Try to resist just-shucked oysters, new juices, a seasonal beer, opera among the grapes and a great new watering hole

WORDS ROBERTA MUIR

SALTWATER SENSATIONS

Lovers of briny, creamy bivalves will be thrilled to learn that the oyster fanatics at Hugh Hamilton Wines, McLaren Vale, will be turning their cellar door into a restaurant on the fi first Sunday of each month, from 6 May until November. When Oi Oi Oister Day kicks off, visitors can see Hugh, a very hands-on winemaker, hard at work shucking oysters. The Hamilton family planted South Australia’s fi first grapevines in 1837 and have been producing distinctive wines ever since; don’t miss the chance to try a few alongside oysters from South Australia’s coast and cuisine created by a guest chef. McMurtie Road, McLaren Vale, tel: +61 (8) 8323 8689, email Pam Hamilton for bookings at pam@hughhamiltonwines.com.au

TASMANIAN TREASURE

Cascade First Harvest is the only beer of its kind in Australia brewed using fresh green hops. Each year, when the first of the season’s hops are harvested, Cascade, Australia’s oldest brewery, brews a single batch of super-fresh, premium beer. Within hours of harvesting, the green hops are combined with new season pale malt, yeast and pure spring water, resulting in a limited-edition ale with a full malt character. Check it out – but be quick! It’s only around for a short time. Available from Vintage Cellars and Dan Murphy stores nationally.

JUST THE BARE ESSENTIALS

Nudie juices – the 100% pure fruit juice identifi able by the cute little nudie character – has sold over 23 million bottles in its four years of operation. On 27 May they’re throwing a big party to celebrate the reopening of their factory, which was destroyed by fi re, and to honour the fabulous fruit-growers who’ve supplied the estimated 20,787,980 apples, 96,687,178 blackberries, 33,199,659 passionfruit, 7,454,794 oranges and other fruits that have helped make Nudie one of Australia’s most loved brands. If you’re in Sydney, head along to the factory for the celebrations and, of course, free tastings of Nudie juices, ice creams, smoothies and the new yogies. 77 Corish Circle, Eastgardens, tel: 1800 46 68343 within Australia.

SINGING AT YOUR SUPPER

For a special occasion, head to Queensland’s Ballandean Estate on 6 May for the 15th Opera in the Vineyard. This fundraiser for Brisbane’s Wesley Hospital and other Queensland charities features some of Australia’s greatest voices, including soprano Tiffany Speight and bass David Parkin – recent winner of Australia’s fi first Operatunity Oz competition. The selection of songs will be accompanied on grand piano by internationally known pianist Kevin Power. A buffet lunch starts proceedings, before the 2pm concert continues into the evening with a gala dinner dance. Tickets from AU$80, tel: +61 (7) 4684 1226, courtesy buses run from Stanthorpe, Warwick and Tenterfi eld. 354 Sundown Rd., Ballandean tel: +61 (7) 4684 1226.

ROCKS’ REVIVAL

Sydney’s Rocks district has been a popular drinking spot for almost 220 years. Now The Rocks’ latest watering hole, The Argyle, is open in the historic Argyle Stores building. Designed by Michael McCann (who wowed us with Flying Fish and Pony), the collection of fi ve unique bars retain the building’s heritage, despite one bar resembling a huge lava lamp! Whether you’re after a quiet drink in the cobbled courtyard, the latest cocktails in one of the plush upstairs bars, a bite late at night or music from some of the city’s top DJs, The Argyle fi ts the bill. 12-18 Argyle St., The Rocks, tel: +61 (2) 9247 5500, open 10.30am–3am Monday to Saturday, and till midnight on Sunday.