Even in times of recession buying fine wine can be a solid, long-term investment.

The latest crop of vineyards can be found in some unlikely places.

Trimming down is never far from conversation at this time of year, but it's usually waistlines we're talking about - not wine.

I know many wine obsessives who, like myself, gave up buying top-end French wines, especially Bordeaux, when prices skyrocketed in the 90s.

Divers have found what is thought to be the world's oldest drinkable champagne in a shipwreck in the Baltic Sea.

France is taking drastic measures to save its struggling wine industry.

Fun ways to feel the French vibe without flying all the way to Paris.

Top sommelier Jean-Marie Pratt brings his global quest for tasty tipples Downunder.

There are many gizmos out there which claim to improve your wine drinking experience. We look at the ones that work.

It all started when my old friend, Chris Carrad, brought over a "cosmic" wine for tasting.

A study of the UV effects on grapes has potentially revealed why our wines are so distinctive

You know the feeling - you rush into the supermarket only to stand, staring blankly at the fresh vegetable section.

Dedicated wine drinker Michelle Coursey is introduced to a classy range of boutique beers.

Your average reds all contain added sulphur to prevent oxidation. As do most of the dried fruits and nuts we eat.

The sun has set on one of NZ's major wine brands, Montana Wines, which will soon become Brancott Estate.

Expand your palate, there's more to white wine than sauvignon blanc.

Judith Tizard says she bought a $155 bottle of champagne during a dinner with Australian ministers as a matter of national pride.

Attention to detail is the all-important ingredient in the business of making champagne, says Francois Hautekeur.

Two Waikato boys team up to share their gourmet talents.

Prepare to eat a lot when some of Auckland's top eateries team up for the annual Mercy Hospital Degustation Brunch fundraiser.

Our new generation of vintners aren't afraid to push the boundaries and think outside the square with their winemaking.

How we present ourselves says a lot about us to other people, and the same applies to how wines are presented to us, if the nakedly ambitious marketing of champagne, organic wines and pinot noirs I've seen recently is anything to go by.