Demand has soared for a North Island pinot noir crowned best in the world.

A $200 bottle of Martinborough pinot noir was crowned the finest at a tasting in California, ahead of renowned wines from around the world.

When wanting to impress visiting overseas wine buffs, I have trusty favourites that I pluck from the cellar and open with a good deal of confidence.

The textures of New Zealand wines have developed from severe to silky.

Toast. Is it: A) Bread browned on both sides by exposure to heat B) A call to raise glasses in honour of a person or thing C) A Martinborough festival for 10,000 New Zealand food and wine lovers D) All of the above?

We quiz some of New Zealand's best winemakers to find their tipples du jour.

If wine had a personality, pinot noir's would be strangely alluring while requiring occasional therapy.

Two businessmen involved in an alleged vigilante street patrol in the Wairarapa town of Martinborough have had their sentencing delayed to give them time to prove their actions were lawful.

A Martinborough pinot noir has taken the top trophy in this year's Air New Zealand wine awards.

Lovers of pinot noir are probably the most obsessive, evangelical wine buffs on the planet.

Logan Brown noted for its atmosphere, menu, wine list and service.

The Independent's Raymond Whitaker finds a refreshing lack of preciousness amongst New Zealand's winemakers.