AGFG Blog

While some of Australia only has two seasons – wet and dry – the rest of the country revels in the ever-changing colours and temperatures of Autumn months. Let’s take a peek at some of this country’s best spots to fall into Autumn.

A quiet achiever - who has spent a lifetime immersed in not only wine making but also viticulture, education and research - 2017 was a break out year for Mike Hayes of Symphony Hill Wines.

Autumn brings an abundance of fresh produce, from avocados and melons to eggplant, capsicums and broccoli. There is nothing better than enjoying a picnic on a blanket under your favourite tree, with a basket overflowing with cheese, wine, crackers and homemade relish on the side. Who better to ask for a favourite relish recipe than Australia’s doyen of cooking - Maggie Beer.

As you pull on your jacket again and swap your sandals for boots, take a seasonal sea change and embrace Autumn with a weekend escape. Whether it’s a romantic getaway for two, an adventure packed boys’ weekend, a girls’ weekend to re-connect, or a trip to enjoy with the family, we have you covered from the Gold Coast’s hinterland to the coastline of Tasmania.

Not too hot and not too cold, Autumn is the perfect time of year for long, lingering day picnics. So, invite your loved ones, pack a rug and create your own gourmet picnic hamper matched with the perfect drop following our paired picnic plate recipes.

As pale pink blossoms appear on cherry trees, it is hard to think of Spring in Japan without taking in the annual festivals celebrating this nation’s iconic symbol. While Down Under it is the opposite season and beginning of Autumn, diners can still get in the cherry blossom mood at Japanese restaurants around the country, sampling delights ranging from sushi to teppanyaki and beyond.

Growing up, Ben Rotella always wanted to be a Chef. That passion for food has seen him take the reins as general manager of Melbourne’s Kobe Jones restaurant where he continues to be involved with creating Japanese fusion food that is as stunning on the plate as it is in the mouth.

Traditionally drank in a small cup called a sakazuki, sake is a popular drink of choice in most bars or restaurants and often used throughout the year for important celebrations like that of Hanami. This is a short window of about 3 or 4 weeks when Japan is covered in flowering cherry blossoms. During this time, locals are encouraged to take a day of “hanai” and sit beneath a cherry tree drinking sake with friends. What a life!

AGFG writer, Leigh O'Connor ventures to Japan from the Gold Coast to visit two distinctively different and wonderfully snow packed resorts, at Rusutsu and everyone’s favourite Niseko.

Japanese grilled skewers (Yakitori) are traditionally cooked over a charcoal fire and are primarily chicken, but these skewers can be put together with any ingredients to your liking - so here's four ways (plus a sneaky "non-skewered" recipe).