Podcasts about Yarra Valley

Send us Fan MailVictoria may be Australia's smallest mainland state, but when it comes to wine, it punches wildly above its weight. Home to 21 wine regions and more than 800 producers, it's a remarkably diverse patchwork of cool-climate Pinot and Chardonnay, peppery Shiraz, ageworthy fortified Muscat and, yes, Australia's original Prosecco and many other Italian grape varieties. Its wine history is equally rich, shaped by generations of immigrant growers, pioneering families and some seriously old vines. In this episode, we take a tour through Victoria's five signature wine destinations: from the Yarra Valley and Pinot Coast to the goldfields, Rutherglen and the King Valley. Joining us is Stephanie Duboudin, CEO of Wine Victoria, whose 25-plus years in the international wine business give her a uniquely broad perspective on the state's place in the global wine landscape. We dig into what makes Victoria distinctive, the remarkable family histories behind its vineyards, the evolution of its regional identities, and why this small corner of Australia deserves considerably more attention from wine lovers and the trade alike.This episode was produced in collaboration with the Wine Victoria association of growers and producers.  

Send us Fan MailWe follow the trail of wine and war across the 20th century and it gets stranger, darker, and more human than most wine trivia ever admits.We talk through why the French state treated wine as a cultural and strategic necessity in World War I, including the famous daily ration that grows over time. From there, we look at what war does to vineyards in practical terms: destroyed vines, shortages of copper and sulphur for sprays, labour gaps filled by women and children, and the early push for growers to band together to keep supply moving. It's wine history, but it's also logistics, morale, and survival.World War II shifts the lens to occupation and control. We unpack what happens when Champagne, Bordeaux, and Alsace sit under Nazi rule: chateaux commandeered, Champagne diverted, and producers quietly fighting back by hiding the good stock and sending decoy piquette instead. Along the way we connect the long shadow of wartime supply to later oversupply and subsidies, then bring it home to Australian wine culture, from fortified wine habits to irrigated soldier settlement regions and the Yarra Valley's stop-start story. We even explain the surprisingly wartime origin story behind the Aussie word “plonk”, plus a teaser-worthy detour into modern wine fraud and the Rudy Kurniawan scandal.If you enjoy wine storytelling with real history underneath it, subscribe, share this with a wine mate, and leave us a review. What's the most surprising wine fact you've heard lately?Let us know if you're keen to hear more Wine History and even Wine Fraud!Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmeland TikTok! @winewithmegmel

On this particular cold Melbourne morning Katie is suffering from a blocked nose, but she's full of enthusiasm for today's music, which includes a song from emerging gay Yarra Valley singer-songwriter Kye Arnot, a hilarious offering from queer Narrm duo and friends-of-the-show Tuck Shop Ladies, and a rollicking Appalachian-style cover of Dire Straits' 1985 mega-hit ‘Money for Nothing'. Here is the playlist: Fall of Man – EDIE Waterstone – Hugh McLean Joey – Abby Wallace Common Things – Kye Arnot Sky – Baby Cool Things I'll Never Say – Tuck Shop Ladies Money for Nothing – Haystack Mountain Hermits Fussing and Fighting – Keb' Mo' Empty Handed – Molly Millington Above: Tuck Shop Ladies' ‘Things I'll Never Say' single cover photo by Nick Manuell The post Things I'll never say – Show #396 (part 1), 21 June 2026 appeared first on Miss Chatelaine.

Winner of the best Sauvignon Blanc in the recent Halliday Awards we hear from Andrew Marks about the win and how the vineyard was established by his family.@thewineshowaustralia @gembrookhill

Do you suffer from jet lag? This week's guest is Dr Stephen Jasper (aka the Jet Lag Guy), a former pharmacist who is a recognised expert in the field of jet lag and executive performance.​We talk about what jet lag is, how it affects us all differently, and how to avoid it.Also, there has been a flurry of new airlines and routes to and from Australia; we tell you who's flying and where, and we reveal the top stargazing spots around the country.Follow Dr Stephen Jasper here.The Phillip Island literary festival Kirstie mentioned is here.And Belle's Yarra Valley tips include Barrique wine bar, TarraWarra Museum of Art and Zoncello for absolutely banging pizza.Send us Fan MailSupport the showVisit us at https://theworldawaits.auSend us Fan MailSupport the showVisit us at https://theworldawaits.au

If your destination is trying to turn road trips into overnight stays, Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges in Victoria, Australia is one to watch. CEO Louise Scott of Tourism East tells us how the region's 2023 destination management plan is helping local tourism businesses diversify their offerings to help them adapt to changing attitudes towards wine and alcohol and balance visitation patterns by attracting weekday stays. She shares the strategies that are shifting both experiences and perceptions of this internationally known wine region. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A une heure de Melbourne, Yarra Valley est l'une des plus belles réussites du fantastique vignoble australien, célèbre pour sa production de Chardonnay et Pinot Noir.Hébergé par Ausha. Visitez ausha.co/politique-de-confidentialite pour plus d'informations.

