This book is designed to be a handy guide for anyone keen to know more about the grape varieties grown in New Zealand, and to explore the flavour and colour of our unique heartland regional winery cellar doors.
Each of the regions from north to south has its own distinctive scenery, from snow-capped mountains, to rolling green countryside, to breath-taking golden beaches. Any time of year is a good time to visit, a sunny summer outdoor tasting overlooking neat rows of lush green vines, or sampling in a cosy winter cellar door with a blazing log fire.
In order to enable the wine fan to get the most out of each region, the book has divided New Zealand into separate regions and sub-regions. Detailed, up-to-date information is provided on wineries, wine styles, hours of operation, vineyard café or restaurant, and pricing. Also included are suggestions on vineyard accommodation, attractions, artisan foods, and local history.
So often I hear the refrain: ‘But I’m no wine expert…’
Do you like wine?
Yes?
Okay – that’s where we all start.
Relax. Nobody is an expert. After fifteen years in the industry as a wine tour operator, having gone through countless wine tastings and education courses, and also as a wine writer – I’m still discovering new wine knowledge almost daily. There are always new wineries, vintages, and obscure wine varieties to discover, both here and in the classic wine regions around the world. That is the joy of being involved in an industry populated by genuine enthusiasts who share a passion and commitment to making excellent wine.
So you don’t have to be an expert to use this book. But I have assumed that the reader has a basic knowledge of our wine varieties and enjoys drinking at least one of them!
Each of the regions from north to south has its own distinctive scenery, from snow-capped mountains, to rolling green countryside, to breath-taking golden beaches. Any time of year is a good time to visit, a sunny summer outdoor tasting overlooking neat rows of lush green vines, or sampling in a cosy winter cellar door with a blazing log fire.
In order to enable the wine fan to get the most out of each region, the book has divided New Zealand into separate regions and sub-regions. Detailed, up-to-date information is provided on wineries, wine styles, hours of operation, vineyard café or restaurant, and pricing. Also included are suggestions on vineyard accommodation, attractions, artisan foods, and local history.
So often I hear the refrain: ‘But I’m no wine expert…’
Do you like wine?
Yes?
Okay – that’s where we all start.
Relax. Nobody is an expert. After fifteen years in the industry as a wine tour operator, having gone through countless wine tastings and education courses, and also as a wine writer – I’m still discovering new wine knowledge almost daily. There are always new wineries, vintages, and obscure wine varieties to discover, both here and in the classic wine regions around the world. That is the joy of being involved in an industry populated by genuine enthusiasts who share a passion and commitment to making excellent wine.
So you don’t have to be an expert to use this book. But I have assumed that the reader has a basic knowledge of our wine varieties and enjoys drinking at least one of them!
