Latest news with #SarahMurdoch
ABC News
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- ABC News
Sports boss Peter V'landys leverages powerful connections to resurrect Tropfest
Tropfest, once one of Australia's most beloved artistic institutions, is set to be revived by an unlikely alliance involving Racing NSW boss Peter V'Landys and a member of the Murdoch family. Its origins lie in a Darlinghurst cafe in inner-city Sydney, where young actor John Polson put on a special screening for 200 people in 1993. Over the following two decades, the annual Tropfest event rose in prominence, at its peak drawing crowds of almost 200,000 at its venue before abruptly ending in 2019 under a cloud of financial mismanagement. Now it's being relaunched, with the Tropfest Foundation quietly registered as a company on July 2; its principal place of business listed as Mr V'landys's Racing NSW headquarters. Mr V'landys is a director, and the other three directors named in the company extract reveal his web of high-profile connections across media, finance and film. The ABC can reveal that philanthropist Sarah Murdoch, real estate investor Richard Weinberg and actor Bryan Brown are also directors of the Tropfest Foundation. Brown has had a storied acting career and last year won a Logie for best supporting actor for his performance in the Netflix series Boy Swallows Universe. Ms Murdoch is a philanthropist and global ambassador for the Murdoch Children's Research Institute. Mr V'landys is the CEO of Racing NSW and Chair of the Australian Rugby League Commission. He is linked to Ms Murdoch's husband, Lachlan Murdoch. Mr Murdoch is the chair of News Corp, which is the majority shareholder of the Brisbane Broncos, the NRL's richest team. Mr V'landys met with Mr Murdoch in the US a fortnight ago seeking to expand the NRL's global footprint and heaped praise on the media mogul, telling News Corp he is "such a nice person" who has "gone to another level in management worldwide". He described Mr Murdoch's influence at FOX as a "massive help" with the free-to-air US broadcaster airing the NRL's Las Vegas 2025 matches. Mr Murdoch holds the key to the NRL breaking into the US market. The Murdochs were seen alongside Mr V'landys at the NRL's inaugural 2024 Las Vegas venture last year. Ms Murdoch was recently pictured with another director of the Tropfest Foundation, Mr Weinberg. Both were involved in the Sydney screening of a documentary titled October 8 — Globalise the Intifada, which examines what filmmakers say was the "explosion of antisemitism on college campuses, online, and in the streets of America" in the wake of Hamas's terrorist attack on Israel in 2023. If you have any information about a story, contact Amy Greenbank. Mr Weinberg is the CEO of Terrace Tower Group and is married to the billionaire heiress of the late Westfield co-founder John Saunders. He is also an entrepreneur who co-founded TV production company KarlinBerg Entertainment in 2020 with TV host Karl Stefanovic, who works for Nine Entertainment, which holds the broadcast rights to the NRL. Stefanovic and Mr Weinberg had reportedly planned to shoot a behind-the-scenes documentary on the State of Origin, an idea backed by Mr V'landys, but it did not eventuate. Late last year, Mr V'landys flagged his intention to re-introduce a film festival in Sydney. "There was a short film festival called Tropfest, and it used to give young artists an opportunity to show what they could do … so I thought I'd revive that and do a short film festival, but I want to call it The Airfryers," he said. It does not appear the name has stuck. All Tropfest Foundation directors were contacted for comment. A spokesperson for Tropfest said: "There are a lot of exciting things happening behind the scenes, and all will be revealed soon. "The next generation of this country's best and brightest screen talent should get ready. A new chapter is about to begin." An official announcement is expected within weeks.
