Two hundred years of the Sydney Royal deserves more than a celebration, it deserves a conversation.

On 31 July, I`ll be joining an outstanding line-up of judges and wine professionals at Sydney Royal 200: The Wine Show Conversation, exploring the past, present and future of Australian wine shows, and the vital role they`ve played in shaping our wine industry.

Former Chairs of Judges Iain Riggs, Sam Connew @stargazerwine, PJ Charteris and current Chair Mike De Iuliis, international judge Matthew Jukes @matthewjukes plus an exceptional panel of industry experts, will delve into how wines are judged, what makes a great wine show and why these competitions continue to matter.

Whether you`re in the wine trade, a marketer, sommelier, aspiring judge, producer, or simply someone who enjoys discovering great Australian wine, this promises to be a fascinating day. There`ll be lively discussion, plenty of insight, and the opportunity to taste an outstanding line-up of trophy-winning wines.

Only 200 tickets are available, so don`t leave it too long. I`d love to see you there as we celebrate this remarkable milestone in Australian agriculture and wine.

🍷 Friday 31 July 2026.

Book tickets here https://www.universe.com/events/sydney-royal-200-the-wine-show-conversation-tickets-5RTPKL 🍇✨

#SydneyRoyalWineShow #AustralianWine #WineJudging #WineLovers #AustralianWinemakers #WineCountry #LyndeyMilan

🇫🇷 And that’s a wrap on an unforgettable French immersion experience!

After two somewhat challenging weeks of learning, exploring and embracing everyday life in France, it’s time to say au revoir to my French school and the incredible people who made it so special. And to the 38’C heat.

Studying French in the heart of France has been an interesting experience, from mastering new tenses and improving my confidence in speaking, to discovering the culture, food and traditions that make this area so interesting.

Thanks to my colleagues from around the world as well as my teacher @kee_cim and the school for the patience, encouragement and laughter along the way. Learning a language is about so much more than words; it’s about opening the door to a deeper understanding of a place and its people. The locals were all under strict instructions to only speak French to us!

Merci for the memories… À bientôt! 🇫🇷✨

#FrenchImmersion #LearningFrench #FranceTravel #FrenchCulture #Sancerre #TravelWithLyndey #LyndeyMilan

Spending Bastille Day in France was a truly special experience.

In the beautiful hilltop town of Sancerre, we joined locals at the town`s war memorial to honour those who served their country. It was a moving reminder that, even in the smallest communities, these traditions are deeply valued and proudly upheld.

After the ceremony, the Mayor warmly invited everyone to the Mairie for a Bastille Day reception. It was such a generous welcome, with locals gathering over glasses of Sancerre white, rosé and red, alongside delicious Crottin de Chavignol, freshly baked gougères and a classic potato tart.

I cheekily asked the mayor for a photo. He was keen to practice his English but the minute the director of my language school approached we had to revert to French!

I love these unexpected moments, sharing local traditions, food and conversation - one of the joys of travelling.

🇫🇷🥂

#BastilleDay #Sancerre #LoireValley #France #FrenchWine #FrenchCheese #CrottinDeChavignol #Gougeres #FrenchCuisine #FoodAndTravel #WineLovers #CulinaryTravel #TravelFrance #VisitFrance #LyndeyMilan #TravelWithLyndey

One of the many highlights of my time in Sancerre was dinner at Table d`Arnaud at Château de Sancerre. 🍷🇫🇷

As you know I`m spending a fortnight in Sancerre immersing myself in the French language at Coeur de la France, where students from around the world come together to learn not only the language, but also the culture and way of life.

For me, one of the best ways to learn is around the table. Sharing a beautiful meal, chatting with locals and putting my French into practice has been just as rewarding as the classroom itself.

Travel has a wonderful way of teaching us so much more than what`s in a guidebook.

