Learning About Wines Around the World

Step into an evening of connection, wanderlust, and a glass of your favourite wine. Join me for a fun, relaxed night where we: * Share travel stories from around the world * Sip wine mindfully and celebrate life * Explore dream destinations and plan your next adventures * Connect with like-minded women who love to travel, laugh, and sparkle Whether you’re planning your next getaway or just love hearing inspiring tales from across the globe, this night is all about fun, community, and indulgence. Grab your wine, settle in, and get ready for a little sparkle from wherever you are in the world. Cost: Free

Come along for dinner then karaoke (both optional) at Customs House Hotel Williamstown. #### We believe that the best memories are made around the table. #### When you visit Customs House Hotel, you become part of our extended family. With great food & friendly service, you can relax & know that we will take care of you and your loved ones. So table booked under Andrew Goodwin at 7pm for dinner with phone number 0424453134 if you need to contact anybody. Here is a copy of the menu which also includes seniors menu. [https://customshousehotel.com.au/eat/summer-menu/](https://customshousehotel.com.au/eat/summer-menu/) Then around 8.45pm we can stroll through to where the karaoke is to write down our songs if we're looking at singing. SINGING IS TOTALLY OPTIONAL AND YOU CAN SING AS MANY, IF ANY SONGS THAT YOU WANT TO AND JUST WATCHING ON ALL NIGHT IS TOTALLY FINE TOO. So karaoke starts around 9pm. Karaoke hosted by T.D.K.S Entertainment **9pm till late** Let your hair down & be the star! Run by awesome fun loving girls. Over 38,000 songs updated regularly. The place goes off so join us in a fun filled night. Specialising in group events , birthdays Christmas breakups etc. Event cohosted by Martin Carr. Plenty of parking around the general area with Williamstown Station being about a 4 minute walk away. PLEASE NOTE THIS EVENT IS ON MULTIPLE GROUPS.

Join party-people from around the globe and discover Melbourne's best bars, lounges, and clubs including a famous rooftop bar/club with amazing city views, a truly wild "underground" nightclub, and a premiere Melbourne ultra-club featuring top DJ’s from around the world -all with exclusive free VIP entry. Enjoy no entry fees, no queues, free shots and exclusive “pub crawl only” drink deals @ every bar! https://pubcrawlmelb.com.au https://www.eventbrite.com/e/melbourne-cbd-pub-crawl-tickets-45461115420

**\*\*\*This is a pre-booking event. Please visit [artmasterclass.com.au](https://www.artmasterclass.com.au/) choose your ceramic, use the MEETAMC10 coupon code, and make a reservation.\*\*\*** **Ceramic Paint & Sip Workshop - Melbourne** **Hosted by Art Masterclass** Unleash your creativity at our fun and relaxing Ceramic Paint & Sip Workshop! Whether you're a seasoned artist or have never touched a paintbrush before, this workshop is perfect for all skill levels—no prior knowledge is required. Join us for different sessions every day, where you can personalize your ceramic masterpiece while enjoying a glass of wine in the heart of Melbourne. Book your session today and experience the joy of art in a fun and social setting!

**🚲 Eat, Drink & Dance Melbourne: The “Not‑Really‑a‑Cyclist” Bike Adventure**! A super‑chill trial ride for absolute beginners, wobbly riders & the bike‑curious. Give yourself and hour or two to go from wobbly to having a quick ride around some of Melbourne! For people without a bike try the city based bike hire company[Blue Tongue Bikes (Rental and Tours)](https://bluetonguebikes.com.au/) Or bring your own. Ready to see Melbourne from a whole new angle—the bike seat angle—without needing Lycra, fitness, or any idea what “cadence” means? This playful warm‑up ride is designed especially for people who don’t ride bikes… but like the idea of cruising, chatting, laughing, and discovering the city at a very easy pace. Think of it as: Eat. Drink. Dance. Pedal (gently). **🌟 Where We Begin** We’ll meet at Blue Tongue Bikes, Batman Park (King St & Flinders Lane). If you don’t have a bike—no worries! You can hire one there for a few hours, or grab an e‑bike from other spots around the city. If you need to hire a bike please get there 30 to 60 minutes beforehand to iron out all the hiring details with the shop or hire a bike the day before if you go elsewhere. Just make sure you’ve had a little practice beforehand so you’re not learning from scratch on the day (unless you enjoy chaos, in which case… bold choice). 🌟 **What We’re Doing** This is a 5 km-ish practice loop around Fishermans Bend, a flat, friendly circuit perfect for building confidence. We’ll roll back into Batman Park at the end—smiling, slightly sweaty, and feeling very Melbourne. If the group is feeling good, we might extend the adventure toward St Kilda or nearby paths. Totally optional, totally vibe‑dependent. 🌟** **Why We’re Doing It**** This is the warm‑up for a bigger 30+ km Capital City Trail ride happening about a week later. Think of this as the “first date” before the “proper date.” **🌟** Who It’s For**** - New riders - Nervous riders - Social riders - People who haven’t touched a bike since primary school - People who want to see Melbourne’s gorgeous bike paths without pressure - People who want to meet fun humans and enjoy the city in a new way 🌟 **What to Bring** - A helmet (non‑negotiable) - Water - A sprinkle of road‑rule awareness (we’ll mostly stick to bike paths) - Your best “I‑might‑fall‑over-but-I’m‑still‑having-fun” attitude Good idea to bring a lock for the bike **🌟 Pace & Vibe** Super easy. Super social. Zero ego. If you’re a bit clutzy, that’s fine—we’ve all been there. We’ll help you out, cheer you on, and keep things relaxed.