Forbes
24-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Finesse And Terroir: Oregon's Sparkling Wines Shine At Method Oregon
Some of the sparkling wines being featured at the Method Oregon Grand Tasting Photo, courtesy Method Oregon/Sarah Murdoch Oregon's reputation for world-class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay has naturally evolved into one of the country's most exciting sparkling wine movements. While its annual output of roughly 150,000 cases is modest compared to California's, Oregon now ranks third nationally in sparkling wine production—and first in many quality-focused circles: cool-climate viticulture, marine-influenced terroirs, and a commitment to traditional méthode champenoise drive sparkling winemaking here. The result is a diverse array of wines that combine finesse, intensity, and remarkable site expression. On Saturday, July 26, 2025, the Method Oregon Grand Tasting will showcase the depth and breadth of this category in what promises to be the largest sparkling wine event ever held in the Willamette Valley. Below are tasting notes on a selection of some of Oregon's top sparkling wines featured at the event. A young brand launched in 2017, Corollary shifted its focus from cider to terroir-driven, traditional-method sparkling wines. It's produced in the Van Duzer Corridor from soils consisting of marine sediments over volcanic silt loam and cooled by marine winds. The wine exhibits a delicate mousse featuring citrus-lime zest, layered with brioche, pear, and subtle minerality. The bead is tight with a refined texture and a crisp, lingering finish. Score 96/100 Pashey Blanc de Blancs, Extra Brut, Ribbon Ridge Estate, 12.7% ABV, 750 ml. Ribbon Ridge, Willamette Valley. $65 Created in 2013 by artist and founder James Frey of Trisaetum, Pashey produces Burgundian-style sparkling wines, characterized by a well-defined mousse and precise bubbles. This Blanc de Blancs is considered the winery's flagship. The wine features a towering mousse expressing aromas of marzipan, apricot, Meyer lemon, and Granny Smith apple. The palate exhibits a crisp minerality, with a saline note, fine acidity, and a long, crisp finish. Score 95/100 Argyle Extended Tirage 2014 Brut, 12.5% ABV, 750 ml. Dundee Hills and Eola-Amity Hills, Willamette Valley. $80 Argyle is Oregon's largest sparkling wine producer. This bottling is part of its Extended Tirage series and has been aged for 10 years or more on lees. It's a blend of 65% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay, and 15% Pinot Meunier. Vineyard soils are a combination of Jory, Nekia, and Ritner, all derived from decomposed volcanic basalts. The wine has an ultra-fine creamy mousse, featuring aromas of yeasty brioche, stone fruit, and apple. The palate showcases bright acidity, saline minerality, and an impeccably integrated structure. Score: 94/100 Domaine Willamette 2021 Brut Rosé, 12.1% ABV, 750 ml, Willamette Valley. $80 Domaine Willamette specializes in estate-grown sparkling wines crafted from grapes sourced throughout the Willamette Valley. The rosé is part of their méthode traditionnelle portfolio, produced from the Woodburn series soils, characterized by deep, well-drained, and nutrient-rich loam. The wine features classic fine bubbles with notes of honeycomb, puff pastry, and apple. The palate exhibits flavors of pear, green mango, and candied lemon, with a bright, round structure, crisp acidity, and a long, graceful finish. Score: 90/100 A selection of sparkling wine from Pashey, one of the producers being featured at Method Oregon Photo, courtesy Pashey/Sarah Murdoch Lundeen 2015 Extra Brut Late Disgorged, Bunker Hill Vineyard Blanc de Blancs, 12.3% ABV, 750 ml., Salem Hills, Bunker Hill Vineyard, Willamette Valley. $105 Lundeen specializes in site-driven wines. Their late disgorged Blanc de Blancs is aged 6–8 years on lees before bottling. It's produced on Nekia series soils of gravelly loam at a 600 ft elevation from a Dijon Chardonnay clone. The wine features aromas of citrus and baked apple atop a creamy mousse. The palate showcases toasty brioche, Meyer lemon, stone fruit, subtle spice, with a mouthwatering acidity and a long, elegant finish. Score: 93/100 Arabilis, Johan Vineyard VDC V21, 2021 Extra Brut, 12.5% ABV, 750 ml., Van Duzer Corridor, Willamette Valley. $80 This site-specific sparkler sources fruit from Johan Vineyard in the marine wind-cooled Van Duzer Corridor. This appellation is emerging as the Willamette Valley's prime sparkler-producing region. The Johan vineyard features silty, clay-loam soils composed of marine sediments with pockets of decomposed volcanic basalt. The wine features vibrant aromas of white flowers, lemon zest, and saline minerality. The palate showcases green apple notes, with crisp acidity and a stony, minerally finish—a precise, refined, and structured sparkling wine. Score: 93/100 RMS 2014 Delayed Disgorgement