milk measurements with just one touch, ensuring the exact quantity of milk is poured to avoid wastage. It also allows users to personalise and experiment with coffee styles, from espresso to a creamy latte or frothy cappuccino. The Latissima One retails for $399 and is available at Nespresso boutiques, key appliance retailers and www.nespresso.com.