Brown muscat and men called Keith share something in common - they don't sound very sexy. Nevertheless, I got hot under the collar about some new brown muscat plantings a few weeks ago.

There's fresh blood oozing with talent in New Zealand's wine industry. Rebecca Gibb picks the ones to watch this year.

Here is the annual review - albeit lightly - of how the last year shaped up or down, depending on whether you're a producer, a drinker or both.

There are many world-class wineries on our doorstep.

More than a third of men surveyed said they wanted to have a glass of wine with the Prime Minister.

New Zealand's top winemakers will battle it out at the inaugural Riesling Challenge today.

Despite being enveloped in the bosom of one of the world's largest wine conglomerates, Selaks still holds a sentimental place in the hearts and minds of the New Zealand wine-buying public.

'Tis the season to try new wine varietals or labels. And think beyond your Christmas dinner to all those parties and post-Christmas barbies.

Matakana Estate and its sister brand, Goldridge, went into liquidation at the end of last month, making them the latest victims of the economic downturn and wine oversupply crisis.

Waiheke Island's boutique wine industry is growing in experience, variety and profile.

Christmas is a good excuse to stock the cellar - and splash out on something extra special.

Once upon a time men were men. They would drink beer and eat meat. Now they're happy with a slice of quiche and a glass of rosé. What is the world coming to?

In the eternal quest to come up with a point of difference at wine festivals, beyond the bands, showground attractions, tasty finger food - and the wine, Gisborne ought to take a bow.

Bling is back.

Canterbury's wineries are slowly bouncing back from September's earthquake.

A wine from Central Otago's Gibbston region has won the supreme award at this year's Air New Zealand Wine Awards.

One of the country's most significant and authentic wine awards recently celebrated its 10th year.

You know you're getting old when you start asking, "Where has the year gone?"

A road trip to the Gisborne Wine & Food Festival is a hilarity-filled affair for Sarah Ivey and friends.

They have six vineyard blocks aged more than 100 years old, with the majority of the vines still producing excellent grapes. While they've not been acknowledged with a telegram from the Queen, they are highly prized by their owners.

A panel of world class international judges cast their verdicts on a record number of brewers entered in this year's NZ Homebrewing Competition.

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?

Rugby World Cup patrons can expect to pay up to $17 for a glass of wine in restaurants near Eden Park, but industry heads say it's not a rip-off.