Maison Lanson, the official Champagne supplier to the British Royal Family, has launched their new Champagne in Australia, so you can drink like the queen you are. Made in Reims, the capital of the Champagne region, Le Blanc de Blancs Champagne magnifies the freshness of the Lanson style but makes a few key changes – namely using a new varietal of aromatic Chardonnay grapes, with notes of frangipane, citrus, candied lemon, almond and nougat. Le Blanc de Blancs is also aged longer than other varietals, for 5 years in Oak Cask down in the Lanson House cellars, giving it a notably oaky flavour. Pick up your bottle for $99.99 at Dan Murphy’s in stores or online.

KitKat is launching a vegan version of their beloved bar, with the new creation set to hit shelves in late July. Aptly coined KitKat V, the vegan treat is made with crisp wafer and smooth chocolate blended with a rice-based milk alternative. Fortunately it’s a respectful replica of the iconic bar, the result of much trial and error in balancing the cocoa and milk alternative. KitKat V is certified vegan by the Vegan Society and uses 100% sustainable cocoa, sourced through the Nestlé Cocoa Plan via the Rainforest Alliance. KitKat V will be available from July 26 at Woolworths Metro nationwide (RRP $2).

While we can’t make it to Tokyo for this year’s Olympics, you can transport yourself to its famous izakaya dens with the arrival of KOYOMI™ Shochu in Australia. Known as Japan’s best-kept secret, shochu (焼酎) is the country’s most popular white spirit and brings with it a true taste of Japan – crisp, refreshing, and versatile. Its low ABV (25%) makes it an easy sipper, perfect for a long lunch or evening meal all year round. We recommend enjoying shochu just as you would in the land of the cherry blossoms – in a CHU-HI cocktail, a fresh and simple mix of KOYOMI™ Shochu, soda, ice, and citrus fruit in a highball glass. Prefer to leave it to the experts? Pop by Kisumé and Boom Boom Brisbane, or Chin Chin and Hawker Hall in Melbourne to sample KOYOMI™ in a new range of bartender-perfected cocktails.

Trader House restaurant group have opened up their fourth Meatsmith store in Melbourne, located in the city’s eastern suburb of Balwyn. Meatsmith Balwyn’s new digs have been a destination for local butchery for over 40 years, with family-owned businesses Bouchiers of Balwyn and Megna’s previously occupying the site. Meatsmith will honour this historic past while bringing its signature proteins to the area: house-made sausages, Gippsland lamb and Bannockburn Farm chicken schnitzels sit alongside hero items like dry-aged O’Connor Farm rib-eye, David Blackmore Wagyu, and whole Sommerlad chickens. Sticking with Meatsmith’s winning formula, there are also shelves of pantry staples you can pick through, including dried pasta, grains and pulses, oils, vinegars, hot sauces, pickles, classic European grocery items and a cellar of wine, beer and non-alcoholic tipples. Stop by now from 9am-6pm Monday-Friday, and 9am-5pm on Saturdays.

Howard Park Wines has added an eighth riesling to its Museum Series. The unique program offers both casual wine lovers and avid collectors a taste of rare and wonderful back vintage wines. The newest addition to the series is the 2014 Mount Barker Riesling. “A tasting of this wine seven years ago showed the telltale wet slate notes that are so typical of the Great Southern region. Over time, the notes of lemon and lime have softened, giving way to secondary flavours such as praline and brioche,” Howard Park Wines Director of Winemaking Janice McDonald said. The Burch family continue to reserve a portion of its Howard Park Riesling to store in ideal conditions for future enjoyment. Explore the Museum Series here.