There’s a bit of a survey making the rounds of the Twittersphere asking if Purple Death might be the worst wine ever made. I think that’s a tad harsh. Back when I was a teenager and it was the only thing I could afford that actually had any alcoholic strength; I thought it was pretty … Read More
Yvonne’s Blog
Tasty Treats for Christmas
Lordy where on earth has the year gone? I swear it feels like only yesterday that I was racing around trying to buy Easter eggs and now it’s Christmas! It’s been a manic, rollercoaster of a year and I’m sure my poor adrenal glands have totally wizened up to the point of resembling ropey old … Read More
Waipara? Why Not!
Waipara’s where your wildest dreams come true… Fourty minutes drive north of Christchurch central and you’re in Waipara, which is (after an incredibly generous spring) an absolutely stunning looking, heaving mass of lush, green grapevines. Until relocating to Canterbury back in January, I’m embarrassed to say that I’d only ever visited the region once; even … Read More
Register for Burgundy Tasting at Pinot Celebration 2012
BURGUNDY TASTING TO EXPLORE THE ‘CRU’ QUESTION Pinot Noir – that wonderful heady variety generates such passion in people – it inevitably leads to posing more questions than it does answers. The 2012 Central Otago Pinot Noir Celebration – being held in Queenstown 26-28th January not only includes tastings of Central Otago pinot noir, Winery … Read More
14 November 2011 Wine Guide’s 20th Anniversary & New Winery on the Wairau
It’s been called ‘the absolute bible of New Zealand wines’ and ‘totally indispensable’ by critics and consumers alike, and over the last 20 years I’ve watched Michael Cooper’s Buyer’s Guide to New Zealand Wines grow from a dainty, pocket-sized paperback to a tome so heavy SAS troops are made to complete torturous 10km training runs with volumes … Read More
31 October 2011 Fishing for ideas…
Fishing for ideas… My husband can’t catch a fish. Ever since we moved to Christchurch from Hawke’s Bay ten months ago he has gone from being an absolute ninja warrior fisherman on river, lake or ocean – to someone who can’t catch a bite to save himself. I say ninja warrior because anyone familiar with … Read More
24 October 2011 Sauvignon Lighten’s Up…
Sauvignon Lightens Up Alcohol isn’t everything. I wish someone had told me that when I was eighteen and making an idiot of myself. But back then there wasn’t much in the way of choice, it was all or nothing. Although they contained less alcohol, more than two beers made my stomach churn, I didn’t really … Read More
17 October 2011 Central Riesling & Pinot Shine at International Show
Last week, for the first time in history a New Zealand riesling won the London-based International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC) Trophy for Single Vineyard White. The wine in question was the Two Sisters Vineyard Central Otago Riesling 2007 ($35) and now I’m itching to try it myself. This is a phenomenal international achievement for … Read More
3 October 2011 Nelson First Fifteen
“Oh cool – what are you killing Dad?” my nine year old son craned his neck to see my husband drowning a white tail spider in a flood of Black Flag. “It was a big bugger son” said my husband as he flicked it out the window, “it almost crawled into your shoe”. “Should have … Read More
3 November 2011 Either Hugo or I go…
Either Hugo or I go… One of Australia’s most famous brands has had a major makeover. Not only has it given its label a bit of nip-and-tuck and indulged in an expensive set of extensions; it’s also visited the local council chambers, filled out the forms and instigated a name change. First launched in 1980 … Read More