Simon Nash speaks with Stuart Dudine about the wine brand he has passionately built in the Yarra Valley.Great wines and a great story.@thewineshowaustralia @alkimiwines

Send us Fan MailA winemaker gets cut, a flagship winery gets prepped for sale, and suddenly we are not talking about tasting notes anymore. We dig into the Oakridge bombshell: David Bicknell, the winemaker many credit with changing the direction of Australian Chardonnay, is made redundant after decades shaping the Yarra Valley's most influential single-vineyard wines. The language around it matters, the emotion is real, and the business logic is confronting.From there we zoom out into the Australian wine industry crisis and the structures that helped create it. We talk Endeavour Group, Dan Murphy's, BWS, Woolworths, Coles, and the retail duopoly that has both selling power and buying power. We unpack “ghost brands”, why shelf space is everything, and how vertical integration can turn a product built on provenance and story into a price-led commodity. We also revisit the political side: ACCC scrutiny, Senate inquiry warnings, and how quickly important reform can disappear when the spotlight moves on.We do not pretend there is one simple fix, but we do land on practical actions for drinkers who want better wine and a healthier industry: check the back label, understand who is importing and controlling the brand, and buy direct from small producers when you can. If this conversation sparks a reaction, share it with a mate, subscribe for more, and leave us a review so more people can find it. Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmeland TikTok! @winewithmegmel

Simon Nash chats with Martin about the new brand in the Yarra Valley called e'Stellar and how the 40hectare vineyards put together.@thewineshowaustralia @estellarestate

Marcus oversees the wine studies at the Upper Yarra Secondary College. Junction Street Vineyard is a serious vineyard making Pinot Noir that won a Gold Medal at the Yarra Valley Wine Show.@thewineshowaustralia @junctionstvineyard

“I don't see any ceiling for non-alc beer.”It's fair to say there were plenty of skeptics when non-alcoholic beer first started to appear in earnest in the local beer scene. Yet, in the half-decade-plus since we ran a blind tasting featuring early entrants to the market, the sector has grown and grown.While some brands have come and gone, there's a growing number of established brands and many other breweries for whom their non-alc range forms a significant part of their sales. What's more, Bridge Road Brewers and, more recently, Heaps Normal have started putting non-alc beer on tap.To assess where the market sits, where it could be heading, and why it's come so far already, we pulled together a panel from different facets of the beer world.Molly Rose founder Nic Sandery is the brewer behind both Molly Rose and Hiatus non-alcs, Sam Bethune is a former brewer who's now a technical sales specialist at Bintani, and former Fixation main man Tom Delmont brings a sales and brand perspective from his role at Hop Nation, who produce a broad range of alcohol-free beers.We look at advances in technology, processes and ingredients, the dos and don'ts of non-alc brewing, take lessons from overseas, and attempt a spot of crystal ball-gazing.This week's opening is a global affair with James recently landed in London amid a European heatwave that looks a lot like Australia in January – albeit without aircon... We discuss two venue openings in the Yarra Valley and the Sunshine Coast, the relaunch of the Tasmanian Beer Trail, and our plans for a hiatus of sorts of our own.Throughout July, we'll still be reviewing the week in beer on the show, but instead of featuring new longform interviews we'll be running some of our favourites from the past two years. With James in the UK and our producer heading to the US soon – plus a major new project coming to a head – we didn't want to risk breaking ourselves any more than we already do!Start of segments: 0:00 – The Week On Crafty 16:21 – Price Screen & Digital 17:26 – Non-Alc Panel Part 1 39:08 – Industry Insights With American Canning Machines 40:15 – Non-Alc Panel Part 2To find out more about featuring on The Crafty Pint Podcast or otherwise partnering with The Crafty Pint, contact craig@craftypint.com.

