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

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.

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?

The perception that sparkling wine, bubbles, champagne ... call it what you will, is for use as seasonal or celebratory drink only must drive producers crazy.

Don't be afraid to ask for help when choosing a wine to accompany your meal.

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?

So where do you look to diversify when you've already got substantial interests in seafood, shipping, tourism and property?

There is something almost naughtily decadent about drinking bubbles.

Pinot noir varietals have again dominated the Air New Zealand Wine Awards, winning a total of 32 gold medals.

Local pinots are not yet exhibiting a sense of place.

A New Zealand wine company has become the first in the world to declare its carbon footprint for each glass.

Philip Rich will raise his glass up to 400 times this week as he turns his palate to the Air New Zealand Wine Awards.

The analogies between photography and winemaking may be obvious but that doesn’t diminish the fact they are valid.

The English are producing world-class champagnes.

New Zealand winemakers weren't pleased after one of the world's most respected wine critics, master of wine Jancis Robinson, pooh-poohed the country's pinot noir in a blind tasting.