Forget that bottle of fizzy drink - with the right match, wine can be a lovely accompaniment for takeaways.

Don Kavanagh tastes oodles of sparklies and finds only a few that please his palate.

We may have come to the end of our surfeit of wine, but there are still bargains to be had if you know where to look.

Today's novice drinkers have a better chance to develop their palate.

Great wines are easily remembered, just like inspirational teachers or unexpected random acts of kindness. I have great memories (keeping notes also helps) of the wines that have spun my wheels this year.

A win at an international competition for one of our top rieslings reminds there is more to NZ wine than pinot noir and sauvignon blanc.

This may be a precarious time to experiment and deviate from the tried and true, so those willing to chance their arm and, probably, the patience of their bank manager, deserve our attention.

Some fresh finds that should make for great summer sipping.

Grapes from the land of Mozart are finally getting the recognition they deserve.

A prediction. A relative new kid on the Central Otago block, Misha's Vineyard, will be the next big thing. Why?

Blind winemakers may bring an added skill to the industry.

As a self-confessed foodie, I am always anxious to peruse any menu with great zeal. However, I am even more interested in the wine list and am happy to scour them with tenacious enthusiasm.

You'll be amazed at the reds the Aussies are churning out, notes Don Kavanagh.

Time for grenache to come out from under cover.

For those who may be weary at the thought of another chardonnay, sauvignon blanc or pinot gris, there is help at hand.

New electronic devices are replacing the job of your tastebuds when it comes to tasting wine.

New Zealand wines costing more than $100 per bottle are relatively rare but despite the tough economic times they're growing in number.

Hoodwinking diners into buying pricey wines puts Don Kavanagh's hackles right up.

Artistic labels are increasingly reflecting the work that goes into creating the contents.

Fiscal madness. Wine producer Jim Jerram is talking about his transition from being a general practitioner in Dunedin to heading the Ostler Waitaki Valley vineyards in North Otago.

Waiheke Island has never been better positioned to take its place as a serious feature on the New Zealand winescape.

Canterbury's wine industry has taken a big hit but has learned lessons from the earthquakes.