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. Just an hour from Melbourne, the Yarra Valley is a striking contrast to the buzzing city, with its rolling hills and many vineyards. David explores the region, talking to winemakers to find out what makes it so versatile for a multitude of grape varieties.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FREE: Find out why you're brand isn't ranking in AI with a Remarkable Digital Free AIO Audit Here The best eCommerce Australia founder stories start with a problem nobody else has solved.Amanda Phoenix moved from Vancouver to Melbourne with $3,000 to her name, had a motorcycle accident, and sewed her first product from a $5 polka-dot tablecloth she bought at Spotlight. Today she runs Peak Moto - Australia's leading women's motorcycle gear retailer with stores in Melbourne and Brisbane and a fast-growing eCommerce store.In this episode of the Ecommerce Australia Podcast, Ryan Martin sits down with Amanda to trace the full founder journey: From living on a chicken farm in regional Victoria on a working holiday visa, to a presale campaign that flooded her Gmail with 200 orders in a single evening, to rage-quitting a marketing agency job and opening a 29-square-metre hole-in-the-wall with no running water and a four-hour daily limit imposed by the absence of a toilet.Amanda shares hard-won lessons on eCommerce SEO, finding the right marketing agency, why she walked away from wholesale (B2B) to go all-in on direct-to-consumer, how she negotiated her first commercial lease to exit penalty-free, and why community, not advertising, has been the biggest driver of growth for Peak Moto.If you're an Australian eCommerce founder, a product-based business owner, or thinking about opening a bricks-and-mortar store alongside your online store, this episode is essential listening.What You'll Learn• How Amanda bootstrapped Flying Solo Gear Company from zero - no money, no network,no plan• Why a presale strategy turned a hobby into a real eCommerce business overnight• The exact lease negotiation that let her exit her first store with 30 days notice and no penalty• Why she dropped B2B wholesale and went D2C — and what it meant for margins• How to build a community that sells for you without paid advertising• What to look for (and watch out for) when hiring an eCommerce marketing agency in Australia• Bricks-and-mortar lessons: why smaller is smarter when opening your first retail locationEpisode Timestamps00:00 Welcome — the full circle moment02:00 Amanda's background: strength coach, national team, total burnout04:30 Why Australia? Selling everything for $15K CAD and booking a one-way ticket06:00 Chicken farm in regional Victoria — the working holiday visa reality08:30 Moving to Melbourne: nearly run over by a tram on Day 110:00 The motorcycle accident that created Flying Solo11:30 The $5 Spotlight tablecloth, a borrowed sewing machine, and the first bum bag13:30 The Yarra Valley petrol station moment — what are you wearing?15:00 Kill Switch Pack: carbon fibre, Kevlar, and the world's toughest bum bag17:30 Flying Solo born in one day at the cafe downstairs20:00 The presale that changed everything: 200 backpack orders in one evening22:00 Word of mouth, Mailchimp, and growing without paid ads24:00 Rage quit → first retail space → 29sqm with no toilet27:30 Importing MotoGirl, Revit saying yes when everyone else said no29:00 Why Flying Solo became Peak Moto31:30 Founder advice: smaller MOQs, ditch B2B, test before you scale36:00 How Peak Moto built a community that drives word-of-mouth sales40:00 Bricks and mortar lessons: leases, location, lifestyle44:00 How to find a good marketing agency — and the red flags to watch forLinks & MentionsGuests→ PeakMoto — Women's Motorcycle Gear (Melbourne & Brisbane)→ Flying Solo Gear Company→ Amanda Phoenix on InstagramMentioned in this episodeRevit Motorcycle Gear — peakmoto.com.au/brands/revitMotoGirl — UK women's motorcycle gear brandPulp Digital — Meta ads agency (shoutout: Bella)

FULL SHOW : Lehmo stops by the studio to remind us of the times him and Mick rib each other when their teams lose, Ferrari has release an electric car and asked for the papal blessing. he enhanced games are on but it seems no one is really that enhanced, Yarra Valley has one the best winery in Australia for 2026 which makes Titus happy and Andy Lee is in to chat the Big Freeze 12 as he'll be sliding at the MCG. Catch Mick in the Morning, with Roo, Titus & Rosie LIVE from 6-9am weekdays on 105.1 Triple M Melbourne or via the LiSTNR app. Mick In The Morning Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/molloy Triple M Melbourne Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/triplemmelbSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Billy Crombie and husband Max (Mohammed) Kamil Hassan don't run a typical regional restaurant. At Babaji's Kerala Kitchen, set in a restored 1936 cabaret hall on the edge of Warburton in Victoria's Yarra Valley, they have built something closer to a cultural bridge, and, for many Southern Indians, a portal back home. In this conversation, Billy talks through everything from the ritual of pouring a steaming davara coffee and the pull of nostalgia, the familiar feel of Kerala recreated in the hills and the importance of community. She reflects on the challenge of staying fiercely authentic in a market that doesn't always understand South Indian food, the unlikely journey from a market stall to a destination restaurant people will drive hours to reach, and the deeply personal mix of place, identity and community that underpins everything Babaji's has become. It was such a great chat and Billy gave me lots of delicious curries to take away and try with my friends in Warburton, which was generous and lovely.

