Latest FromViva
Wine: Toning down the tannins
The textures of New Zealand wines have developed from severe to silky.
<i>Sri Mahkota</i>, Grafton
It's a cuisine getting big attention but this particular spot, while delicious, didn't quite get the pulse racing.
At home: Reaching new heights
Enviromental expert Jerome Partington gives a basic 80s bach an elegant new lease of life whilst keeping the good of the planet utmost in his mind.
Scoops of delight (+recipes)
Nothing says summer like icecream. Try making your own with these seasonal recipes.
Beauty: Good to glow
Hold on to that holiday feeling while harnessing a little help to weather the hot season well.
Fashion Plate: Claire Stapleton
Claire Stapleton uses the power of shopping to help those in need.
Crown jewels
One of New Zealand's finest creations, Crown Lynn crockery, is being celebrated in a new exhibition. Viva meets some of its most passionate followers.
Wine: Jacob's new master
The iconic Aussie drop has a new winemaker at the helm but drinkers shouldn't notice.
<i>Ponsonby Road Bistro</i>, Ponsonby
A Ponsonby Rd eatery proves itself worthy of a repeat visit.
Peachy keen (+recipes)
'Tis the season of delicious summer fruits, which can be enjoyed many different ways.
The Dish: New around town
While most eateries took a break over the holiday period, there were a handful of industrious people opening new restaurants.
Fashion Plates: Billie Rogers and Emily Littler
In the lead-up to their appearance at the Big Day Out, Billie Rogers and Emily Littler share their style preferences with Viva.
Lisa Black's favourite things
Using taxidermy for her art is just one of the eclectic loves of Lisa Black.
Local fashion's country affair
What do you get when you combine fashion's young in-crowd with sumptuous food and great wine in a stylish Hawkes Bay lodge? A chic alfresco party. Viva was there.
Wine: Grape expectations
Viva looks back on the year that was - and the year that lies ahead - for winemakers and drinkers.
<i>Star Cafe Seafood Restaurant</i>, Epsom
A popular Epsom local delivers flavoursome, delicious and good value Chinese food without the fanfare.
Feasting on summer (+recipes)
Make the most of the weather and relax outside with some tasty morsels to sustain you.
Paul Dowie's favourite things
For design store owner Paul Dowie, treasures can be simple - from the garden to enjoying a breakfast - or artistic and historic.
The cutlery conundrum
With its roots in China, a new movement is sweeping the planet to discourage diners from going disposable.
The year ahead
Grab your diaries for Viva's essential guide to what everyone will be talking about in 2011. Here's to an eventful year.
Awesome aromatics
Here are three of the best aromatics of their kind to bear in mind when doing your holiday shopping.
Summer staples (+recipes)
No one wants to spend their holidays slaving away in the kitchen. Here are some super tasty, easy meals.