Just another Monday in Melbourne

Melbourne, the capital of the Australian state of Victoria, is well known as a centre for fine food and wine – as our Australian correspondent Max Allen will attest, and as Nick and I were able to confirm when we went there last March for its annual Food and Wine Festival. We much enjoyed its wide range of cafés and restaurants and great selections of wines on their lists.

But one unexpected treat was being invited to join a small group of wine lovers, resident in four different states, who meet on Mondays in Melbourne to make a serious...