When he took over the family wine business in 1994 at the tender age of 33, Darren De Bortoli continued a legacy his father Deen had built on that was De Bortoli Wines, centred around the vineyard his grandfather planted in the NSW Riverina. Darren was a young superstar, having created as a newly qualified winemaker in 1982, the acclaimed Noble One Botrytis Semillon – to this day a globally renowned, medal-winning sticky wine, and a wine that quickly catapulted De Bortoli Wines into massive growth. The company moved into other wine districts like the Yarra Valley, King Valley and more recently Rutherglen in Victoria, and also the Hunter Valley. Under Darren’s leadership they pioneered environmentally sustainable winemaking practices and today they grow wheat, barley and oat crops using eco-friendly waste water from the wineries. Today De Bortoli Wines is the 6th largest wine company in Australia by revenue, yet still Australian and family owned and run. But as he reflects on the great legacy he’s helped build, Darren De Bortoli is candid about the considerable challenges he and others face: namely water access and climate change, a global wine glut and a downturn in wine consumption. Hope you enjoy Darren De Bortoli.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David has highlights from the most recent series, with Master Distiller John Hall talking about reinventing gin; Mel Chester of Giant Steps in the Yarra Valley; Bob Biale talks old vine Zinfandel; there's a look at the wines of Cyprus; while Billy Abbott talks about China's spirits scene.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Caller Jess joined Jacqui Felgate to tell the full story.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Charles Smedley tells Simon Nash about the change of focus for Mandala Wines and the range of wines from the original vineyard in Yarra Junction. It was a good rediscovery of a well known brand.@thewineshowaustralia @mandalawinesyv

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David visits the Yarra Valley to meet Giant Steps winemaker, Mel Chester, who crafts plot-specific wines from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. They talk about ancient soils, indigenous lands, and how the nuances of terroir are reflected in her wines.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Australia is best known for its Shiraz. Big bold Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon from Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, and Coonawarra. These are all from South Australia.We have talked about Western Australia (Margaret River) known for Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.Yarra Valley in Victoria is a cooler region known for its Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.Tasmania is off the south Coast of Australia and is an island. This is a cooler region and produces sparkling wines, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay.Riesling is normally dry and crisp and best known for coming from the Clare Valley and the Eden Valley. Barossa Valley: Famous for bold Shiraz.Coonawarra: Renowned for rich Cabernet Sauvignon.Margaret River: A key region for elegant Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc blends.Clare Valley: Known for world-class, dry Riesling.McLaren Vale: Produces excellent Grenache, Shiraz, and GSM blends.Yarra Valley: A cooler climate region well known for quality Pinot Noir. Tonight, we are tasting:2020 Koonunga Hill, Shiraz Cabernet. Penfolds Wines South Australia. The winery is one of the best known in Australia and was established in 1844. Deep purple color, sweet dark dense berries, chocolate. Medium acidity, full-bodied, 14.5% alcohol. Flavors of vanilla bean creaminess and warm spice. Dried rosemary and sage might give appearance of earthiness. I purchased at Costco for $8. I mostly saw this wine running around $11, but I did see an online clearance sale (at Fine Wine and Good Spirits) for $4.33 (it said $11.26 off). The wine comes from the South Australia, but is a multi-regional blend. 65% Shiraz and 35% Cabernet Sauvignon.2020 Max's Shiraz Cabernet Penfolds. I purchased this wine at WineStyles for $17.00. Wine Enthusiast says aromas of blackberry jam, cherry cordial, pencil shavings and sweet vanilla bean-and-dark-chocolate oak influence. Rich, balanced acidity with tannins in the background. Could benefit from a few more years of aging. The wine scored a 92 from Wine Enthusiast. 70% Shiraz and 30% cabernet Sauvignon. 14.5% alcohol.2021 Bin 28 Shiraz Penfolds. Purchased at Wall to Wall Wine for $30. Wine Enthusiast says dense, ripe and powerful with quite a bit of oak. Chocolate with dark fruit and pepper spice on the nose. Flavor is rich and luscious, muscular tannins support rather than overpowers. Could age for a few more years. The wine was scored a 93 from the Wine Enthusiast. The wine is aged in American Oak for 12 months. 14.5% alcohol.We both liked #2 Max's Shiraz/Cabernet the best, and we thought this was the best buy of the night. I also liked #3 Bin 28 Shiraz, a very powerful fruity-oaky wine. I felt it lost a little balance because of the amount of oak, Denise didn't care for it's finish. Neither of us really cared for #1 Koonunga Hill, Shiraz/Cabernet. Next week we are exploring white wines of Australia.

