Since we can’t yet visit vineyards, a wine tasting on Zoom (other platforms are available) is the next best way to get to know about wine One of the best things to come out of the months of restrictions and lockdowns (well, you have to search for positives somewhere) are wine tastings on Zoom. And while you might think they wouldn’t have much appeal, the upside is that you have the actual wines in front of you and access to their makers in person, albeit online, to shed light on the character of a particular region. I’ve particularly enjoyed ones I’ve joined in on from Australia, which have included Margaret River chardonnay, Tasmanian pinot noir and Rutherglen muscat, a sticky-toffee pudding of a wine that I suggest you treat yourself to pronto, assuming you’re not doing dry January. Though it must be said those sessions usually took place at 10am UK time, which may not be ideal. Online tastings also provide an incentive to attend a niche one you may never have previously considered.

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Google Australia’s managing director Mel Silva has told a Senate committee the tech giant could remove its search engine from Australia if a code forcing the companies to negotiate payments to news media companies goes ahead. The threat comes as Google and Facebook are fighting against legislation currently before the parliament that would force the digital platforms to enter into negotiations with news media companies for payment for content. Prime minister Scott Morrison says his government will not respond to threats. ‘Australia makes our rules for things you can do in Australia,’ he says. ‘And that’s how things work here in Australia and people who want to work with that, in Australia, you’re very welcome’

The tech giant says it will remove its main search function from Australia if it passes a new law.

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