Dave Brookes

Worcester

Contributor at Halliday Wine Companion

Articles

Central Otago Wine Auction

Nov 21, 2024 | winecompanion.com.au | Dave Brookes

Anticipation started building when Blair Walter, winemaker at Felton Road and a trustee of the Central Otago Pinot Noir Charitable Trust, announced plans for the inaugural Central Otago Wine Auction Weekend. Featuring a star studded line-up of producers including Paul Pujol from Prophet’s Rock, Rudi Bauer from Quartz Reef, Nick Mills from Rippon, Helen Masters from guest winery Ata Rangi and, of course, Blair from Felton Road.
Tasmanian wineries to visit

Nov 17, 2024 | winecompanion.com.au | Dave Brookes

This content is available to members only Valued at $60 RRP and rated 95 points, Thistledown Wines ranked number 29 in the Top 100 Wineries 2024, use code THISTLEDOWN. I’ve got to admit, I’m somewhat besotted with Tasmania. Its confluence of natural beauty, wine, food, produce, art and history all wrapped in a tight compact package seems to resonate with me. Maybe that’s the Kiwi coming out in me, as I can certainly see some parallels between the two.
Wineries to visit in the Barossa | The new Barossa

Jul 31, 2024 | winecompanion.com.au | Dave Brookes

It’s always nice to get back home to the Barossa. Its dips and scarps are familiar, I know the backroads, the vineyards, the butchers and the pie shops. Plus, I get hugs from friends. It lifts the soul. Recently, while there for an event, I decided to make the most of my quick trip by slotting in a few winery visits on the way back to Adelaide.
Rieslingfreak opens cellar door

Jul 16, 2024 | winecompanion.com.au | Dave Brookes

It’s always an exciting time when those Rieslingfreaks drop their new releases. And this year is doubly awesome as the wonderful John and Belinda Hughes have a shiny new tasting room to share with visitors to the Barossa Valley.
Things to do in Hawke’s Bay

Jul 13, 2024 | winecompanion.com.au | Dave Brookes

Things to do in Hawke's Bay NZFace pressed to the airplane window as you descend into Napier, taking in the sweep of the coastline, braided rivers and verdant landscape while sucking on one of those little lollies the Air New Zealand cabin crew still hands out after all these years to stop your ears popping. I recommend the red ones. I’ve been road-testing them since I was a kid.
Penfolds Collection 2024

Apr 29, 2024 | winecompanion.com.au | Dave Brookes

The annual Penfolds new release trade tasting is always a much anticipated event, especially by those who ply their trade attempting to describe the nuance of a given growing season and winemaking prowess presented in an aqueous solution. This year's event was a special one as Penfolds celebrates 180 years of winemaking excellence. An impressive series of wines were presented spanning Penfolds endeavours in four countries – Australia, USA, France and China.
Yalumba's 175th anniversary

Apr 22, 2024 | winecompanion.com.au | Dave Brookes

Yalumba – one of Australia’s most admired and respected family owned wineries – is celebrating its 175th anniversary. With a multi-generational family stewardship, a stunning Barossa estate and an enviable record of some of our countries most iconic wines, it is a winery that is deeply woven into the tapestry of the Barossa and the Australian fine wine offering.
How to spend 48 hours in the Eden Valley

Jan 28, 2024 | winecompanion.com.au | Dave Brookes

It’s just different up there, over the Eastern Range. It’s sparser than the valley floor; more spread out and filigreed. You’re not bumping into vineyards on every turn. You’ve got to work harder to unravel its charms. And there are many... I’m going to presume you may be arriving perhaps late on a Friday afternoon. This is a fine plan.
Bellebonne and Evenfall Wines team up on cellar door and restaurant

Jan 28, 2024 | winecompanion.com.au | Dave Brookes

The River Tamar cuts a thick-shouldered, serpentine route as it makes its way from Low Head down to Launceston, before it splits into the North and South Esk Rivers around the consistently excellent Stillwater restaurant and Cataract Gorge. I’ve driven that riverside route many times, both east and west banks of the Tamar, but it’s not often that I’ll notice these shifts in the river's path.
Raw sewage in rivers: Angling Trust supports blocking bonuses for water company bosses

Jan 23, 2024 | anglingtrust.net | Dave Brookes

The Angling Trust acknowledges and appreciates the Labour Party’s commitment to addressing the critical issue of illegal raw sewage dumping in the UK’s waterways. We firmly believe in holding water company executives personally accountable for any involvement in illegal sewage discharges. The figures provided by the Labour Party regarding bonuses awarded to water company executives since the 2019 election are eye-watering.