Simon Nash and Jill Upton speak with Mac about how brand and the sub regions of the Yarra Valley that he understands as well as anyone. Vintage preparations are underway and quality looks good albeit with reduced yields this year.@thewineshowaustralia @mac_forbes_wines

The Game Changers podcast celebrates true pioneers who inspire us to take the big step forward and up in education and beyond. In episode 206 (Part 3) of Game Changers, Phil Cummins joins in conversation with Dr Michael Stepniak for a holiday special! Dr Michael Stepniak is an Australian scholar, musician, and academic leader who returned home in 2025 after four decades abroad. He now serves as the ninth Master and Head of College at Queen's College, The University of Melbourne. His career has been shaped by intellectual rigour, artistic excellence, and institutional vision, spanning conservatoria, universities, and senior leadership roles in the United States and now Australia. He also holds the title of Honorary Principal Fellow at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music. Educated at Harvard University as a Spencer Fellow, he holds both a Doctor of Education and a Master of Education, as well as two Master of Music degrees: in viola performance from the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University, and in musicology from Northwestern University. He completed his undergraduate studies with distinction, and trained as a violinist at the New England Conservatory. As a chamber musician, he has performed as violist and violinist in major concert halls across North America and Europe, collaborating with artists as varied as Ann Schein, Arlo Guthrie, and John Patitucci. His performances have been broadcast on National Public Radio and praised by The Washington Post and others for their expressiveness and refinement. He is also the author of several books on leadership, education, and creativity in the arts. These include Don'ts for Deans and Academic Leaders (2023), Leading Change That Matters (2022), and Beyond the Conservatory Model (2019). He has spoken widely on cultural leadership, institutional change, and the future of education, and has held key governance and advisory roles, including serving on the Board of Directors of the International Council of Fine Arts Deans. Before returning, Dr Stepniak served as Executive Dean for Creativity and the Arts and Professor of Music at Shenandoah University in the United States, where he led strategic planning, launched new academic programs, and played a central role in philanthropic development. As Dean of Shenandoah Conservatory for 14 years, he helped elevate its international profile and built lasting partnerships with donors, international artists, and communities. Born in Springvale and raised in the Yarra Valley, he left Australia and his family as a teenager to pursue advanced music studies as a concert violinist in North America. He now returns with his wife, Dr Anne Schempp, and their daughter, Tilda. He is delighted to lead Queen's College into its next chapter; one that honours its remarkable heritage while preparing students to meet the challenges of a changing world with intelligence, imagination, and integrity. The Game Changers podcast is produced by Evan Phillips supported by a School for tomorrow (aschoolfortomorrow.com), and powered by CIRCLE Education. The podcast is hosted on SoundCloud and distributed through Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Apple Podcasts. Please subscribe and tell your friends you like what you are hearing. You can contact us at gamechangers@circle.education, on Twitter and Instagram via @GameChangersPC, and you can also connect with Phil via LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram. Let's go!

The Game Changers podcast celebrates true pioneers who inspire us to take the big step forward and up in education and beyond. In episode 206 (Part 1) of Game Changers, Phil Cummins joins in conversation with Dr Michael Stepniak! Dr Michael Stepniak is an Australian scholar, musician, and academic leader who returned home in 2025 after four decades abroad. He now serves as the ninth Master and Head of College at Queen's College, The University of Melbourne. His career has been shaped by intellectual rigour, artistic excellence, and institutional vision, spanning conservatoria, universities, and senior leadership roles in the United States and now Australia. He also holds the title of Honorary Principal Fellow at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music. Educated at Harvard University as a Spencer Fellow, he holds both a Doctor of Education and a Master of Education, as well as two Master of Music degrees: in viola performance from the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University, and in musicology from Northwestern University. He completed his undergraduate studies with distinction, and trained as a violinist at the New England Conservatory. As a chamber musician, he has performed as violist and violinist in major concert halls across North America and Europe, collaborating with artists as varied as Ann Schein, Arlo Guthrie, and John Patitucci. His performances have been broadcast on National Public Radio and praised by The Washington Post and others for their expressiveness and refinement. He is also the author of several books on leadership, education, and creativity in the arts. These include Don'ts for Deans and Academic Leaders (2023), Leading Change That Matters (2022), and Beyond the Conservatory Model (2019). He has spoken widely on cultural leadership, institutional change, and the future of education, and has held key governance and advisory roles, including serving on the Board of Directors of the International Council of Fine Arts Deans. Before returning, Dr Stepniak served as Executive Dean for Creativity and the Arts and Professor of Music at Shenandoah University in the United States, where he led strategic planning, launched new academic programs, and played a central role in philanthropic development. As Dean of Shenandoah Conservatory for 14 years, he helped elevate its international profile and built lasting partnerships with donors, international artists, and communities. Born in Springvale and raised in the Yarra Valley, he left Australia and his family as a teenager to pursue advanced music studies as a concert violinist in North America. He now returns with his wife, Dr Anne Schempp, and their daughter, Tilda. He is delighted to lead Queen's College into its next chapter; one that honours its remarkable heritage while preparing students to meet the challenges of a changing world with intelligence, imagination, and integrity. The Game Changers podcast is produced by Evan Phillips supported by a School for tomorrow (aschoolfortomorrow.com), and powered by CIRCLE Education. The podcast is hosted on SoundCloud and distributed through Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Apple Podcasts. Please subscribe and tell your friends you like what you are hearing. You can contact us at gamechangers@circle.education, on Twitter and Instagram via @GameChangersPC, and you can also connect with Phil via LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram. Let's go!

