Sydney Summer Taste Sensations meets 1950's USA

Hinky DINK's is my kind of chill-out spot. When we were invited to celebrate the launch of Alex Retief's new wine collection at this sweet Sydney establishment, I knew we would be whisked away to another time and place. The concept behind the creation of Hinky DINKS in 2011 was a labour of love for Australia’s leading cocktail and bar aficionados Jeremy Shipley and Dan Knight. This intimate bar captures the essence of the 1950’s cocktail culture. Where cocktail hour hailed as a defiant stance against the demands of working 9 to 5. Even the name was inspired by Michael 'Hinky Dink' Kenna, a corrupt politician, who owned a bar in Chicago and gave drinks to the homeless in exchange for votes. Seems fair!

Right on time for Valentines Day, Alex Retief launched his latest 'love' vintage wine collection at Hinky DINK's (winners of the Best Bar Food of the Year Award in 2012) bar on Tuesday night. A summer sensations feast, guests were treated to the launch of a blush 2013 Rose, Shiraz and Chardonnay drops. We enjoyed Hinky DINK's latest tapas treats including pulled pork tacos, gourmet cups of popcorn chicken, polenta chips and Jalapeno cheeseburgers.

Alex Retief's blush 2013 Rose boasts strawberry, cherry and floral aromas. With a dry and crisp palate, this summer sipper creates a refreshingly clean, dry finish.

It's nights like these that convince me yet again that I was born in the wrong era. Think about it - free drinks from politicians, cheeseburgers and cocktail hour. That's living.

Photography by Shayben Moussa www.shayben.com @shaybenmoussa