Catch Olivier Magny on Sky's Travel Channel as he pokes around the winemaking regions of Romania.
It's been a huge week in wine - with loads of new releases soaking their way on to our shop shelves. Plus there are brilliant bargains out there as wineries endeavour to clear stock to make room for the new vintage.
My feijoas are falling faster than I can gather them and I'm driving everywhere at snail's pace while I try to spot field mushrooms sprouting on verges and in ditches.
Duck-shooting widows will be dusting off their crockpots in anticipation of afternoons sipping pinot noir and pulling pellets from the bodies of freshly plucked quackers.
There'll also be a collective sigh of relief from females nationwide because we no longer have to maintain a tan and finally can let our leg hair fulfil its wildest dreams.
Food, wine and travel junkies will have a new "must-see" TV show with the launch of Food and Wine Adventures Romania, which starts on the Travel Channel (Sky 25) on May 10 at 8pm. Wine educator, author and blogger Olivier Magny and British TV personality Jenny Powell host this show. They'll set off to uncover the culinary treasures of one of Europe's oldest wine regions. With help from local people, they'll meet food producers, explore family-run vineyards and dine at Romania's finest restaurants, plus they visit distilleries, forests, festivals, markets, cocktail bars, smokehouses and breweries.
Chardonnay lovers will also rejoice in the knowledge that Mission Estate, New Zealand's oldest winery, has just released its first ultra-premium, limited edition chardonnay.
To celebrate his 30th anniversary of making New Zealand's first handpicked, whole bunch-pressed, barrel-fermented chardonnay back in 1983, winemaker Paul Mooney has crafted Huchet Chardonnay 2013. Pronounced (Hoo-shay), it's priced at $89.
Is it worth it? Just cast your eye over my review.
SIPS OF THE WEEK
Mission Estate Huchet Hawke's Bay Chardonnay 2013, $89
This wine is an absolute stunner. Drool-inducing aromas of oatcakes topped with slices of peach, slathered in fresh honeycomb kick off this glass of gorgeousness. The wine is poised on a knife-edge of piercing, precise acidity and tropical fruit purity and a layer of creamy richness and toasty oak. Finely structured and destined for great things over the coming years. missionestate.co.nz
Waipara Hills Pinot Gris 2014, $21
If you've never tasted pinot gris greatness, I'm here to help. Scooping a gold medal at this year's Royal Easter Wine Show, this snappy, spicy example bursts with nashi pear, ginger and apple strudel flavours followed by a luxuriously creamy, textural finish. waiparahills.co.nz
The Better Half Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2014, $15.99
Crafted by George Elworthy, husband of winemaker Jules Taylor, who decided the time was nigh for him to sharpen up his old winemaking skills. His sauvignon has lemon zest, lime and classic passionfruit notes and provides a fresh, tangy trip for your taste buds. julestaylor.co.nz
Main Divide Merlot Cabernet 2012, $19
Plummy, cherryish, packed with spice, this is a decent southern red that'll suit any situation that requires something smooth, easy and warming. Hints of dried herb and smoke on the finish add interest and make it a good match for a big, beefy casserole. maindivide.com
Moa Apple Cider 330ml ($22 x 12 pack)
Josh Scott and the team at Moa have released their first foray into cider by putting a bit of a French spin on the flavours by fermenting the apple juice with French oak chips to add a layer of vanilla, waffle and toasty maple to the apple character. Widely available.
Jackson Estate Homestead Marlborough Pinot Noir 2013, $23
Bright, spicy and bursting with black tea, raspberry and cherry flavours, this pinot noir will definitely please the crowds. Wrapping itself around all that fruit is a seam of chewy, softly grainy tannin which adds an extra layer to its long, succulent finish. glengarrywines.co.nz