Join Giant Steps winemaker Melanie Chester as she dives into what makes the Yarra Valley such a fabulous place to grow Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

The Game Changers podcast celebrates true pioneers who inspire us to take the big step forward and up in education and beyond. In episode 206 (Part 1) of Game Changers, Phil Cummins joins in conversation with Dr Michael Stepniak! Dr Michael Stepniak is an Australian scholar, musician, and academic leader who returned home in 2025 after four decades abroad. He now serves as the ninth Master and Head of College at Queen's College, The University of Melbourne. His career has been shaped by intellectual rigour, artistic excellence, and institutional vision, spanning conservatoria, universities, and senior leadership roles in the United States and now Australia. He also holds the title of Honorary Principal Fellow at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music. Educated at Harvard University as a Spencer Fellow, he holds both a Doctor of Education and a Master of Education, as well as two Master of Music degrees: in viola performance from the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University, and in musicology from Northwestern University. He completed his undergraduate studies with distinction, and trained as a violinist at the New England Conservatory. As a chamber musician, he has performed as violist and violinist in major concert halls across North America and Europe, collaborating with artists as varied as Ann Schein, Arlo Guthrie, and John Patitucci. His performances have been broadcast on National Public Radio and praised by The Washington Post and others for their expressiveness and refinement. He is also the author of several books on leadership, education, and creativity in the arts. These include Don'ts for Deans and Academic Leaders (2023), Leading Change That Matters (2022), and Beyond the Conservatory Model (2019). He has spoken widely on cultural leadership, institutional change, and the future of education, and has held key governance and advisory roles, including serving on the Board of Directors of the International Council of Fine Arts Deans. Before returning, Dr Stepniak served as Executive Dean for Creativity and the Arts and Professor of Music at Shenandoah University in the United States, where he led strategic planning, launched new academic programs, and played a central role in philanthropic development. As Dean of Shenandoah Conservatory for 14 years, he helped elevate its international profile and built lasting partnerships with donors, international artists, and communities. Born in Springvale and raised in the Yarra Valley, he left Australia and his family as a teenager to pursue advanced music studies as a concert violinist in North America. He now returns with his wife, Dr Anne Schempp, and their daughter, Tilda. He is delighted to lead Queen's College into its next chapter; one that honours its remarkable heritage while preparing students to meet the challenges of a changing world with intelligence, imagination, and integrity. The Game Changers podcast is produced by Evan Phillips supported by a School for tomorrow (aschoolfortomorrow.com), and powered by CIRCLE Education. The podcast is hosted on SoundCloud and distributed through Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Apple Podcasts. Please subscribe and tell your friends you like what you are hearing. You can contact us at gamechangers@circle.education, on Twitter and Instagram via @GameChangersPC, and you can also connect with Phil via LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram. Let's go!

Brett Butcher chats with Simon Nash about his winery Soumah in Gruyere in the Yarra Valley.@thewineshowaustralia @soumahwines

Winner of the Australian Pinot Noir Challenge 2025, Giant Steps' Mel Chester joins Jill Upton to chat about their outstanding 2024 Applejack Vineyard Pinot Noir, as well as their other sensational single vineyard wines.@thewineshowaustralia@giantstepswines

The Decent Wines 2024 Single Vineyard Riesling won the trophy for the Best Small Batch White Wine at the Yarra Valley Wine Show this year along with Best Small Producer!Learn a little about Michael and how Decent Wines came to be a new part of the Yarra Valley fabric. @thewineshowaustralia @decentwines

Georgia Dale loves making, drinking, talking about and dreaming of Sparkling wines. Sam Isherwood talks to Georgia and learns as to what makes her tick and is two jobs enough!@thewineshowaustralia@georgiadalewines

Simon Nash chats with Jenny and Phil Kelly about this long established winery right on the doorstep of the Yarra Valley. A great chat and re-introduction to Kellybrook.@thewineshowaustralia @kellybrookwinery

Richard Doumani and Sam Isherwood speak to Ewan Proctor about the current export markets of interest for Australian wines and everything else occupying his mind at present in this world of wine. @thewineshowaustralia

Raised by parents with a complete love of wine, food and travel, a career as a winemaker was only a matter of time for Maryann Egan. Sam Isherwood talks to Maryann about how Wantirna Estate came to be and the forthcoming Vineyard Open Days on the 4th & 11th October!@thewineshowaustralia @wantirnaestate