**No pressure, no plan—just new friends** ✨ Whether you’re visiting Melbourne for the first time, recently relocated, or simply love connecting with curious people, this weekly meetup is the perfect way to share stories, make friends, and go explore, as a group, the magic that Melbourne has to offer 🇦🇺 **What to expect?** • **Casual & hostless**: no formal host, no schedule: just show up, be yourself, meet fellow solo travellers & expats and decide as a group where you feel like going • **Central meeting point**: it is surrounded by cultural landmarks, cafes, and restaurants, making it a convenient and safe starting point. • **Open to everyone**: whether you are a local, an expat or just passing through for a few days, you are welcome to join. (English is the primary language, but feel free to switch of course) **How to talk with strangers?** (and create meaningful connections) To help you get started, I curated a little game of **[ridiculously good questions](https://www.pierrebonvalot.com/theblog?p=285a9711d7df80d5ac25dd4ef8fe5394&pm=c)** you can ask to break the ice, shift the conversation from dull to intriguing and fun, and eventually create meaningful connection quickly. I hope this helps! **The only things you need to do are…** • Leave a message in the comment section to let the others know that you will actually be there (I don’t want you to end up alone there :) • If you can’t make it anymore, no problem! But please update your RSVP to let the others know • Please be gentle and patient with each other. We all want to make good friends here. **Why join?** • Meet open-minded travellers and locals who are keen to connect, learn and have fun together. • Experience Melbourne... as a group. • Be part of a global community that celebrates solo travelling and meaningful connections between foreign and locals. **How does it works?** 1\. Arrive at the meeting spot at the scheduled time\. 2\. Look for other joiners—friendly faces and curious explorers\. 3\. Introduce yourself\, connect with others\, and decide as a group where to go\. **When & where?** • Day: every Sunday • Time: 4:00 PM (meetup sometimes displays a different time zone: but it’s always 4pm local time) • Location: in front of the Dolphin Fountain (inside Fitzroy Gardens) **Hostless**: I am setting up the event for you all to meet, but I won't be there myself this time :) **Hi my names is Pierre** I created this Meetup group because I want to see more human connection happen in the real world. I feel many of us want this, but don't exactly know how to go about it. I hope this helps a little bit. I also work as a transformational coach: I help people who feel stuck in their life to reconnect with themselves, create real change and ultimately live more fulfilling lives. 🔗 bento.me/pierrebonvalot

**\*\*\*This is a pre-booking event. Please visit [artmasterclass.com.au](https://www.artmasterclass.com.au/) choose your ceramic, use the MEETAMC10 coupon code, and make a reservation.\*\*\*** **Ceramic Paint & Sip Workshop - Melbourne** **Hosted by Art Masterclass** Unleash your creativity at our fun and relaxing Ceramic Paint & Sip Workshop! Whether you're a seasoned artist or have never touched a paintbrush before, this workshop is perfect for all skill levels—no prior knowledge is required. Join us for different sessions every day, where you can personalize your ceramic masterpiece while enjoying a glass of wine in the heart of Melbourne. Book your session today and experience the joy of art in a fun and social setting!

