Boom and bust. Then boom again. That has been the recent story of Marlborough. The commercial success of Marlborough Sauvignon led to a massive increase in plantings throughout the late…
Two impressive Sauvignons: Bordeaux and Marlborough
I know that it’s not all that cool, but I really love Sauvignon Blanc. Here are two good ones: an oaked Bordeaux example (which is actually a blend with Semillon…
In Marlborough, day 3, my last in New Zealand
The last day of my New Zealand trip turned out to be a very good one. It began at Te Whare Ra, a small 11 hectare vineyard planted in 1979,…
A second day in Marlborough, New Zealand
So day 2 in New Zealand’s most important wine region. Lots to be done, beginning with a regional tasting held at Spy Valley, a winery located in the lower Waihopai…
The Marlborough wine region, day 1
Leaving Waipara behind, after an all-too-short sleep, it was time to head to Blenheim on a 19-seat Beechcraft. I had the best part of three days in this, New Zealand’s…
Waipara Valley wine region and the Summer of Riesling event
Day 2 in Waipara Valley, North Canterbury. It’s a beautifully sunny day, with vivid colours and temperatures in the high 20s. Just the day for a walk through the vineyards. And…
In New Zealand, day 6, the Waipara Valley, North Canterbury
It was hard to leave Queenstown. After an epic few days, I was very tired, so on Monday morning I sat outside, had a bowl of teriyaki noodles and drank…
In New Zealand, and the Central Otago Pinot Noir Celebration bows out in style
So I’m having such a fun and intense time here in New Zealand, I’m finding it hard to blog every day. But here goes. Sunday saw the final day of…
In New Zealand day 4, celebrating Central Otago Pinot Noir with enthusiasm
Day 4 of my visit was a long, enjoyable one. We began with a drive out to the lovely Northburn station, just out of Cromwell. This was to be the…