Bites

Mark Kordic, formerly of Chestnut Grove winery in Manjimup, has been appointed as general manager of Alkoomi Wines.

Heading up operations at the one of the state’s most southerly vineyards in the Franklin River region, Mr Kordic’s role will allow Alkoomi founder Merv Lange to concentrate on marketing initiatives for the winery.

The new Eagle Boys Pizza franchise in Thornlie has become the first drive-thru pizza store in Perth. Hoping to join the success of drive through coffee ventures such as Muzz Buzz, the facility does away with the need for customers to leave their cars to pick up piping hot pizza.

Yallingup’s Cape Lodge has recently been ranked number four in the ‘World for Food’ as part of influential US travel magazine Conde Nast Traveller’s ‘Best 100 Hotels of the World Gold List 2005’.

In celebration, Cape Lodge will hold the second of its highly successful Gourmet Weekends will from May 21-22. The event will merge the talents of local wine makers, food producers and chefs, and punters are invited to enjoy gastronomic workshops showcasing some of the best local produce on offer.

Last year’s record growing season has helped garner a glowing endorsement for Australia’s wine industry from agribusiness financier Rabobank.

A report has highlighted double-digit growth, expansion into new markets and consolidation over established export areas.

But the report foreshadowed major challenges to Australian wine, namely oversupply issues and its effects on profitability and cash flow.