🍝✨ **Lunch at Vibrante’s Italian – Templestowe!** ✨🍝 Did you *make it through Christmas* in one piece? 😅🎄 If so — bravo! You deserve a long lunch, good laughs, and conversation with people you *actually* want to talk to! 💃🍷 Join us for a relaxed, post-festive catch-up at **Vibrante’s Italian Restaurant** in **Templestowe** — great food, warm vibes, and plenty of room for stories, sass, and maybe a little tiramisu therapy 🍰😉 📅 **Saturday 28th December** 🕧 **12:30 PM** 📍 **Vibrante’s Italian Restaurant, Templestowe** Come hungry, come chatty, come fabulous! Let’s toast surviving the silly season — and celebrate friendship, laughter, and the joy of still showing up! 🥂💖 MENU: https://www.vibranterestaurant.com.au/_files/ugd/a4475d_b65c33fa38a1468da546ec2105259dbf.pdf AND YES!!!! THEY SPLIT BILLS!!

Everybody's welcome! Non MBTC members need to join club by the fourth ride with us, ask us how! An easy ride, on this balmy weather, aimed to leisure cyclists mostly on bike paths and quiet suburban streets. In the event of extreme temperature, over 30 deg C, we'll ABANDON the ride and look for a rail station to go back home! Please bring your own food, drinks and plenty of water for the day. Ride end time is a guesstimate only. Check route here (give or take a couple of wrong turns): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/51689092 Early lunch at the 22 k mark, around Jells park, or if you know the area we could take your suggestion. The route is 90% sealed, and the terrain is pretty easy to navigate with no climbs. So bring your, in good condition, bike, we suggest 32+ mm tires. We'll keep a steady pace, stopping often to regroup. No one left behind policy applies, but you need to keep yourself properly fueled and hydrated through the ride. RIDE REGISTRATION FORM This is to be completed when you RSVP and can be found at: [www.mbtc.org.au/registration-forms-rider](www.mbtc.org.au/registration-forms-rider). ESSENTIAL ITEMS Functioning front & tail light, spare tube and a puncture kit MYKI card, ATM card/cash, basic tools, rain gear, etc. Suncream; sunglasses; lip balm; hat brim; etc. Check your app for any changes the day before a the ride, as the ride may be cancelled in the event of extreme weather or other unforeseen circumstances. If you can not make it to the ride, please change your RSVP to 'NO' at your earliest opportunity. When I RSVP for this event/activity I acknowledge that the activity of bicycle riding can be dangerous and that I may suffer loss or injury or death and I agree that in consideration of my participation in any event conducted by the MBTC that I will absolve from liability the MBTC, its officers, and any event organiser from all claims, demands, or suits whether for personal injury or property loss suffered whether by negligence or breach of contract or otherwise, save for any right I may have pursuant to the Australian Consumer law. I acknowledge that photos may be taken of me during MBTC rides and social events, and that it is club practice that these photos will be published on Meetup, Facebook, and the club website. I will notify the ride leader and other riders if I wish to not be photographed. MBTC cannot guarantee that my photo will not be published and will promptly honour requests to be removed from MBTC controlled sites.

Join us for a friendly and relaxed English meetup in South Melbourne! This gathering is perfect for anyone who wants to practise English, meet new friends, and feel part of a welcoming community. Whether you’re an international student, new to Melbourne, or simply looking to connect with others, you’ll find a supportive space to learn and grow. Each week, we run **two simple sessions**: **Daily English**, where you learn useful everyday vocabulary, and **Learning English from the Bible**, where we explore short passages in clear, beginner-friendly English. You’ll also meet people from different cultures and enjoy meaningful conversations in a warm, inclusive environment. Come along, make new friends, and enjoy learning English in a place where everyone is welcome. We’d love to meet you!

