New Zealand

Latest New Zealand

Don't quote me Wine's roots in the forest

Forest terroir is as real, and as consequential, as vineyard terroir. Above, Tony Bish in the Tronçais forest in central France (credit: Richard Brimer). Inside Tony Bish’s urban winery in...

Chris Howard Thursday 2 July 2026 • 12 min read

The Pacific ocean view from Flowers Vineyards

Don't quote me Oceanic wine

Chris Howard asks, if there’s such a thing as volcanic wine, can there be oceanic wine? Above, seals on the beach where the Pacific meets the Russian River – not...

Chris Howard Wednesday 10 June 2026 • 12 min read

Free for all Harvest report – New Zealand 2026

A vintage that unfolded like a novel, with tension and twists and an ultimately satisfying ending, says Sophie Parker-Thomson MW. Above, the 2026 harvest of Pinot Noir at Mora, Central...

Guest contributor Monday 25 May 2026 • 1 min read

More New Zealand

Free for all

Carefully selected New Zealanders

How good is NZ Pinot Noir? And how about its aromatic whites? A version of this article is published by...

Tasting articles

Carefully selected New Zealanders – the tasting notes

Smart Chardonnay, diverse Sauvignon Blanc, well-priced Pinot Noir. Above, Kevin Judd’s photo shows Falveys vineyard in the upper Omaka Valley...

Mission Blind Tasting

Blind tasting, part 9 – Riesling

How to identify this characterful variety in its various guises, from Germany and elsewhere. Today’s lesson is devoted to one...

Free for all

Burgundian Pinots from outside Burgundy

There are Pinot Noirs and Pinot Noirs. There’s nothing whatsoever wrong with examples that perfectly express their local region but...

Samantha Cole-Johnson tasting a lineup of Pinot Gris wines

Mission Blind Tasting

Blind tasting, part 8 – Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio

Same grape, different languages. Get to know its markers in its strongholds of Alsace, Italy, Oregon and New Zealand. For...

Tasting articles

Wine discoveries – March 2026

Crisp, refreshing springtime sparklers, juicy reds and drool-worthy dessert wines not to miss. Above, the village of Olena in Tuscany...

Mission Blind Tasting

Blind tasting, part 6 – Chardonnays of the world

A Chardonnay masterclass, with everything you need to know to distinguish one country’s styles from another’s. At last tally, Chardonnay...

Tasting articles

Australia and New Zealand – more interesting than ever

Though some of the better-priced examples aren’t yet available in the UK … Importers, take note. Viticulturist Rhys Thomas (left)...

Wine news in 5

Harvest starts down under, Jackson Family news, pruning by kayak, French co-ops in crisis

Plus mining company buying vineyard land in Australia and Champagne’s CO 2 emission goals raised. Above, red lines show major...

Wine news in 5

New French grape variety, Argentina's falling exports, UK's rising wine taxes

Plus updates on Facebook’s recommendation bans and New Zealand mining projects, and the passing of five influential wine-industry figures. Also...

Greywacke's Clouston Vineyard, in Wairau Valley, New Zealand

Wines of the week

Greywacke, Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough

Exemplary New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc from the Wairau Valley, pictured above. From $17.99, £23.94. It was not my intent to...

Wine news in 5

Wildfires in Chile, New Zealand floods, South Africa starts harvest, Prosecco sales strong

Also: the WHO calls for raised alcohol taxes; more tariff drama; Champagne sales decline, and protests continue at Moët Hennessy...

Wine news in 5

Sweetener in French AOC wines, US diet guidelines updated, New Zealand free-trade deal

Plus, Telmont becomes Champagne’s first Regenerative Organic Certified producer, Argentina repeals wine regulations and the EU rules on de-alcoholised wine...