Brut, 12.5% ABV, 750 ml., Willamette Valley. $110 RMS is ROCO Winery's top-tier sparkling wine made from 67% Pinot Noir and 33% Chardonnay. It has aged a full decade on the lees before its delayed disgorgement. It's produced from a variety of sedimentary and volcanic series typical of the Willamette Valley. The wine features aromas of yellow plum, pear, chamomile, and buttery pastry. The palate showcases rich vanilla, tart apple, and stone fruit flavors, with crisp acidity and an opulent texture. A voluptuous, mature sparkler that is among the best produced in Oregon. Score 99/100 Soter Estates Brut Reserve, Mineral Springs Vineyard, 12.8% ABV, Yamhill Carlton, Willamette Valley. $65 Soter's sparkler blends estate Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and reserve wines, aged in a mix of oak and stainless tanks, followed by 4+ years on lees. The vineyard soils are a mix of Ribbon Ridge/Eola-Amity marine sediments and decomposed volcanic basalt. The wine features notes of almond brioche, tangerine, dried strawberry, baked apple, and apricot. A zesty acidity and delicate mousse yield a long, nuanced, and expressive finish. Score: 95/100 Sokol Blosser 2019 Blanc de Blanc, Dundee Hills, 12.5% ABV, 750 ml., Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley. $59 Sokol Blosser's Blanc de Blanc is a classic Chardonnay sparkler, reflecting the Dundee Hills' hallmark volcanic terroir and cool climate. It's produced from the brick-red, iron-rich, well-drained Jory volcanic soils of decomposed basalt. The wine is crisp, featuring citrus and white flower aromas with flavors of pear and baked apple on the palate. It boasts a refined minerality, complemented by bright acidity, a creamy texture, and a long, smooth finish. Score 93/100 Lytle Barnett 2017 Sparkling Wine, Extra Brut, 12.5% ABV, 750 ml., Eola Amity Hills, Willamette Valley. $75 Crafted by Andy Lytle, a veteran of Argyle and Domaine Serene, Lytle-Barnett produces artisanal, slow-aged méthode traditionnelle sparklers from Eola-Amity fruit. Vineyard soils consist of marine sediments and volcanic silt loam over a subsoil of decomposed volcanic basalt. The wine features a fine bead with aromas of citrus peel, brioche, and orchard fruit. On the palate, it showcases stone fruit and subtle toast notes, complemented by lively acidity and a seamless, elegant finish. Score: 93/100 Stoller Family Estate, 2019 LaRue Blanc de Blanc Sparkling Wine, Extra Brut, 12.5% ABV, Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley. $80 Stoller, based in Oregon's Dundee Hills AVA, is a benchmark producer in the Willamette Valley, known for sustainable viticulture and estate-grown wines. This sparkling wine is crafted exclusively from Chardonnay grapes sourced from our estate vineyards, using the traditional méthode champenoise , which reflects both Old World technique and New World precision. Extended lees aging enhances its complexity, offering a refined take on Oregon sparkling wine. The wine features a fine mousse with delicate bubbles and aromas of green apple, lemon zest, and white peach, complemented by subtle notes of brioche and almond from extended lees contact. The palate is crisp and precise, showcasing flavors of citrus, orchard fruit, and a hint of minerality, all wrapped in a vibrant acidity. The finish is elegant and refreshing, with a lingering note of toasted hazelnut and chalk. Score: 95/100 The wines featured at Method Oregon reflect not only the technical precision of their makers but also the unique geological and climatic conditions that define the Willamette Valley. From volcanic Jory soils in Dundee Hills to the wind-swept marine sediments of the Van Duzer Corridor, Oregon's terroirs shine through in each glass. Whether aged for a decade on lees or freshly disgorged to capture youthful verve, these sparklers are redefining American méthode traditionnelle . More importantly, they are showcasing Method Oregon. As consumer interest in premium sparkling wine continues to grow, Oregon is poised not just to participate—but to lead—with authenticity, artistry, and a fierce dedication to place. More From Forbes Forbes Oregon Pinot Noir Rosé—Why Saignée Method Wines Stand Out By Joseph V Micallef Forbes The World's Best Pinot Noir From The 2025 Decanter World Wine Awards By Joseph V Micallef Forbes The Best West Coast Pinot Noir Wines, According To The Top Wine Competitions By Joseph V Micallef
Daily Mail
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Sarah Murdoch wears millions of dollars worth of jewels and accessories during Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's wedding
