Suitcase Series: Sally Hillman, champagne specialist and author
This week we caught up with Sally Hillman, the Melbourne-based Champagne specialist and author of Celebrating Champagne: A Wine for All Seasons, a book pairing 40 seasonal French-inspired recipes with diverse champagne styles, to find out what she never travels without, their packing tips, and what their most memorable trip has been so far…
Sally Hillman grew up in Melbourne, nestled in family celebrations where champagne was more than a sip—it was sacred. Her grandfather, who never touched a drop of alcohol except for champagne, always insisted it wasn’t “really drinking,” etching in her the belief that bubbles elevate ordinary moments to unforgettable ones.
Today, Sally is one of Australia’s foremost grower‑champagne authorities, championing artisanal winemakers who craft terroir-driven cuvées with minimal intervention. She’s the face behind Sally Hillman – Celebrating Champagne, a boutique business offering curated tastings, corporate gifting, and educational events that bring champagne’s depth (and sparkle) to life.
Her debut book, Celebrating Champagne: A Wine For All Seasons, reimagines the bubbly as a year-round companion, pairing forty seasonal recipes with matching champagnes and beautifully illustrated maps of the Champagne region.
A finalist in the 2018 Vin de Champagne Awards, Sally blends warmth, wit, and expertise in every experience—from her intimate tours of France’s grower estates to her masterclasses in Melbourne. As a mother juggling motherhood and mouth-watering fizz, she proves that champagne isn’t just for special occasions—it’s for every stage of life.
In this week’s Suitcase Series, we take a sneak peek into Sally’s travel psyche…
What’s been your most memorable trip and why?
One of my most memorable trips was a holiday in France with my family—beginning in the vibrant heart of Paris, then stopping in the Champagne region to savour its elegance and finally unwinding in the serene beauty of Provence. It was a perfect blend of culture, celebration, and relaxation, made all the more special by sharing it with loved ones.
What’s your favourite ever hotel?
It’s hard to choose just one, but if I had to, I’d say The Royal Champagne Hotel and Spa—where timeless elegance meets warm hospitality. From the minute you arrive, everything is taken care of, and relaxation effortlessly takes over. Nestled among rolling vineyards, the luxurious surroundings and impeccable service create a serene atmosphere. Plus, there’s an excellent champagne list that’s simply irresistible. It’s the kind of place that lingers in your memory long after you leave.
Where or what is your escape?
A whole day immersed in a spa, with nothing to think about but which indulgent treatment is next. Complete quietude for the mind, free from technology—a perfect reset for body and soul.
If you could go anywhere tomorrow it would be…
While I’m always dreaming of a glass of champagne in Champagne, right now, a few barefoot days on the beach in Broome, WA, sounds just perfect. There’s something magical about the vivid blue water set against the rich red earth — a contrast that’s uniquely Australian. Warm sun, wide open skies, and the kind of stillness that’s hard to find anywhere else.
What’s your idea of a luxury wellness holiday?
For me, it’s all about hot, sunny weather, a beautiful beach and a hotel with a fabulous day spa. Wellness is holistic – a thoughtful blend of relaxation, nourishing food, intentional spa treatments, a glass of champagne if you feel like it, and the option of good company, carefully chosen.
My top bucket-list destination is…
I have so many! I’m very lucky to be well travelled, but there are still countless places on my list. Just a few at the top: San Sebastián, Biarritz, Denmark, the Napa Valley and in France, Dijon and Lyon. Travel, after all, is the greatest educator – it opens your eyes to the world while making you truly grateful for the beautiful way of life we enjoy in Australia.
Celebrating Champagne: A Wine for All Seasons
Celebrating Champagne: A Wine for All Seasons redefines champagne as a year-round pleasure, pairing 40 seasonal French-inspired recipes with diverse champagne styles. Inspired by Sally Hillman’s vision, the book blends wine education, history, and art with accessible guidance. Organised by season, it offers expert pairing tips, regional insights, and elegant styling ideas – making it a must-have for modern wine lovers and entertainers. Published by Hardie Grant, the book will be available on September 16th, 2025.
If you could sit next to anyone – dead or alive – on a long-haul flight, who would it be?
I’d love to sit next to Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin Clicquot, aka The Veuve Clicquot. A pioneering woman in Champagne, she revolutionized winemaking with her invention of the riddling table and created the first vintage and rosé champagnes. Her visionary leadership paved the way for women in a male-dominated industry, and I’d never stop asking her questions.
What is your jet-lag recovery tip?
Walk it out, soak up plenty of sunshine, and hydrate—lots of water—immediately after your flight. It’s the simplest recipe for bouncing back faster.
What is your suitcase stalwart?
Two essentials I never travel without: first, my expandable Longchamp Le Pliage travel bag – it folds flat on the way there and inevitably ends up carrying all my “couldn’t resist” purchases on the way home. Second, packing cells – they’re the unsung heroes of an organised suitcase.
What is your number one packing tip?
Spend a little time workshopping your outfits before you pack – your future self will thank you. It’s amazing how far a few versatile, classic pieces can take you: less overpacking, and more moments of effortless chic.
Oh, and always pack a little black dress – you never know where you might be invited while on vacation!
I never travel without…
My trusty tan leather Smythson travel wallet – it’s like a personal assistant in wallet form, with tabs that keep everything perfectly in place (even business trip receipts). And always a pashmina – part chic accessory, part travel essential for a little extra warmth.
In my beauty / toiletry bag I always bring…
A curated selection of indulgent essentials that keep me radiant and refreshed on the road: a hydrating facial mist to awaken and soothe my skin, a rich, nourishing lip balm, and a travel-size of my signature fragrance, Coco Mademoiselle—an elegant touch of home that lingers wherever I wander.
For more information visit https://sallyhillman.com.au/