This is "***New Members Night***." If you are one of the many folks on the fence about coming to your first wine tasting with the *Hilliard Wine Club*, this is the night to come. There will be many other new people, so you won't be alone. And the regulars will be there to help make you feel welcome. We're a relaxed and warm group. We hope to see you. **SIDE NOTE:** New members are welcome to ALL our Friday night wine tastings, but this night is a special overture to those who don't want to feel that they are the only new person in the room. Don't worry. You won't be. And don't hesitate to RSVP to other events. **OLD MEMBERS NOTE**: Hey Old Members! You're not excluded from this event. We expect to see you there to help make the new members feel welcome. **Sample 4 different wines** this Friday for $15 (*Cash or Venmo only please*). Glasses are provided. Bring a snack to share. Bring a bottle to share if you care to. See all the details below for the Hilliard Wine Club Wine Tasting. In Person. In Real Life. Actual Wine from glass bottles with corks and everything. **Wine**: Tastings will be $15 for four samples as always. And you are welcome to bring a bottle of your favorite wine to share with others. Participation in the wine tastings is optional. But since you’re going, I will buy enough wine to cover you. If you bring your own wine and do not participate in the tasting you will only pay $10 to cover the door charge. **Parking**: There are several public parking lots near the Alive614 hall. Please be careful to NOT park in private parking lots. They do tow. Check Google maps to scope out your space. Anyone who is early could easily find a parking space on the street nearby. **Glasses**: …will be provided. Please note that after the wine tasting, the glasses need to be returned to the boxes at the service table. Please be gentle, our glasses are fragile. Uh, they are made of glass! **Food**: You are welcome to bring a snack to share. It is not required. Most people do though. If no one brings anything, there will be nothing. **Code of Conduct**: Though mostly understood, it’s still worth mentioning. We don’t have rules per se, but we highly discourage the following topics of discussion because they are likely to incite anti-social responses - Sex, Politics, Religion. Please don’t mistake this as an attempt to limit your free speech rights but rather a guide to a place and time for appropriate discussions. **Extra Wine**: After everyone has had their samples, we remove the pouring spouts and any remaining wine is poured freely to whomever wants it. I hate having leftover wine. **Queen of Hearts**: The Queen of Hearts raffle is a fundraiser for the club and a Barnum and Bailey type extravaganza - minus the dancing ponies, clowns, and actual circus. Bring your ***cash*** as the Queen does not accept American Express or other plastic. **After the lights go out**: After the last sip of wine, when we clean up and turn the lights out, if you still haven’t had enough of us, it is typical for a group to get together and go to a local eatery for food and/or drinks or coffee. Again, We look forward to meeting new members and reuniting with old friends. Sincerely, ***Paul Uttermohlen***, **Red 1 Realty** *Your Hilliard Wine Club Host* **DISCLAIMERS**: The Hilliard Wine Club is just that, a club. It is not a commercial venture nor a non-profit organization [501(c)(3)] and as such does not provide commercial services such as accepting credit cards or retailing wine or other products. The weekly Queen of Hearts Raffle is a fund-raising event for the club to cover special events, entertainment and frequent cost shortfalls such as when more people RSVP than show up after wine is purchased to accommodate a larger group or when people show up on freestyle night without any wine to share (please don’t do that). Personal responsibility is the minimum we expect from our members who are encouraged to limit their alcohol intake as needed to allow for an enjoyable evening for everyone. Wine is the primary focus and choice beverage of the wine club. Hard liquor consumption is highly discouraged. On occasions when someone has consumed more alcohol than is allowed by law to operate a motor vehicle, members are encouraged to use a ride-share service, a taxi, a sober friend or a designated driver. Your safety and well being are of great concern to the leadership of the club, but are ultimately the responsibility of the individuals. Photographs and videos taken at the club by individuals and/or leadership of the club are the property of their creators and may be used as desired as long as their use is compliant with the law. In photographic privacy terms, you have the same rights as you do walking down a public street (near zero). Please do not attend any of our events if you are not aware of and in agreement with our disclaimers and policies. Members who behave in an anti-social manner can and will be banned from the club and barred from entry if needed (don’t test me on this), though admittedly it is a rare instance in which someone’s behavior necessitates being banned for life. Since 2017, there have only been a few. [Last updated on April 2, 2025]

