On The Grapevine November

Air New Zealand Wine Awards Surprises

At last we have two trophy winning wines that should be readily available to the public. The winner of the Open Class Trophy (2500 cases or more) in both reds and whites also took out the Trophy in their varietal class. Peregrine Central Otago Pinot Noir 2009 won both the best Pinot trophy but also the Champion Wine of the Show. In the Riesling class Villa Maria’s Private Bin Private Bin Marlborough Dry Riesling 2010 also won both trophies.

Also winning gold’s and available in good quantity is Nautilus Marlborough Pinot Noir 2009,Waipara Hills Waipara Pinot Noir 2009, Amisfield Central Otago Pinot Noir 2008, Allan Scott Family Winemakers Marlborough Pinot Noir 2009, Pencarrow Martinborough Pinot Noir 2009, Stoneleigh Marlborough Pinot Noir 2009 and Wild Earth Vineyards Central Otago Pinot Noir 2008. For a full list of resultsgo to www.airnewzealandwineawards.co.nz

Marlborough Savvy Loves Oysters

Yet again a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough has taken out the prize of Grand Champion at the 16th Annual Old Ebbitt Grills International Wine for Oysters challenge. Pitted against Savvys from California, Chile and of course Marlborough the Sileni Estates Cellar Selection Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2010 reigned supreme.

Have Christmas at Herzog

Forget the shopping and cooking and have a stress free Christmas lunch or dinner at Herzog Gourmet Restaurant. Enjoy and aperitif in the winery, take a short tour of the estate before moving into the restaurant for a 3 course set gourmet lunch with matching Herzog wines, cost $159pp. Or take in Christmas dinner with 5 course dinner and wines for $236pp, New Years dinner is the same cost. For full details go to www.herzog.co.nz  bookings essential.

Villa Maria Summer Concerts

Villa Maria will play host to Roxy Music with Bryan Ferry in their only New Zealand show at Villa Maria’s Auckland winery on Sunday 6th March. Also playing at the Auckland vineyard is Crowded House on Sunday 27th February.
The More FM Winery Tour will be at Villa Maria’s Marlborough vineyard on Saturday 5th March with this year’s line-up featuring Brooke Fraser, OPSHOP and Midnight Youth, for more information go to www.villamariaconcerts.co.nz