Melanie Chester leads the winemaking team at Giant Steps and she speaks with Simon Nash about a new range of wine called Circle of Fifths.@thewineshowaustralia @giantstepswine

A wonderful meandering chat with Ketan Badani (Urologist, Mt Sinai, NYC)! We took him for a wine tour in the Yarra Valley, stopping for a pod chat at Rochford Winery about screening for prostate cancer in older men, plus a great tour around Healesviile Sanctuary to introduce Ketan to some Australian wildlife. Then back in Melbourne we had another chat, this time a bit of future-gazing about the future of surgery, and Declan and Ketan trade tales about EMR (that's Electronic Medical Record) delinquency. Ketan was visiting Melbourne as a guest of Device Technologies to speak at the Epworth Healthcare Robotic Urology Masterclass. And what a great guest he was! With your usual hosts Renu Eapen and Declan Murphy. Thanks to our fantastic guide Trish at Healesville Sanctuary, and Beatrice who looked after us at Rochford Winery.This one much better enjoyed on our YouTube channel!Links:Rochford Winery Healesville Sanctuary 

Sam Isherwood chats with Steve Faulkner the Chief Viticulturalist for Oakridge Wines and founder of Viticulture Australia, he loves all things that grow in soil. @thewineshowaustralia @viticultureaustralia ⁠@oakridgewines⁠

Stephanie Duboudin, CEO of Wine Victoria, joins to educate us on this state at the southern end of Australia that has a ton of diversity and makes all styles of wine. A boutique winery heaven, Victoria is something you need to know about!    Wineries mentioned: Tahbilk Seppelt Mount Langhi Wild Duck Creek Yeringberg Yarra Yering Brown Brothers Pizzini Campbells Chalmers Chambers Rosewood Stanton & Killeen Giant Steps Bindi Wines _________________________________________________________ Full show notes and all back episodes are on Patreon. Become a member today! www.patreon.com/winefornormalpeople _______________________________________________________________   Check out my exclusive sponsor, Wine Access.  They have an amazing selection -- once you get hooked on their wines, they will be your go-to! Make sure you join the Wine Access-Wine For Normal People wine club for wines I select delivered to you four times a year!    To register for an AWESOME, LIVE WFNP class with Elizabeth or get a class gift certificate for the wine lover in your life go to: www.winefornormalpeople.com/classes    

Sam Isherwood speaks with Grove Galligan, General Manager of Wine Yarra Valley introduces us to all things Fireside Festival, running from the 27th June to the 13th July.@thewineshowaustralia  ⁠@wineyarravalley⁠

Hey hey hey - this week I speak with Micheal (Briggsy) Briggs. He's based in the Yarra Valley, Melbourne and has some great insights in how to get more leads through reals and self promotion!- - - - - - - - -Your host:Greg is based in Northland, New ZealandHis guest:Michael is based in Byron Bay, Australia Sponsors: Studio Ninja - SNAPPENING50 - 50% off first year Queensberry - SNAPPENING19 - 40% off Workspace Make it Snappen!

Sandra de Pury and her brother David were awarded Vigneron of the Year by the Real Review and they also took out Top Red wine.The unassuming nature of Sandra is representative of the family winery in the Yarra Valley, Yeringberg is one of the iconic wineries in Australia.@thewineshowaustralia @yeringberg

Send us a text In this episode of Bottles & Bites Without Borders, we head Down Under to explore the rich and varied wine regions of Victoria, Australia. Joining Rob is Michael Lazarou—Instagram's very own @wines_by_michael—a passionate wine communicator with a deep love for the bottles and stories of his homeland. Together, they break down Victoria's unique subregions, from the cool-climate elegance of the Yarra Valley to the bold reds of Heathcote. Expect a lively chat on climate influences, grape varieties, and the incredible diversity of wine styles coming out of this compact but mighty state. Grab a glass and get ready for a delicious tour of Victoria—no passport required! 

Simon Nash and Sam Isherwood chat with Chief Winemaker of Rochford, Toolangi and his own brand with 2 well known mates.@thewineshowaustralia @rochfordwines

Analizamos los planes de Anthony Albanese y Peter Dutton para ayudar a las personas que quieren comprar su primera vivienda. También recordamos al renombrado escritor peruano, distinguido con el Premio Nobel de Literatura 2010, Mario Vargas Llosa, quien falleció a los 89 años en Lima, rodeado de su familia. Y conversamos con una experta vinícola en el Yarra Valley en Victoria, sobre el crecimiento exponencial en la producción de vinos en Australia.