#LyndeyMilan #Sancerre #ChateauDeSancerre #FrenchCuisine #FrenchWine #LearnFrench #LanguageImmersion #FoodAndTravel #CulinaryTravel #WineLovers #France #ExploreFrance #TravelFrance #FoodieTravel #Gastronomy #TravelInspiration #BonjourFrance #FrenchLifestyle

An epic lunch with @matthewjukes jukes @noblerotwine celebrating his role as international guest judge @ras_nsw celebrate 200 years of agricultural excellence at #sydneyroyal #wineshow. Better still, anyone can attend hear him and other luminaries at the Sydney Royal 200: The Wine Show Conversation in Sydney on 31 July. Think former Chairs of Judges @iainriggs , @stargazerwine , @pj.charteris and current Chair @mikedeiuliis alongside a stellar line-up of industry experts, all generously donating their time and expertise, including @tpatersonwine, @robdiletti, @melanie_chester, @laurenaisla, @sevans150 and There will be rigorous discussion, a lineup of exceptional wines and a meaningful look at behind the scenes of a wine show.
Book tickets here -> https://www.universe.com/events/sydney-royal-200-the-wine-show-conversation-tickets-5RTPKL

See you there?

One of the highlights of our time in Sancerre was visiting a local chèvrerie, where exceptional goat`s cheese, the region’s Crottin de Chauvignol, is crafted using traditional methods that have been passed down through generations.

There`s nothing quite like tasting chèvre at the source, especially when it`s paired with the region`s world-famous Sancerre wines. Even more interesting to taste the crottin at different stages in its aging with different vintages and wines. It`s experiences like these that make travelling through France so memorable. 🇫🇷🧀🍷

#LyndeyMilan #Sancerre #GoatsCheese #FrenchFood #FoodTravel #CulinaryTravel #France

There`s something rather special about learning a language in the place where it`s spoken. I took the plunge and enrolled for a fortnight in Coeur de la France in Sancerre where students from around the world come to immerse themselves in the French language, culture and everyday life. Couples, families and solos, like me. It’s quite a challenge.

Set in one of France`s most picturesque wine regions, it`s a wonderful reminder that travel isn`t just about seeing new places; it`s about embracing the culture, the traditions, new experiences, meeting local people and discovering a destination on a deeper level.

Have you ever learnt a language while travelling?

#LyndeyMilan #Sancerre #LoireValley #LearnFrench #FrenchLanguage #TravelFrance #CulturalTravel #WineCountry #FranceTravel #TravelInspiration #coeurdelafrance

Some of the best culinary discoveries happen beneath the surface…. 🍷🇫🇷

Every barrel or tank holds the promise of another vintage and another story.

While immersed in French language school in France, the school encouraged us to always speak French as we enjoyed the language and culture beyond the classroom. We practised speaking French in local shops, cafés, restaurants and markets, then joined excursions to wineries and caves, where guided dégustations were conducted entirely in French. It was an unforgettable way to learn.

Sancerre was one of the original Appellation d`Origine Contrôlée (AOC) regions, receiving its designation for Sauvignon Blanc in 1936, with Pinot Noir following in 1959. The AOC recognises products whose quality and character are intrinsically linked to their place of origin and traditional production methods.

Sancerre`s Sauvignon Blanc is among the finest in the world and is superb with the local Crottin de Chavignol goat`s cheese, itself awarded AOC status in 1976. It perfectly illustrates how the best food and wine often come from the same soil. The region`s Pinot Noir is equally delightful, offering a style that`s distinctly different from neighbouring Burgundy.

Every destination has a story to tell, and in Sancerre, that story is written in its vineyards, its cellars, its food and, of course, its wines. 🇫🇷🧀🍷

#LyndeyMilan #Sancerre #TasteFrance #FrenchWine #SauvignonBlanc #FrenchCuisine #FoodTravel #Gastronomy #WineTravel #TravelInspiration #TravelWIthLyndey

When in the UK, I like to try or revisit the best of English dining while catching up with friends. 🇬🇧🍽️

Lunch at @thewolseley took me back and celebrated everything I love about classic British cooking, seasonal produce, classic technique and dishes produced without fuss. For me, classic calves liver and bacon; for my friend, bubble and squeak (albeit with a stylish presentation). Previously at brunch, I had really good kedgeree with soft poached duck egg.

@elystanstreet serves more contemporary fare from Chef Phil Howard. Australian wines remain on the menu, which is lovely to see. Fabulous young sommelier too. I enjoyed my modern version of vitello tonnato (called by another name) and some great combinations with underlying classic technique.

#LyndeyMilan #LondonDining #TheWolseley #BritishCuisine #SeasonalCooking #ChefLife #CulinaryTravel #FoodWriter #LondonEats #Hospitality #TasteOfLondon #FoodAndTravel #RebeccaMascarenhas #PhilHoward