Formula One driver Valtteri Bottas and professional cyclist Tiffany Cromwell have swapped international circuits for vineyard views, settling into life in McLaren Vale. Drawn by the region’s relaxed lifestyle, world-class wine and strong sense of community, the sporting duo are embracing their new chapter among the locals — and quickly feeling at home.

Summer is peak season in McLaren Vale and the Fleurieu Peninsula, with wine festivals, live music, outdoor cinema, markets and the buzz of vintage season filling the calendar. From SummerVines and the Tour Down Under to film nights, long lunches and cellar door events, here’s what’s on across January, February and March 2026 - and why it’s the perfect time to plan a visit.

Global companies and artisans are finding new opportunities in China through the Eighth China International Import Expo, where specialty products from around the world are thriving in an increasingly open and dynamic market. From fast-growing New Zealand alpaca goods and Colombian chocolates to Australian wines and handmade crafts from Nepal, exhibitors praise the expo as a powerful gateway to Chinese consumers and a catalyst for expanding international trade and cultural exchange.

At Tipsy Hill, 360-degree views of vineyards stretch to the horizon, dotted with eucalyptus trees. Amid the quiet cackle of kookaburras, sixth-generation winemaker Bec Hardy pours sparkling wine from her family’s legacy, while Yorkshireman Richard Dolan reflects on the echoes of home - the pubs of Doncaster, the hills of Malham, and the quiet Sunday mornings in York. In McLaren Vale, cricket, culture, and craftsmanship blend seamlessly, as the couple toast to Yorkshire while shaping some of Australia’s finest wines.

Celebrate summer with quality wines at unbeatable prices. From crisp whites and vibrant sparklings to rich reds, the Bec Hardy Wine Shed Sale brings premium drops to your table without the premium price tag. Stock up, sip back and enjoy a well-stocked summer 🍷

Australian winemakers are raising their profiles in China, with producers like Penfolds and Bec Hardy Wines returning to the China International Import Expo in Shanghai. The event offers a vital platform to reconnect with buyers, showcase premium wines, and expand in an increasingly competitive but promising Chinese market.