GRAPE expectations

GARY BARLOW on exploring the vineyards of Australia for another round of his wine showcase

- HANNAH DAVIES

GARY BARLOW'S WINE TOUR: AUSTRALIA
NEW FRIDAY, 2PM, ITV1 TRAVELOGUE

When Take That decided to tour Australia last autumn, frontman Gary Barlow jumped at the chance to combine his love of music with his other big passion in life: wine!

The result is the second series of ITV1's Gary Barlow's Wine Tour, which previously saw him pop corks in the vineyards of South Africa, and now follows him and his celebrity friends, such as Dannii Minogue, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, John Bishop, Andi Peters and Ronan Keating, as they enjoy Oz’s best tipples from the Hunter Valley in New South Wales to the Margaret River region in Western Australia.

'I thought we couldn't beat South Africa, but I think, in different ways, we've definitely gone up a level with this series,’ says singer and songwriter Gary, 54. ‘It feels more diverse, going from the rainforests of Queensland to Uluru in the centre. It was the most incredible trip ever. Travelling around, seeing these incredible places, drinking wine and eating amazing food. I mean, what could be better?’

Here, Gary talks us through his itinerary...

So, how did you find balancing filming this new six-part run with your performing commitments for the This Life on Tour concerts alongside your Take That band mates Howard Donald and Mark Owen?