The conversation, sparked by a reader’s mention of “C8” (a reference to a previous Column 8 discussion), quickly turned to the iconic wines that graced Australian dinner tables in the mid-20th century. richard Stewart of Pearl Beach fondly recalls the ubiquitous presence of Sparkling Rhinegolde, Mateus, and Ben Ean Moselle, often repurposed as candleholders, adding a “sophisticated ambience” to gatherings. Adrian Bell of Davistown elevates this memory, remembering the “classier move” of presenting a girl with an empty, cane-covered Chianti bottle, a popular Beatnik-era candleholder.

George Baias of Summer Hill reminisces about Porphyry Pearl,a wine he describes as a “drink of high sophistication” from the 1960s,famously advertised by Graham Kennedy on *In Melbourne Tonight*. Despite its perceived sophistication, John Frith of Paddington dismisses it as an “awful wine.” The era’s beverage preferences weren’t limited to wine; Peter Snowden of Orange expresses a yearning for a “crisp, chilled, twenty-six ounce bottle of Reschs DA,” the “Dinner Ale” advertised as “the perfect accompaniment to any setting.”

Beyond the drinks, the discussion touches on broader cultural shifts. Jack Munro of Concord West humorously suggests that the “world’s first big scandal” should be named “Applegate,” referencing a previous “C8” topic. Simultaneously occurring, Peter Cole of Narrabeen recalls the practicalities of older vehicles, specifically the VW Beetle, were a foot-operated lever was used to access reserve fuel. He humorously notes the inconvenience when a partner had already depleted the reserve, necessitating a search for a public phone booth.

Fashion also features in the nostalgic reflections. Jane Howland of Cammeray observes a sartorial trend among younger men: wearing blue suits that appear to be at least a size too small. This contrasts with Brian Kidd of Mount Waverley, Victoria, who laments the disappearance of shirt breast pockets, a once-handy spot for mobile phones, urging shirtmakers to reinstate them.