Latest news
Top reds from the Bay
Joelle Thomson delves into the latest edition of the book regarded as a “must-have” for wine lovers everywhere…
World’s best wine book returns
Joelle Thomson delves into the latest edition of the book regarded as a “must-have” for wine lovers everywhere…
When bigger is better
Family-owned wine business Guigal in France’s Rhône Valley shows that quality and quantity can go hand in hand, as Joelle Thomson explains…
The Paris of the Middle East
Great new vintages from Lebanon’s Chateau Musar are ripe for discovery, as Joelle Thomson explains…
Letter from Martinborough
A small town with big successes, Joelle Thomson explains why Martinborough is such a special spot for Pinot Noir devotees…
Vintage reflections
Why does the word ‘vintage’ carry such cachet – and is it valid? Joelle Thomson examines this and writes about vintage 2023 for the North Island…
Fabulous Felton’s first 25 years
Joelle Thomson raises a glass to Felton Road’s milestone and samples a very special new release...
Cabernet comeback
Some exceptional local releases are shining a new light on Cabernet Sauvignon, says Joelle Thomson…
Fabulous fortifieds
Let’s hear it for the most forgotten wines on Earth, says Joelle Thomson…
Dark and mysterious
Joelle Thomson gets to know the intriguing new Blaufränkisch from Hans Herzog…
End of an era at Escarpment
Winemaker Larry McKenna may have resigned from one of the country’s great Pinot Noir wineries, but he’s not walking away from wine just yet, says Joelle Thomson…
Trading in a pandemic
Running your own business is challenging at the best of times, let alone in a global pandemic, so it’s encouraging to see independent operators surviving, says Joelle Thomson…
The ascent of Albariño
Albariño has become a rising star of New Zealand’s alternative white scene. But, asks Joelle Thomson, why has it succeeded where so many others have failed?…
On stony soil
Gimblett Gravels is one of New Zealand’s most coveted wine growing sites, and the latest Annual Vintage Selection is a showcase of the district’s strengths, as Joelle Thomson explains...
Silver lining to a small vintage
Mother Nature may have delivered incredibly small crops to New Zealand winemakers this year, but her tough love has its upsides as Joelle Thomson explains...
See you again, Clivée
Joelle Thomson says a fond ‘au revoir’ as one of the wine industry’s leading lights steps back…
A lament for the little guys and gals
Joelle Thomson ponders the absence of smaller wineries from big city wine lists…