Sarah Murdoch was dressed to impress as she celebrated Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez 's wedding in Italy over the weekend. The 53-year-old looked glamorous as she attended the second day of festivities on Friday in a classic black strapless gown. However it was Sarah's accessories that had everyone talking as she wore millions of dollars worth of jewels. She had a Cartier diamond watch on her wrist which retails for around $100,000, alongside several diamond bracelets. The wife of Lachlan Murdoch also held a $4080 satin Saint Laurent clutch as she got into a water taxi to head to the island of San Giorgio Maggiore for the nuptials. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. The following day Sarah was seen arriving in a sleek black lace-trimmed gown layered under a tailored blazer. She carried a $3,700 suede Saint Laurent cutch and wore a huge diamond necklace to the wedding. Sarah also looked effortlessly chic as she jetted into Venice Airport on Thursday. She was seen arriving in jeans, a button shirt while carrying a $54,000 Hermes Kelly bag on her shoulder. Sarah also wore designer sunglasses and left her blonde locks out as she exited the airport with her husband Lachlan. The Murdochs joined a long list of celebrities and billionaires in attendance at the extravagant affair, including Kim Kardashian, Leonardo DiCaprio, supermodel Karlie Kloss, Microsoft founder Bill Gates, fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg, and former politicians. Jeff and Lauren tied the knot in a lavish ceremony on Friday on the picturesque San Giorgio Maggiore island, exchanging vows in front of nearly 200 high-profile guests. Bezos and Sanchez's wedding weekend has captured global headlines. Sarah also looked effortlessly chic as she jetted into Venice Airport on Thursday. She was seen arriving in jeans, a button shirt while carrying a $54,000 Hermes Kelly bag on her shoulder The wedding has gone viral, not only for its VIP guest list but also for its opulent setting, with guests ferried across the Venetian lagoon via private boats, indulging in Michelin-starred cuisine and designer fashion. Meanwhile, Sarah has been happily married to her husband Lachlan for 26 years after tying the knot in 1999. They are parents to sons Kalan Alexander, 18, and Aidan Patrick, 17, and daughter Aerin Elisabeth, 13. The couple own a home in Bellevue Hill, Sydney, known as Le Manoir.
Daily Mail
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Sarah Murdoch looks glamorous in lace black gown as she attends the fifth day of celebrations for Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's wedding
Sarah Murdoch ensured all eyes were on her as she celebrated the nuptials of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez in Italy on Saturday. The 53-year-old looked glamorous as she attended the day five celebrations for the 61-year-old Amazon founder and 55-year-old former journalist 's wedding. Sarah was seen arriving in a sleek black lace-trimmed gown layered under a tailored blazer. The chic ensemble featured delicate lace detailing and a plunging neckline, which she paired with a velvet black clutch and dainty gold jewellery. Her signature blonde bob was styled straight and slick, completing the effortlessly polished look. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Sarah was all smiles as she stepped onto a water taxi, with Lachlan by her side, as the couple joined an exclusive guest list of global A-listers to toast Bezos and Sanchez in what has been dubbed the 'wedding of the century'. Husband Lachlan, 53, complemented his wife perfectly in a black suit and matching trousers. Sarah turned heads for her style earlier this week when she stepped out in a classic black strapless gown. The stylish gown showed off Sarah's trim and toned arms while also flaunting a hint of décolletage. She wore her blonde locks back with a chic 'wet' look while accessorising with a pair of eye-catching diamond pendant earrings and an array of luxe bling on her wrist. The Murdochs joined a long list of celebrities and billionaires in attendance at the extravagant affair, including Kim Kardashian, Leonardo DiCaprio, supermodel Karlie Kloss, Microsoft founder Bill Gates, fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg, and former politicians. Jeff and Lauren tied the knot in a lavish ceremony on Friday on the picturesque San Giorgio Maggiore island, exchanging vows in front of nearly 200 high-profile guests. Bezos and Sanchez's wedding weekend has captured global headlines. The couple were spotted leaving the St Regis Hotel, hopping into a water taxi to head to the island of San Giorgio Maggiore for the lavish nuptials The wedding has gone viral, not only for its VIP guest list but also for its opulent setting, with guests ferried across the Venetian lagoon via private boats, indulging in Michelin-starred cuisine and designer fashion. Meanwhile, Sarah has been happily married to her husband Lachlan for 26 years after tying the knot in 1999. They are parents to sons Kalan Alexander, 18, and Aidan Patrick, 17, and daughter Aerin Elisabeth, 13. The couple own a home in Bellevue Hill, Sydney, known as Le Manoir.
