Huffer and Bensen Block wines have teamed up to celebrate creativity. The two innovative labels have combined for a competition where the Huffer design team have used the texture, aroma and experience of the five variants of the affordable wines made by up-and-coming winemakers as inspiration for artworksthat have been screened on to limited edition T-shirts.
Kumeu Wine Country and the local arts centre are teaming up until April 27 for Art in the Vineyard, to put the work of professional artists on show.
It's another good reason to hit the wine trail, and check out the produce and the paintings at Soljans Estate, Kumeu River, Coopers Creek, West Brook, Nobilo and Matua Valley vineyards.
Moa please
The Moa beer range has been extended with two new varieties: noir (dark lager) and blanc (wheat beer).
The beers, made by young Blenheim winemaker turned brewer Josh Scott, follow up on the pilsner style lager and Scott says they offer more for beer lovers looking for good food matches. He recommends the original with Thai food, the blanc with seafood, and the malty noir with gamey foods.
"Look to marry the flavours of the beer to food and ensure the beer does not overwhelm the food and vice versa and your tastebuds will be away laughing," he says.
Moa beers are available at selected bars and restaurants and Glengarry stores in 375ml and 750ml bottles.
Beerly recognisable
Beer with a new flavour is being introduced by Lion in a bid to lure new-style drinkers. Its MASH range, "mashes" beer with other tastes, in three lager brews: golden, citrus (hint of lime) and energy (guarana).
"We can't wait to see what the drinker does with MASH - will they serve citrus with freshly squeezed lime in something other than a beer glass?" enthuses marketing manager Ben Wheeler.
Available in 330ml clear bottles in six and 12 packs, recommended retail of $10.99 and $19.99.
