This season I'll be scorching beneath the South Australian sun in the Barossa Valley, sampling the some of the best wines in Australia, lazing under red gums and making the most of the orchards abundant with ripe stone fruits. To 'be consumed' has never sounded so good to me.

Escaping ...
Flying to Adelaide before hiring a car for the 50-minute drive to the Barossa and it's encompassing towns, Tanunda, Angaston and Nuriootpa. I'll be making a home for myself at Orchard House - owned by chef and author Maggie Beer - for the ultimate escape from the city.

Essentials ...
A hat is non-negotiable, mine comes courtesy of Nerida Winter, and sturdy boots from The Kooples to traipse around wine country for hours on end. I'll be packing my favourite David Sedaris read for when that languid afternoon heat descends and I need respite from the sun, and The Base's velvety cream-to-powder bronzing makeup base will keep that summer glow on my cheeks. My holidays are soundtracked by my great love Bruce Springsteen, always.

Celebrating ...
As cliche as it sounds there's nothing that feels more like home than the heat of an Australian Christmas. I'm planning a long-table lunch (my favourite kind of meal) beneath the wide branches of an old red gum for New Years Eve, laden with native flowers, fresh local produce and an abundance of Barossa wines. Happy New Year to us.