Latest news
Fabulous Felton’s first 25 years
Joelle Thomson raises a glass to Felton Road’s milestone and samples a very special new release...
Plan for your special licence
It’s festival season and alcohol licensing lawyer Pervinder Kaur has some useful tips on what to know about applying for a special licence…
Loaded launches global campaign after capital raise
Queenstown hospitality software business Loaded is launching its global campaign, following the raising of $3.25 million, with an initial entry into Australia planned for early this year…
Shed 530 Estate opens in Hawke’s Bay
The Premium Liquor Co. has launched its latest venture with the opening of Shed 530 Estate – a winery, vineyard and cellar door in Hawke’s Bay…
Invivo’s inaugural flight takes off
New Zealand company Invivo made its first flight at the end of January, taking guests between Auckland and Queenstown with its offshoot Invivo Air…
Post-COVID recovery for brewing - NZIER
New research into New Zealand’s brewing industry shows steady recovery and significant economic contributions despite several years of disruption and supply concerns…
Reefton Distilling Co. launches across Australia
West Coast craft distillery Reefton Distilling Co. has partnered with independent spirits distributor Iconic Beverages to launch nationally in Australia…
Cropsy targets ‘Ghost Vines’ with new grant
New Zealand agritech start-up Cropsy Technologies is leading a $1.3 million SFF Futures/AGMARDT co-funded project to help growers identify and replace ‘Ghost Vines’…
Ready for NZ Rosé Day?
The annual celebration of New Zealand Rosé is coming up on Sunday 5 February, with NZ Rosé Day to be held over the Waitangi Day long weekend…
NZ Winegrowers launches brand refresh
New Zealand Winegrowers has launched its new global brand platform – New Zealand Wine, Altogether Unique – designed to highlight the very best of the New Zealand wine industry…
New Indulge festival coming to Auckland
A new food, wine and design festival is coming to Auckland’s waterfront in March, with some of the country’s leading wineries set to take part…
Entries open for 2023 New World Beer & Cider Awards
Entries are now open for the ninth New World Beer & Cider Awards, with the Top 30 brews to be showcased at New World stores nationwide…
NZABC survey shows rise in low alc drinking
An annual survey of New Zealanders’ drinking habits has found that more than half of those surveyed tried a low alcohol drink in 2022 – up 9% on the previous year…
Cheers to summer and here’s to 2023
The Drinksbiz team is winding up for the year and getting ready to raise a glass to 2023…
Fifth NZ Winemaker win for Chris Scott at Winestate Awards
Church Road Chief Winemaker Chris Scott has been named New Zealand Winemaker of the Year for the fifth time at the annual Winestate Wine of the Year Awards..
New partnership for Scapegrace and LOOP
Scapegrace has announced an ongoing partnership with independent music company LOOP ahead of the summer festival season…
Hospo NZ “beyond frustrated” over immigration changes
Hospitality NZ says that the refusal by Government to put chefs on its immigration Green List will hurt hospitality businesses and customers…
Strange Nature gin offers recycling system for hospo
New Zealand gin brand Strange Nature has launched a nationwide recycling programme for hospitality in which its distinctive bottles can be reused and refilled…
Cabernet comeback
Some exceptional local releases are shining a new light on Cabernet Sauvignon, says Joelle Thomson…
Cold IPA 101
Michael Donaldson breaks down what’s behind the new Cold IPAs we’ll be seeing a lot more of over summer…

