The Label Is Only the Start

The Aotearoa National Wine Awards trophies have been announced, and it's time to face the music. Before the results, I made my trophy predictions from the gold medal winners. This episode is the accountability check.The scorecard: I got one right. In four more categories I had the eventual winner in my sights, but I talked myself out of it and picked something else. I go through every call, explain where my thinking went wrong, and look at what the results say about the wines, regions and styles New Zealand is winning with right now.If you follow the awards, like a bit of wine humility, or want to know which Kiwi wines are worth buying, this one's for you.

They say life is like a box of chocolates, and wine can be too. You pick up a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay or Pinot Noir, and it tastes nothing like the last one.In this episode I look at why wines made from the same grape variety can taste completely different from what you expect. We cover where the grapes are grown, the climate and vintage, the site and soil, how the vineyard is managed, and the decisions made in the winery, from picking time and fermentation to oak and lees. I also look at how age and serving change what ends up in your glass.Whether you're choosing a bottle at the shop, building a wine list or just wondering why your favourite variety keeps surprising you, this will help you understand what's behind the label.Which wine has surprised you the most? Let me know.

The gold medal winners at the Aotearoa National Wine Awards are in, and the trophies are announced on 8 November. In this episode I work through the gold medal list and call which wines I think will take out the top trophies, from Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay through to the aromatics and the reds.I look at which producers and regions have the momentum, which styles judges keep rewarding, and where I think the big upsets could come from. Then you can check my calls against the real results on 8 November and see how I did.If you follow New Zealand wine, shop the shelves or just want to know which bottles are worth hunting down, this one's for you. Check out the full list https://www.nationalwineawards.co.nz/Tell me your own trophy picks in the comments.

The New Zealand International Wine Show is Aotearoa's biggest wine competition, now in its 22nd year, and the 2026 trophies were announced in Auckland on 16 October. In this episode I break down the NZIWS 2026 trophy winners, including [Champion Wine of the Show], drawing on what I know about each wine, the producer and the brand.I look at which varieties, regions and producers took the top awards, which wins make sense, which surprised me, and what it all says about the state of New Zealand wine. A handy shortlist if you're hunting for the best NZ Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir or Chardonnay.

My six favourites from New World's Top 30 wines for 2026, what supermarket wine is really like, and a rant about Wine-Searcher's "no NZ wines" Sauvignon Blanc list. When does a wine get too expensive?

Wine from Argentina to NZ via Colombia what could go wrong. The interviews are back we talk to @tomastonnelier the Malbec Man about the ups and downs for importing wine to NZ and why he does. #winelover #wine #nzwinepodcast #malbec #argentinewine

Wine is more than just a label. The Great wine all have a story to tell of the place, of the people, of the fruit.

So… What Exactly Is a Sommelier?

The great skill of a GREAT sommelier is the ability to find a drink the is the bridge between you and the food. The one thing that elevates your dining experience to the next level is a perfectly paired drink.

Why is there so many rules are drinking wine and which ones should you adhere to and which ones are just complete rubbish