EPISODE 45

ECO-TOURISM IS BOOMING…

Listen: ON SPOTIFY

Watch: ON YOUTUBE

Is Cabernet Sauvignon officially uncool? Or is it the dark horse about to take over your wine list again?

In this controversial episode of Behind The Podcast, we crack open a bottle of Penley Estate’s Tolmer Cabernet and unpack one of the most misunderstood grapes in Australian wine. Spoiler: it’s bloody delicious — and yes, we said that on the record.

But this isn’t just about wine snobbery. We’re talking real industry shifts:

• Why iconic wineries like Voyager Estate are ripping out Sauvignon and Shiraz

• How Cabernet got its “boomer wine” reputation — and whether it’s fair

• What’s really killing wine regions like Coonawarra (hint: it’s not the wine)

• And why gatekeeping sommeliers might be part of the problem

Then, things get heated:

• Would you open an eco-tourism lodge instead of a restaurant?

• What would it take to actually succeed in that world?

• Is mountain biking the new fine dining?

• And how the hell are lamb cutlets $77/kg? Is mutton the next big thing?

We also go deep on:

• Remote staffing nightmares in hospitality

• Why mutton tastes better than lamb (and how to cook it like a boss)

• The future of hunting, food ethics, and cooking off-grid

• Wild stories from Spicers, Hidden Vale, and remote outback adventures

• The rise of content-driven tourism (like MeatEater, Venture Ops, etc.)

Whether you're a wine professional, chef, entrepreneur, or someone dreaming of owning a lodge in the hinterland — this episode is full of hot takes, honest advice, and wild stories from the frontlines of Aussie food & wine culture.

Agree or disagree? – drop us a line here.