Insights

Hawke's Bay, the oldest wine growing region in New Zealand, has recently achieved a remarkable milestone by joining the elite list of "Great Wine Capitals," an exclusive group of top wine-producing destinations around the globe (listed below). Acknowledged as one of the world's wine-tourism powerhouses, Hawke's Bay now stands shoulder to shoulder with illustrious regions like Bordeaux and the ...
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Last night I hosted a restaurant-based event we called A Tour of Italy. The concept was that we would learn how to evaluate samples of wines that were made of a specific well known Italian grape. It was huge fun. We started with a lovely Astoria Prosecco which not only came in a beautiful bottle but a a delightful starter drink. I then talked briefly about the Pinot grigio we tasted as most New Ze...
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This is a thing. But not as big a thing as you might think. Firstly, wine people are really into it! We don't think we are better than Gin and Tonic or JD's and Coke drinkers. Personally, gin makes me cry, beer is bloating, and early forages into drinking Rum and Coke completely lacked moderation, ditto tequila. Hmmm not that early wine sipping was always moderate. Each to their own, I sa...
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This question turned up on the back of a questionnaire I do to gauge what people already like and where their tastes are. It piqued my curiosity. Everything grows in the beautiful Bay of Plenty! People are sharing cuttings and fresh garden produce all year long or so it seems to me, so I was not surprised a curious “TasteWine-r” might ask about this. The first step in the winemaking process. The s...
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We’ll discuss several ideas on wine tasting parties, but first, let’s get set up with the right tools. Wine placemats help organize the flow of a hosted tasting and will help your friends understand what to do. Download the free placemat. Read more...
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Dear Taster, So, you’re off; you’ve begun. You’ve discovered wine’s fascination. You’re thirsty for flavours, knowledge, understanding. I remember the early days well: the intensity of those primeval wine sensations; the excitement of new discoveries; the perplexity of expensive disappointments, and the sense of frustration afterwards. The more you read, the more inadequate you feel; progress, li...
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