Week one of the second tranche of the International Wine Challenge is complete! There’s a weekend break for the judges, and then we meet again on Monday for four more…
Who judges the wine judges? And how can we increase judge diversity?
Wine judging is tough. This week and next it’s International Wine Challenge judging, which will keep me and quite a lot of other people busy. I guess if you are…
On hope, for wine businesses, for people
It’s amazing how much bravery a little hope can inspire. But take away hope – make someone feel trapped and hopeless – and they then become cautious and fearful. Many…
Time for a new passport
I’ve just applied for a new passport. I’m going to miss the old one: it has been a constant companion on my travels, but even though it has plenty of…
A template letter for wineries wanting to respond to two-timing critics
As a public service, I’m providing a template letter for those wineries who want to escape abusive relationships with two-timing critics. If you are a winery and you find yourself…
Dinner at Arbour with lovely wines: Felton Road, Vieux Telegraphe, Kumeu River and Quartz Reef
Arbour is widely regarded to be the best fine dining option in the Marlborough region. I visited with friends yesterday evening and we had a really good time. The kitchen…
Do Parker points matter any more?
Do Parker points matter any more? This was the question that started a big thread on facebook today, and it got me thinking. Points, points, points. It’s such a complicated…
A world without mirrors, and the importance of receiving criticism well
Imagine living in a world without mirrors (and, of course, cameras and smart phones sort of count here, too). How would you see yourself? To catch a reflection of yourself…
How are you?
How are you? This is a question most of us are asked frequently, but it’s a difficult one to answer. Of course, when we’re normally asked this question, there’s an…