Salt Meats Cheese has just opened the doors to its biggest Sydney venue yet, this time in the northern beaches suburb of Dee Why. Kitted out with a pizza oven, bar and spacious open kitchen, this venue’s dishes are designed to be enjoyed in true Italian style – shared among large groups. Deep dive into Italian aperitivo culture with a spritz, before tucking into dishes like crab tagliolini with blue swimmer crab, zucchini and chilli, and Balmain bugs with broad beans and tomato. Pizzas can also be tailored to all dietary needs, with gluten-free bases and dairy-free gorgonzola for vegan diners.

Would it surprise you to learn that Turkey is a major player in the winemaking scene? If you’re interested to learn more (through tasting, of course) Melbourne Turkish restaurant and bar Yagiz is playing host to head winemaker at Turkey’s Doluca Wines, Christian Maier. Taking place on February 26, the evening will unfold through a five-course tasting menu matched with premium Doluca Wines. Tickets can be purchased by calling (03) 9821 4758.

Melburnians will soon be able to taste some of Wellington’s best drinks without the cost of an airfare. From February 20-24, Singapore Airlines will bring a selection of drinks from the region to Melbourne’s Whitehart Bar through the magic of virtual reality (VR). This VR experience will allow customers to travel to Wellington, meet the makers, see the vineyards, the brewery and even experience the winding roads without ever leaving the bar. Expect to taste drinks from Garage Project Brewery, Lighthouse Gin and three wineries – Ata Rangi, Luna Estate and Palliser Estate. To order the #DrinkWELLinMEL tasting, which is inclusive of the VR experience, ask the staff at the Singapore Airlines space in Whitehart Bar.

It’s got to be seen to be heard; Merivale’s latest music program has promised a lively end of summer (and best of all, it’s free). Presented by Furphy, music lovers can enjoy some of Sydney’s best local bands and DJs at Coogee Pavilion Rooftop, Vic on the Park and The Royal Bondi. You can view the full line-up here, with more acts to be announced in coming weeks.

COMO The Treasury has named Matthew Sartori as the new head chef of Wildflower, its award-winning restaurant. With a farmer-and-forager-focused menu inspired by the six seasons of the Indigenous Australian calendar, the restaurant has created something uniquely Australian. Sartori has been a valuable member of the Wildflower team since its opening, developing a love of the Western Australian bushland and its edible treasures, which he plans on using to take the restaurant to the next level.

Packing your picnic this weekend has never been so easy thanks to the arrival of Quince Fromagerie and Cellar on the Gold Coast. The boutique providore is focused solely on cheeses, wines and delicacies, specialising in French, Italian and Spanish favourites. Most conveniently, the shop has a series of specially curated gift boxes and picnic hampers ready to roll. You can buy all of their picnic packs and wares online or drop in store at Shop 5/570, Gold Coast Highway, Tugun.

Calling all prosecco lovers! Melbourne’s Prosecco Festival on February 23 is one event you won’t want to miss. Embark on Australia’s most impressive prosecco flight in honour of the sparkling wine, with tastings from Dal Zotto, Pizzini and Chrismont, to name a few. Melbourne’s most in-demand fromagerie, Milk the Cow will also be there with a special cheese selection matched to the drinks available. Food vendors have been hand-selected for the special day; expect to see the likes of Gelato Papa, Eat Cannoli, Arancini Art and Yarra Valley Caviar. Tickets promise to sell out, so purchase yours now.

Everyone knows the way to anyone’s heart is through their stomach, and Melbourne’s Saké Restaurant & Bar Flinders Lane is ensuring everyone feels the Valentine’s Day love this year. With rotating weekly specials like $5 sashimi tacos (February 4-6) and $19 bottomless dumplings (February 18-20), it’s a generous foodie offering that comes partnered with the option of all-you-can-drink lychee martinis, Aperol Spritz and pink blossom cocktails for $29pp throughout February.

This Monday, Flinders Lane will house a floral fantasy with a Valentine’s Day pop-up. The iconic Garden State Hotel has collaborated with Melbourne florist Clover Flowers to create a boutique store filled with eye-catching arrangements and romantic bouquets. Pick up long-stemmed roses and pretty posies for your Valentine from the florist’s conveniently central location.

Take your typical dinner and a movie up a notch with North Sydney’s Sunset Cinema. Back for another year, the dusk screenings have joined forces with Menulog to deliver food straight right to your picnic blanket. All you need to do is arrive with an appetite, place your order, then collect it and settle in to enjoy the movie. You can view the full Sunset Cinema program here.

Lindt has released a new chocolate flavour just in time for Valentine’s Day. Lindor Pistachio is the coming together of two favourites: chocolate and nuts which sees melt-in-your-mouth pistachio filling encased in the signature chocolate shell.

If you enjoy cooking Italian food as much as you love eating it, Mister Percy’s pasta-making class is calling to you. Each class within the house restaurant of Sydney’s Ovolo 1888 hotel will show you how to recreate classic Mediterranean flavours with Australian produce in the company of award-winning head chef Luca Guiotto. By the end, you’ll have mastered the basics of making fresh pasta and feasted on your culinary creations. The first class is in session on February 16 and can be booked here. For those who really love to learn, Mister Percy’s is also hosting wine master classes – promising a fun and informative way to get a grasp of the grapes and improve your palate. Tickets are $45pp and include a sample of five Australian wines, local beers, spirits and snacks. Book your spot here.

The Birdcage is the ultimate ‘dinner and a show’ offering for adults, with a special Valentine’s Day performance in store for Sydneysiders. Experience a live burlesque performance complete with feathers, sequins and vintage glamour. The sultry spectacular is a unique Valentine’s experience, combining entertainment dining and (even better) free-flowing Champagne. Start with a pre-show glass of bubbles, followed by a three-course dinner banquet including shaved prosciutto with honeycomb, spring chicken breast with brie, and a coconut and lime panna cotta.

Giorgio De Maria of Fun Wines has enticed Gianmarco Antonuzzi from Le Coste and chef Sarah Cicolini from SantoPalato restaurant to bring a taste of Rome to Australia from February to March. Expect to see the dream pairing in action at Marta in Sydney, Osteria Ilaria in Melbourne and The Agrarian Kitchen in Hobart. The menu will offer iconic Italian classics from Sarah’s restaurant, including trippa alla Romana, carbonara and porchetta. Wines will be a selection of Le Coste’s current and back vintages aged underground. Reserve your seat here.

Step into a romantic wonderland at Tramsheds. If you’ve promised your significant other a heartfelt, handmade gift and have no clue about crafts, this is the place to be. On Valentine’s Eve (13th February) you can attend a whimsical posy making class and a cookie and macaron decorating workshop with prices starting at just $10pp. For those looking to wine and dine, make reservations for a three-course Latin-American degustation at Bodega 1904. Take a romantic stroll over to Messina for a dolled-up dessert: an Earl Grey gelato and salted caramel rose planted in a chocolate brownie pot.