WINE > Valli Bannockburn Pinot Noir, Central Otago NZ (2021)

There are Pinots that gently introduce themselves, and then there are Pinots that make the room go quiet for a moment: Valli’s Bannockburn sits firmly among the latter. Bannockburn, the original Central Otago subregion for Pinot Noir, is famed for clay-schist soils and sun drenched, cool-climate vines—and winemaker Grant Taylor’s assured touch means every bottle…

ByCrispyJuly 20, 20250Comments

EAT > ATHENS EAT > GREECE

EAT > Merceri, Athens Greece (16/20)

There are restaurants in Athens that lean on nostalgia, and those that chase the latest culinary trends. Then there’s Merceri: a quietly confident bistro in the heart of Thissio, where Greek tradition meets cosmopolitan flair and the result is something genuinely memorable. AMBIENCE > Tucked away on the pedestrian stretch of Iraklidon Street, Merceri…

ByCrispyJune 29, 20250Comments

EAT > ATHENS EAT > ITALY EAT > GREECE

EAT > Gallina, Athens Greece (16/20)

There are restaurants in Athens that lean on history, there are restaurants that lean on the view, and then there’s Gallina—a cosmopolitan newcomer that stands at the intersection of art, design, and gastronomy. Tucked away in the Acropolis-adjacent neighbourhood of Koukaki, Gallina is the kind of place where every detail, from the marble mosaic floors…

ByAngieJune 21, 20250Comments

EAT > POSITANO EAT > AMALFI EAT > ITALY

EAT > Next2, Positano Italy (16/20)

There are restaurants in Positano that lean on the view, there are restaurants that are just for the tourists (formula and expensive), there are premium restaurants (overly expensive) and then there’s Next2: a contemporary gem tucked up above the town’s main drag, where the food is as memorable as the setting. In a village known…

ByCrispyJune 15, 20250Comments

DRINK > WINE > Pinot Noir DRINK > WINE

WINE > Quealy Musk Creek Pinot Noir, Mornington Peninsula Australia

APPEARANCE & AROMA > A luminous garnet in the glass, Musk Creek Pinot Noir immediately impresses with its clarity and vibrancy. The nose is beguiling—florals, wild strawberry, and a touch of rose petal, underpinned by exotic spice (think Sichuan pepper) and forest floor. There’s a sense of autumn leaves and earthiness, lending complexity and…

ByCrispyJune 14, 20250Comments

DRINK > WINE > Chardonnay DRINK > WINE

WINE > Giant Steps, Sexton Vineyard Chardonnay 2022 (95/100 points)

Giant Steps make some sensational wines, predominately Pinot Noir and Chardonnay (though there are also some excellent other varietals). The Sexton Vineyard vines were planted in 1997 based on clones from the iconic Leeuwin Estate in Margaret River by founder Phil Sexton. Over the last twenty seven years the wines just continue to…

ByEd ItorJune 21, 20240Comments

WHERE TO SKI > SKI > CANADA

SKI > Banff

MENU Getting There > Where To Stay > Where To Eat > Where To Drink > Where To Ski > Mount Norquay > Lake Louise > Sunshine Village > Breath taking beauty, amazing mountains, genuine Canadian hospitality and some of the best skiing in the world is what is going to take you to Banff…

ByEd ItorMay 16, 20240Comments

WHERE TO SKI > SKI > JAPAN

SKI > Aizu, Nekoma Mountain Fukushima, Japan

There are over 22 resorts in Aizu it is a region with an enormous quality of cumulative snowfall and micro fine snow, there are great runs in fresh snow that don't require any hiking, a lower risk of avalanche because of the dense trees. The best option is to seek out a local guide…

ByCrispyMay 13, 20240Comments

EAT > LISBON

EAT > Mini Bar, Lisbon

Jose Avillez is probably the most famous chef in Portugal and in 2023 he was named the best chef in Portugal in the Best Chef Top 100 Award for his incredible contribution to food and helping to make Lisbon a top global destination for fine gastronomy. His early career was at…

ByEd ItorMay 3, 20240Comments

EAT > MELBOURNE

EAT > Emerald City, Healesville

Almanak does not often write about the places we have not been able to visit yet but this is a place we are very excited about and as soon as we get the chance to update with a proper review we will do so. However in the meantime lets get into what we are…

ByCrispyMay 3, 20240Comments

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