Our Top Summer Sips

Summer holidays, a time to reconnect with what matters most.

A morning surf, sunshine filled days, afternoon dips in the ocean and that feeling of salt on skin.

It's sharing a bountiful feast with delicious wine, good company and midsummer night's dance floors.

Here's where you'll find our crew this summer, their festive favourites and playlists made for the long, lazy days ahead. 

Simon

Your top summer sips?

Sparkling Pinot Noir Chardonnay and the Sauvignon Blanc Semillon.

Where we'll find you over summer?

You can find me enjoying all that the Cape region has to offer, surf, forest walking trails, mountain bike trails and in my garden.

I will also be traversing the Cape region operating as a taxi service for my teenage children.

I live locally in Cowaramup, just a stones throw from the winery. Great spots to eat and drink - Olio Bello, Beer Farm and Yarri Restaurant.

Books to sink into over summer?

Batavia - Peter Fitzsimmons.

Podcasts you're listening to?

Conversations with Richard Fiedler.

What's on your summer playlist?

Anything from the 90s. The La’s, Groove Armada, Sneaker Pimps, Leftfield and Faith No More.

Kerry

Your top summer sips?

Flying Fish Rosé. It's fruity, fresh and an easy drinking wine. Great for afternoon catch ups with my girlfriends at the beach.

Where we’ll find you over summer?

Walking the Meelup trails, browsing the local markets, cooking up local produce and afternoon swims at Old Dunsborough.

A casual lunch at Eagle Bay Brewery, picnics at Meelup, takeaway Indian from the Spice Odysee food truck, dinner at Blue Manna.

What's on your summer playlist?

Sarah Blasko, Blondie, Daft Punk, Deee-Lite, Lucy Spraggan.

Damon

Your top summer sips?

2021 Flying Fish Chardonnay. My favourite white variety and pairs well with local seafood.

Where we’ll find you over summer?

At the beach as much as possible trying to find a wave. Summer is usually a good time to seek out a secluded beach break. If there’s no waves I’ll have a swim at the lagoon.

I will be grabbing a coffee from Caves Park Store or Mark at coffee Pronto van, pizza at Swings.

If I am out for a nice meal I’ll go to Lagoon restaurant in Y’all’s and have a glass of Flying Fish Sparkling Pinot Chardonnay with fresh seafood.

Books to sink into over summer?

I am currently reading Richard Fidler’s new one The Book of Roads and Kingdoms, just finished the Lucky Laundry by Nathan Lynch.

Podcasts you're listening to?

Big fan of Fidler’s podcast Conversations on ABC Listen and All in the Mind.

What's on your summer playlist?

Xavier Rudd, The Cruel Sea, Bob Marley, Wu-Tang Clan, Beastie Boys and the Specials.

Jen

Your top summer sips?

Wildberry Estate Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Wildberry Estate Reserve Chardonnay and Flying Fish Cove Sparkling Pinot Chardonnay.  Who doesn’t love bubbles over summer! 

Where we’ll find you over summer?

Over summer I spend as much time as possible at the beach.  My local beach is Gnarabup where I swim with Swimming Women, friends and my dog. Other top beaches for me are Bunker Bay and Castle Rock near Dunsborough. 

My favourite place to eat is Mikki's Japanese in Margaret River - unbeatable!  Also for a casual bite I love the lemon ricotta with honey and rocket at the Brewhouse. 

I spend my summers catching up with family and friends, walks, bbq's, yoga, reading - and a wee bit of partying.

Books to sink into over summer?

I love reading. I have a stack of books next to my bed all the time and always have a few on the go.  At the moment I am juggling: Breath by James Nestor, Meltdown by Ben Elton and The Japanese Lover by Isabel Allende. 

Podcasts you're listening to?

I listen to Mamma Mia quite a bit.  It's light but informative. I also listen to audible which is not really a podcast but I'm quite addicted to listening to books on the drive to work. Lately i've been listening to Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus.

What's on your summer playlist?

My summer playlist is slack.  I love music but don't have my own playlist.  I listen to one a friend made called 'Mum's Jam' which has all the stuff on it that makes your offspring roll their eyes! 

My son plays in a band called Sky Cave and needless to say I am his biggest fan so I listen to him a lot.  At the moment by favourite song is Marcus King 'Beautiful Stranger' and if I have one song that makes me smile it is 'Here Comes The Sun' by Spacey Jane’s version. 

I don't remember the names of artists and songs but when they come on I recognise them and think I know all the words and sing loud and badly.