Wine times

The finals of the 2018 Bayer Young Viticulturist of the Year competition were held in the Wairarapa at the end of August and the winner was announced at the Bragato dinner in Wellington on August 30.

Geographers, and those with an interest in the Arab world, will recognise Muscat as the capital of Oman.

We've had a delightful autumn this year, largely holding the inevitability of winter at bay. Yet with the gathering gloom of the shortest day less than a month away, winter's icy grip is looming.

Today's article is not about friendly vegans, but rather, what makes a wine vegan (or vegan friendly)?

Recommended retail prices (RRPs) are a funny thing and can sometimes seem to have little to recommend them (forgive the play on words), writes wine reviewer Mark Henderson.

At the opening address of the 2018 Central Otago Pinot Celebration, chairman Paul Pujol made the comment that if you saw a wine that you wanted to try, you really should do so, as you are unlikely...

The Gimblett Gravels dozen varies in its composition each year, both in varietal mix and in producers featured, with this 2015 edition featuring five Syrahs ranging from the excellent value...

In June, I enjoyed a couple of weeks of wine travels in France with a group of friends, culminating in a week in the southern Rhone, based roughly 40km northeast of Avignon.

While in France recently, I farewelled a group of wine-loving friends who were off to Bordeaux to further indulge their passion.

Collective nouns are a funny thing. Whoever thought up a parliament of owls or a knot of toads, for example?

The call of the wild draws some to don hiking books and head into the wilderness; for others, it’s hunting wild animals.

This was a fascinating tasting for Mr Collins, Mr McLaren and me as it was a compelling example of the benefits of giving wines some time to "breathe''.

Aussies Shiraz. I cut my vinous milk teeth on wines like this.