I dagens afsnit skal vi finde “Verdens bedste chardonnay”. Vi har ikke alle vinlande med i konkurrencen ej heller alle verdens dyreste vine.   Afsnittet er optaget med 50 medsmagende gæster hos Bech/Bruun advokater i Aarhus d. 14. november 2024.   Benspændet er vine og lande som René har udvalgt i et prisleje på omkring 300 kr flasken.   Vi smager chardonnay fra Australien, Frankrig, New Zealand, Sydafrika og USA.     Vi skal selvfølgelig også i dybden med druesorten - hvad er chardonnay, hvordan smager den og hvorfor er den så anerkendt i den brede befolkning og hos vinmageren?   Vi snakker også om chardonnays udtryk i de forskellige lande samt produktionsmetoder og stilarter.   Hvilke to ord vil René sætte på chardonnay-stilen fra hvert af de deltagende lande?     Vinderlandet kan vi ikke afsløre her, der må man lytte med.     Vi smager på følgende vine. NB! Rækkefølgen her er alfabetisk efter land vi og altså ikke resultatet af smagningen eller rækkefølgen vi smager dem i i udsendelsen.     - Giant Steps, Yarra Valley, 2022, Australien   - Saint-Véran, Bourgogne, 2022, Frankrig   - Kumeu River, Kumeu, 2023, New Zealand   - Hamilton Russel Vineyard, Walker Bay, 2023,  Sydafrika   - Sandhi, Santa Rita Hills, 2022, USA         ..................... Køb vores nye bog "Bobler for begyndere og øvede" her: https://www.saxo.com/dk/bobler-for-begyndere_bog_9788773396568 Eller vores bog om vin her: https://www.saxo.com/dk/vin-for-begyndere_bog_9788773391303 Støt Vin for begyndere podcast her https://vinforbegyndere.10er.app/ Besøg os på Facebook og Instagram, hvor man kan se billeder af vinene og få tips til vin og mad sammensætning. https://www.facebook.com/vinforbegyndere https://www.instagram.com/vinforbegyndere Web: https://www.radioteket.dk/ Kontakt: radioteket@radioteket.dk Musik: Jonas Landin Lyt vores bog som lydbog her: Køb den her https://www.saxo.com/dk/vin-for-begyndere-og-oevede_lydbog_9788773397374

Chef Danae Mclaughlin shares her tips for crafting dark chocolate truffles and Linzer cookies // We dive into the art of cooking lamb rib chops // We spend a segment celebrating blood orange season // Cookbook Author and Chef Sally James joins us to talk about Yarra Valley Caviar // We’re dishing up all things pancakes—from buckwheat blini to Loretta’s fluffy classics // Hot Cakes Pastry Chef Britiany Bardeleben stops by to explore molten chocolate cake // And of course, we wrap up with Rub with Love Food for Thought Tasty Trivia!

Le beurre de culture Madeleine, qui vient de la Yarra Valley, a beaucoup de fans à Melbourne. Jack Gaffney nous raconte comment s'est développé sa passion pour le beurre, en France, et ce qui distingue Madeleine.

Madeleine, a cultured butter from the Yarra Valley, has gathered lots of fans in Melbourne. Jack Gaffney tells us how his passion for butter developed in France and what sets Madeleine apart.

Madeleine, a cultured butter from the Yarra Valley, has gathered lots of fans in Melbourne. Jack Gaffney tells us how his passion for butter developed in France and what sets Madeleine apart. - Le beurre de culture Madeleine, qui vient de la Yarra Valley, a beaucoup de fans à Melbourne. Jack Gaffney nous raconte comment s'est développé sa passion pour le beurre, en France, et ce qui distingue Madeleine.

Join us as we dive into the world of craft gin with Matt Jones, co-founder of Four Pillars Gin. Matt shares the origins of the brand, born from a passion for storytelling and a commitment to craft. Discover how Four Pillars has grown from a small distillery in the Yarra Valley to a globally recognized name in spirits. Learn about the early challenges, the decision to focus solely on gin, and the strategic moves that set the company apart, including their innovative crowdfunding approach and partnerships. Entrepreneurs will gain insights into building a brand with purpose, scaling without losing authenticity, and leveraging community to drive success. Listen to Nathan and Matt discuss: - The decision to focus exclusively on gin and its impact on branding - Leveraging crowdfunding to build a passionate community of early adopters - Strategies for maintaining authenticity while scaling a craft brand - Insights into brand storytelling and creating emotional connections with customers - The role of partnerships in scaling and navigating growth challenges Click here to start your business for $1. You'll get all-access foundr+, where you'll find more in-depth, proven strategies from founders like our guest today and support and advice from our global community of 30,000 founders. If you loved this conversation and learned something new, rate and review this episode. Stay in touch with us, follow foundr on your favorite platform: Foundr.com Instagram YouTube Facebook X LinkedIn Magazine