Daily Mail
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Sarah Murdoch stuns in a classic black gown as she attends lavish Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez wedding with husband Lachlan
Sarah Murdoch turned more than a few heads on Friday as she celebrated the nuptials of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez in Italy with her husband Lachlan. Described as the 'wedding of the century,' the 61-year-old Amazon founder and 55-year-old former journalist exchanged vows in front of almost 200 VIP guests on San Giorgio Maggiore island on Friday. And Sarah, 53, certainly lived up to the occasion, stepping out in a classic black strapless gown. The stylish gown showed off Sarah's trim and toned arms while also flaunting a hint of décolletage. She wore her blonde locks back with a chic 'wet' look while accessorising with a pair of eye-catching diamond pendant earrings and an array of luxe bling on her wrist. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Sarah also carried what appeared to be a burgundy satin Saint Laurent clutch, that added a pop of colour to her classic look, while completing her outfit with a pair of black sunglasses. Lachlan, 53, cut a very dapper figure in a black tuxedo, white shirt. and bow tie. The couple were spotted leaving the St Regis Hotel, hopping into a water taxi to head to the island of San Giorgio Maggiore for the lavish nuptials. As they waited, the News Corp chairman and his model wife were kept company by Ivanka Trump and her husband Jared Kushner. The daughter of US President Donald Trump wore a stunning, heavily embellished pink strapless floral gown by Tony Ward, which also featured a thigh-baring slit. Sarah also cut quite the stunning figure when she joined husband Lachlan for Jeff and Lauren's star-studded wedding welcome party. The now husband and wife gathered at the Madonna dell'Orto cloisters with their A-list friends on Thursday evening for a lavish pre-wedding celebration. Among the revellers were media mogul Lachlan and his wife of 26 years, and the couple were all smiles as they arrived at the lavish soirée. Sarah looked absolutely stunning in a classic violet gown that showed off her svelte form. The simple-yet-stylish gown was cinched at the waist and finished just below Sarah's knee. The British-Australian model finished her ensemble with a pair of black strappy heels. She accessorised with a small black clutch and a pair of sleek black sunglasses. Husband Lachlan, 53, complemented his wife perfectly in a navy blue jacket and matching trousers. He also wore a similarly coloured collared shirt while finishing his dapper look with what appeared to be a pair of black sneakers. The couple looked chuffed to be in each other's company, walking hand-in-hand as they arrived at the luxe celebration. A slew of celebrities stepped out to celebrate Lauren and Jeff on Thursday evening as their pre-wedding festivities kicked off, including Kim Kardashian, Khloé Kardashian, Kris Jenner, Kendall Jenner, Kylie Jenner, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Orlando Bloom, who all dressed to the nines. Bride-to-be Lauren, 55, donned a terrifyingly tight corset for the party. The shimmering one-piece by Schiaparelli boasted a cinched waistline and embroidered floral detailing. For his part, Jeff, 61, looked dapper in a white shirt and black suit before finishing the outfit with a pair of statement sunglasses. It comes after Sarah made a rare public appearance as she celebrated Tamie Ingham's 40th birthday in Sydney earlier this month. She was all smiles as she mingled with Eastern Suburbs socialites at the event. Sarah put on a stylish display in a dark top with a matching-coloured pleated skirt. She was also seen cutting a cake at the event as her friends took time to sing her happy birthday after she celebrated turning 53 in May. Sarah left her curled blonde locks out as she cut her cake while standing alongside birthday girl Tamie. Tamie, who is married to celebrity chef Guillaume Brahimi, dressed to impress in a light blue dress that had a cinched-in design at the front. Meanwhile, Sarah has been happily married to her husband Lachlan for 26 years after tying the knot in 1999. They are parents to sons Kalan Alexander, 18, and Aidan Patrick, 17, and daughter Aerin Elisabeth, 13. The couple own a home in Bellevue Hill, Sydney, known as Le Manoir.
