It's that time of year again when we're compelled to buy a sentimental card for our loved ones and go out for a set-menu meal - or wallow in our singledom.

Your guide to Valentine's Day drinking.

Blended families are very common these days. Yours, mine and sometimes ours. Extra patience, care and a whole range of sensitivities are required.

The New Zealand pinot noir movement is gathering pace and the great and good of the wine world jetted in from Singapore, Stockholm and San Francisco last week to experience Central Otago's take on the grape.

New Zealand wines of genuine distinction and world class status are not legion, but they do exist. Some tick some of the boxes some of the time. A few seem to get it dead right most of the time.

Getting experimental in our vineyards is a risky business, but one that has paid off in the past for our winemakers.

Dust your bunny ears down, the Year of the Rabbit is upon us.

The textures of New Zealand wines have developed from severe to silky.

The iconic Aussie drop has a new winemaker at the helm but drinkers shouldn't notice.

The annual Margaret River Wine Region Festival showcases wares from many of its 100 or more producers.

You'll rarely hear "subtle" and "Marlborough sauvignon blanc" in the same sentence.

Viva looks back on the year that was - and the year that lies ahead - for winemakers and drinkers.

The summer holiday period can be tough going sometimes, with plenty of parties, functions and barbies to attend, as well as the more relaxed few drinks at home.

Here is the annual review - albeit lightly - of how the last year shaped up or down, depending on whether you're a producer, a drinker or both.

There are many world-class wineries on our doorstep.

Gisborne, a bit like Wairarapa, has to make a lot of noise to get noticed. Geographically it's not top-of-mind.

Quench your thirst for wine knowledge from expert writers passionate about their topic.

New Zealand's top winemakers will battle it out at the inaugural Riesling Challenge today.

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.

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

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.