Don Kavanagh toasts one of this country's most successful wineries.

Choosing the right drinks to go with your barbecue this summer will make the good times even better.

Czech and US beers are vying to win over Kiwi drinkers, writes Don Kavanagh.

Justice Minister Judith Collins has defended requiring councils to wait for a year before they can use new powers over liquor licensing, saying smaller councils could not handle it.

Don Kavanagh tries to steady his nerves for a gig and some tasting at the Celtic Inn.

Chase Bickerton - from the The Naughty Penguin Bar in Queenstown - beat 370 entrants to win the biggest bartending competition in NZ history - the Beam Bar Legend. Contestants were tasked with six rounds including a formal interview, a blind tasting, an aperitivo challenge, a masterclass with Ago Perrone and two cocktail invention challenges. Check out images from the gruelling two-day final in Auckland.

Don Kavanagh mourns the demise of the traditional Irish pub in his homeland.

Don Kavanagh questions the logic in ruling out one-bottle alcohol sales.

Don Kavanagh has had an absolute skinful of hand-wringing prohibitionists.

Rotorua bars have a social responsibility to sober drivers, says a road safety advocate.

Don Kavanagh welcomes the return of the cocktail-mixing theatrics in bars.

The first time I entered the Tyler Street Garage I thought I'd walked into an Irish police station. It was hectic.

Purists who say don't mess with malt should think again, says Don Kavanagh.

I was worried when I stepped into The Villager, mostly because I saw two suits near the bar.

Independent brewers are making fine beers. Don Kavanagh's interest is piqued.