A last minute lunch with friends saw us dining at Luna Lu, tucked into The Rocks on New Year’s Day. With much of Sydney surprisingly closed despite the crowds still lingering in town, this felt like a genuine discovery.
I hadn’t been there since the 1990s, when Luna Lu was already known for its Peking duck pancakes something I still remembered fondly. This visit did not disappoint. On a cool summer’s day, celebrating both New Year’s Day and my girlfriend’s birthday, we were treated to an exceptional lunch.
Around the table there were dim sum and ribs, all delivered with a distinctly Chinese flair. I ordered the sesame prawn on gluten free toast and it was an absolute treat. If you eat gluten free, you know how rare it is to enjoy those nostalgic, deep fried favourites. Luna Lu nailed it.
A crunchy slice of gluten free bread topped with generous prawn meat, sesame seeds and a delicate garnish, each bite substantial and beautifully balanced.
For mains, one friend chose the duck salad, light yet generous, filled with tender shredded duck. Another had the crispy barramundi, perfectly cooked. I went with the miso glazed toothfish from Heard Island in Western Australia and it was cooked to perfection. The flesh was soft and fluffy, delicate without being bland or watery, full of flavour without heaviness. The accompanying vegetables pak choy and a Chinese style salsa complemented the fish rather than overpowering it.
Add to that relaxed outdoor dining and iconic views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, depending on where you’re seated, and it made for a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
If you’re in Sydney and looking for laid back outdoor dining with excellent Asian inspired food, especially when many places are closed, Luna Lu is absolutely worth a visit and a previsit of the menu is a must.
Sydney does festivals, concerts and sporting events! When the city opens its heart to wine, it becomes an extraordinary experience ; a feast for the senses, where the Harbour sparkles, the Opera House glows, and some of the best of Australian vineyards pour their stories by the glass.
Welcome to the Sydney Cellar Door; a FUN & vibrant gathering along The Rocks, where heritage and innovation meet along side the water of Circular Quay.
Where Wine Meets the Water
There’s something intoxicating about sipping fine wine by the sea. At the Sydney Wineries Festival, the harbour breeze carries the perfume of summer, the clink of crystal (actually plastic) glasses blends with the rhythm of buskers in The Rocks, and the skyline creates a stage that even Bordeaux or Tuscany would envy.
The event sprawls infront of the Museum of Contemporary Art, transforming the foreshore into a sensory playground. Cellar doors pop up along the grass, each offering a taste of NSW wines: Orange, Mudgee, Port Macquarie, the Hunter and more. It is some of Australia’s BEST for sure!
This isn’t just a tasting. It’s a journey through the terroirs of NSW, without ever leaving the Quay.
A Showcase of Australia’s Finest
From the crisp mineral whites of De Beaurepaire to the refined méthode traditionnelle sparklings of Cassegrain, and the robust, soulful reds of Glandore, the festival highlights the incredible breadth of Australian winemaking.
You’ll find:
Cool-climate Chardonnay from Orange and Tumbarumba
Elegant Pinot Noir from De Beaurepaire
Earthy, complex Shiraz from the Hunter wineries
Vibrant Tempranillo, Fiano, and Nebbiolo from the new-wave innovators redefining Australian wine! Giddy UP
Each stall tells a story. One of the things I love most about a wine festival is getting to “know” the wine maker!
Each pour holds a philosophy about land, the patience and the passion. The conversations are as rich as the vintages.
The Rocks: Where Heritage Meets the Modern Palate
Wandering The Rocks during festival weekend feels like walking through a living gallery. The mix of old-world charm and new-world creativity mirrors the evolution of Australian wine itself.
This is wine culture at its most joyful, inclusive and alive.
The Art of the pour
What sets the Sydney Wineries Festival apart isn’t just the setting , it’s the curation. The festival celebrates wine as art ; every varietal, a palette; every vineyard, a brushstroke. Winemakers aren’t just pouring drinks; they’re sharing their craft, their failures, their triumphs. You leave not just with your palate expanded, but your heart warmed.
Some I have never heard of and kudos to Cassegrain for exploring (and nailing) incredible blends. Please explore their incredible blends as they are smooth and eclectic.