**3rd Annual Great Chili Cook Off**: Calling All Cooks! This is your shot at dethroning our 2-time repeat Chili Champion and claim the 1st place Chef's Cap and Apron for yourself. Second and Third place winners will also receive a cap and apron. This is often one of our more well-attended events so please RSVP early and come hungry. Members will be given a ticket to vote for their favorite chili. No campaigning this year please. Let the chili speak for itself (no, not like that. I know what you are thinking. Stop that.) **On Freestyle night** \- just bring a bottle to share\. There is NO formal wine tasting like on other weeks\. Door charge is $10 \(cash or Venmo only please\)\. We may have some left over wines to clear out\! Glasses are provided\. Take Care\. See you there\. **Parking**: There are several public parking lots near the Alive614 hall. Please be careful to NOT park in private parking lots. They do tow. Check Google maps to scope out your space. Anyone who is early could easily find a parking space on the street nearby. I am told that the Chase parking lot is safe after hours. **Glasses**: …will be provided. Please note that after the wine tasting, the EMPTY glasses need to be returned to the boxes at the service table. Please do not make me hunt down your empty glass. Please be gentle, our glasses are fragile. Uh, they are made of glass! **Food**: You are welcome to bring a snack to share. It is not required. Most people do though. If no one brings anything, there will be nothing. **Code of Conduct**: Though mostly understood, it’s still worth mentioning. We don’t have rules per se, but we highly discourage the following topics of discussion because they are likely to incite anti-social responses - Sex, Politics, Religion. Please don’t mistake this as an attempt to limit your free speech rights but rather a guide to a place and time for appropriate discussions. **After the lights go out**: After the last sip of wine, when we clean up and turn the lights out, if you still haven’t had enough of us, it is typical for a group to get together and go to a local eatery for food and/or drinks or coffee. Again, We look forward to meeting new members and reuniting with old friends. Sincerely, ***Paul Uttermohlen***, **Red 1 Realty** *Your Hilliard Wine Club Host*

Welcome, readers! ❄️ Our December read is **_A Quiet Life by Ethan Joella._** A Quiet Life by Ethan Joella is a tender, character-driven novel that follows three people in a small Pennsylvania town as they each cope with loss and seek connection. Chuck, a widower, struggles to find meaning after his wife’s death; Ella, a young woman, faces the heartbreak of her missing daughter; and Kirsten, a veterinary technician, grieves her father while contemplating her future. Their stories intertwine gently, revealing how grief and hope coexist—and how even small acts of kindness can help people rediscover purpose and peace in the aftermath of tragedy. Looking forward to discussing with everyone! At this meeting, our third annual White Elephant book exchange will take place! If you'd like to participate, bring a gift-wrapped book that you already own. On the gift wrap, write the genre of the book. We will meet at Zaftig Brewing Co in their event room in the back. We are welcome to bring in our own food, but **drinks must be purchased at the bar.** Happy reading! 📖

Monday December 29th at 6PM we'll be meeting up dinner at the Pies & Pints at Easton. Feel free to bring guests. Sandwiches run about $15 and large pizzas run $20-30.

**⚔️ Introduction to Wargaming & Painting Miniature Soldiers at The Arcane Foundry ⚔️** Join me in **The War Room at [The Arcane Foundry](https://share.google/S5i6DYJnJteHWeKtd)** for a laid-back evening of hobby talk and tabletop fun! For just **$15**, you’ll get a **3D-printed regiment of 20 high quality resin models** of your choice to paint — a **$40 value!** Bring your creativity, relax, and let’s make something awesome together. **Choose one from Below:** * 20 Orc Warriors * 20 Empire Soldiers * 20 Dwarf Warriors * 20 Elf Spearmen Step into a world where strategy meets artistry — and where every painted figure tells a story of battle, honor, and imagination. Join **Daclaud** at **The Arcane Foundry** for an evening that introduces newcomers and enthusiasts alike to the timeless craft of **tabletop wargaming** and **miniature painting**. My own journey began with a fascination for fantasy — knights in armor, grim and hardened warriors, and monstrous creatures locked in epic battle. That passion led me to **Dungeons & Dragons**, where I painted my first **Basic Heroes set** and felt the spark that comes from bringing a character to life in miniature form. Not long after, I discovered **Warhammer Fantasy** and **Warhammer 40,000**, and I was hooked. The vision of vast armies clashing across the table — each unit meticulously painted, each story unfolding through dice and imagination — became my creative obsession. During this event, we’ll explore the **origins of wargaming**, from its early military simulations to the richly detailed worlds of modern tabletop battle systems. You’ll learn how to **build and customize your own armies**, paint your first figures, and experience the joy of turning strategy and storytelling into a hands-on art form. Whether you’re drawn by the lore, the hobby, or the thrill of commanding miniature legions, this introduction will open the gates to a world that has captivated hobbyists for generations. **🎨 RSVP today and join us at The Arcane Foundry — where every brushstroke and battle tells a story.**

We’ll be reading Brigands and Breadknives by Travis Baldtree this month! We recommend readingading “Bookshops and Bonedust” and “Legends and Lattes” before reading Brigands and Breadknives.

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. If the weather cooperates we will be meeting in the patio. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who want to discuss international travel and culture, and anyone who enjoys getting together for good conversations."