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Fresh from France, Beaujolais Nouveau will be toasted at special parties this week.
The November launch of Beaujolais dates back around a century to when vintners would load their carts with barrels of new season's wine to take from the growing region south to Lyon. Now it is air freighted across the globe.
The autumn release from the largest producer, Georges Duboeuf, known as the King of Beaujolais, accounts for a fifth of his annual production, around five million bottles. Duboeuf adorns the new season's bottle with a colourful designer flower label, this year's called Symbol of the Seasons, referring to how the changing temperatures effect the fruit of the vine. Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau parties are being held tomorrow at Dida's Wine Lounge, Jervois Rd, Herne Bay, and Wellington's Beaujolais Wine Bar, in Woodward St. Glengarry is stocking the 2007 vintage at its stores in Jervois Rd and Victoria Park, Auckland, and Glengarry, Thorndon Quay, Wellington.
Acres of eats
If you're out at Ellerslie this week, check out the edible offerings. Not just the things you grow, but also the easy eats served up on a plate to garden show attendees. The Foodtown Woolworths Lifestyle Marquee is a good place to start with a host of food samples on offer.
Market down
Parnell is bringing the country to town, with its own farmers' market. Now in its third week , the market runs on Saturdays from 8am at the Jubilee Building carpark at 545 Parnell Rd, behind the library.
Oratia Farmers Market is another to check out. This newish market is held every Saturday from 9am to noon at Artisan Wines, 99 Parrs Cross Rd, Oratia. Trek west and check out the fresh produce.
Closer to savour
From next year food and wine event Savour New Zealand is moving from Christchurch to Auckland. This is the event that brings such luminaries as Tamasin Day-Lewis and Tom Parker Bowles here. Next year's event will be at the Langham Hotel and the programme will be on www.savournewzealand.co.nz from December 10.
Summer slurps
If beer is your cup of tea, then try Mac's Sun Dance Summer Ale and Speight's Summer Harvest this season. The Mac's brew follows on from a special spring release and is a limited edition ale with a citrus twist reckoned to go well with seafood. Available now from supermarkets and liquor stores at a recommended price of $13.49 per six pack, or from Mac's brewbars. Speight's is selling its seasonal Harvest at its alehouses and in takeout six packs ($10.99). It's said to have apricoty overtones.
Beering up
Heineken is again selling its draught in mini kegs for summer, making this the smart solution for your next barbecue. Just tuck the tank under your arm, turn the tap and you've got your own portable bar. After opening the pressurised kegs stay fresh for up to 30 days. Available from selected supermarkets, Liquorland and The Mill, $39.95.
Bubbling under
Emile Leclere may not be the best known French champagne, but it dates back to 1886 and is small family run house in the heart of the traditional growing area. This boutique bubbly can be delivered to your door, in a six-bottle case for $430, or per bottle for $79.90 including freight from www.frenchchampagne.co.nz
Cafe at home
If you're a bad mummy, or trying to shame one into the kitchen, then the Delicious brand Chocolate Fudge Brownie mix might be one shortcut to kitchen creation. The jar of ingredients stays fresh and turns out a smart snack when the cupboard is otherwise bare. $17.96 at Farro Fresh, 80 Lunn Ave, Mt Wellington.
Boutique flavours
The Elliot Stables lanes behind Smith and Caughey have another tenant in Artisan Fine Wine Suppliers. This wine shop specialises in international wines from smaller wineries, and carries a range of hand-crafted local beers and premium spirits. The shop plans to offer three bottle prestige and estate tasting packs to help educate drinkers' palates.
Shop M13 Elliot Stables, corner Elliot and Wellesley Sts, Auckland. Ph (09) 302 0206. www.artisanwinesuppliers.co.nz
Tea time
Aaah! Nourishing Tea, also at the Elliot Stables, has something for the discerning drinker of non-alcoholic beverages. Teas, herbal infusions and tea lattes and tea smoothies are offered along with tips on how to get the best out of your brews. There's tea paraphernalia, cupcakes, cookies and gluten-free goodies on offer. Owner, Leanne Pratt, is a herbalist and naturopath and brings to the store an environmentally friendly philosophy.
Shop M6 Elliot Stables. Ph (09) 377 8962.