It’s also a moment to reflect on sustainability. the quiet revolution taking place in vineyards across Australia. Many of the participating winemakers practise low-intervention, organic, or regenerative viticulture, proof that excellence and ethics can coexist beautifully. Many of the vineyards commited to low intervention such as Tractorless Winery with Melania and partner with their winery in the Southern Highlands.
A Toast to the City that Never Stops Creating
Sydney’s energy is contagious. One moment, you’re sampling a sparkling Semillon under the sails of the Opera House; the next, you’re dancing barefoot on the grass at First Fleet Park, holding a glass of Hunter Shiraz as the ferries glide past.
The festival caters for collectors, casual sippers, or just someone who loves being outdoors with good company, it’s impossible not to be swept up in the moment.
Raise Your Glass
Sydney’s Wineries Festival isn’t just an event. It’s a celebration of everything Australia does best; creativity, craftsmanship and conversations! All poured into one unforgettable weekend.
So next time it rolls around, mark the date, gather your people, and make your way to the Rocks in Sydney. Sam xx
PS: please support the above mentioned wineries. They are all local wineries meeting face to face with their customers.
When I need a little time out in Sydney, a pause from the pace, a sip of something special, I head straight to my favourite local wine bar: Vini Divini.
Tucked away like a European secret, this intimate wine bar is a haven for those who appreciate the finer things; great conversation, thoughtful wines and an atmosphere that instantly soothes the soul.
Philippe, Your Wine Whisperer
What makes Vini Divini truly exceptional is the personal touch offered by owner and wine connoisseur, Philippe. Always welcoming, Philippe is more than happy to chat about your palate, preferences, or mood and will recommend something that feels like it was bottled just for you.
Whether you’re a lover of bold reds, fresh minerally whites, or curious about natural or biodynamic wines, he’ll handpick a pour that surprises and delights. Trust him, he has a gift for reading the room (and your taste buds) and that European hospitality attentativeness.
Tip: Don’t be shy. Tell Philippe what you like, and he’ll likely introduce you to something new and unforgettable.
Sip, Savour, Snack
While the star of the show is undoubtedly the wine, Vini Divini also offers a small, refined bar menu that perfectly complements your glass. Expect Mediterranean-inspired light bites such as olives, charcuterie, cheeses, which are all sourced with the same care and finesse as the wine list.
It’s the ideal spot for a solo escape, a spontaneous date night, or an intimate catch-up with friends. Every detail, from the glassware to the playlist, feels curated, yet entirely effortless.
Private Tastings & Events
Looking to host something special?
Vini Divini also curates private events and tastings, offering a boutique experience that’s perfect for birthdays, team gatherings, or elegant celebrations. I am looking forward to helping out over summer with a few events! What a joy it will be.
Philippe will tailor the wine list, the vibe, and the experience to match your group, whether you’re sipping casually or diving into a more structured tasting.
It’s an elegant, understated setting that speaks to true wine lovers and those who are just beginning their journey.
If you’re in Sydney and looking for somewhere warm, relaxed, and a little bit magic, Vini Divini is it.
It was my birthday and I had been pondering the “ideal” birthday present.
I brainstormed fond memories from my childhood and then it hit me… Taronga Zoo.
I knew the perfect people to share it with.. my children.
Photo shoot for Sydney Morning Herald
I made the booking last week and we flew down on Wednesday.
Co-incidentally, I was asked to do an interview for the Sydney Morning Herald on the Tuesday beforehand. On the Wednesday in Sydney we arranged to do the family photo shoot. It was the BEST birthday present.
The iconic Sydney Opera House
After the photo shoot, we caught the ferry from Pier 2 at Circular Quay to Taronga zoo. We passed by some of Australia’s most iconic landmarks; The Opera House; Sydney Harbour Bridge and the incredible bays of the harbour.
Bay near Taronga Park Zoo Sydney
I love Taronga Zoo! I hadn’t been there for years but it was the same breath-taking experience it always has been.
My favs are the giraffes.
Incredible giraffes at Taronga Zoo
This year we find more amazing animals. The chimpanzees….
Chimpanzees and baby at Taronga Zoo Sydney
The three flippered (rescued) turtle.
The hippo
AND MORE.
I loved traveling to the zoo by ferry – the bays on the way are inspiring and traveling west into the Sydney setting sun is stunning.
Opera Kitchen – great views, food OK
A picturesque meal at the Opera House tops off the most perfect birthday ever imaginable.
Private Tastings & Events
