With tongue firmly in cheek and an eye on this month’s election, we match wine with political parties.

Today's novice drinkers have a better chance to develop their palate.

Great wines are easily remembered, just like inspirational teachers or unexpected random acts of kindness. I have great memories (keeping notes also helps) of the wines that have spun my wheels this year.

We've rounded up some of the best events happening all over the country this long weekend.

A win at an international competition for one of our top rieslings reminds there is more to NZ wine than pinot noir and sauvignon blanc.

The 2011 taste sensations so far are firmly imprinted on my mind and linger still on the palate.

Croatia plays a significant part in New Zealand's wine heritage.

This may be a precarious time to experiment and deviate from the tried and true, so those willing to chance their arm and, probably, the patience of their bank manager, deserve our attention.

Grapes from the land of Mozart are finally getting the recognition they deserve.

A prediction. A relative new kid on the Central Otago block, Misha's Vineyard, will be the next big thing. Why?

Drinkers of wine, sherry and port may be unknowingly breaking the law and consuming small doses of the party drug fantasy.

Blind winemakers may bring an added skill to the industry.

As a self-confessed foodie, I am always anxious to peruse any menu with great zeal. However, I am even more interested in the wine list and am happy to scour them with tenacious enthusiasm.

You'll be amazed at the reds the Aussies are churning out, notes Don Kavanagh.

Time for grenache to come out from under cover.

For those who may be weary at the thought of another chardonnay, sauvignon blanc or pinot gris, there is help at hand.

New electronic devices are replacing the job of your tastebuds when it comes to tasting wine.

New Zealand wines costing more than $100 per bottle are relatively rare but despite the tough economic times they're growing in number.

Hoodwinking diners into buying pricey wines puts Don Kavanagh's hackles right up.

Does cocktail culture frighten you? Do you panic at the sight of words like "cachaca", "absinthe" and "oregano" on a drinks menu?

Artistic labels are increasingly reflecting the work that goes into creating the contents.

Fiscal madness. Wine producer Jim Jerram is talking about his transition from being a general practitioner in Dunedin to heading the Ostler Waitaki Valley vineyards in North Otago.

Waiheke Island has never been better positioned to take its place as a serious feature on the New Zealand winescape.

Canterbury's wine industry has taken a big hit but has learned lessons from the earthquakes.

Fashion designers have increasingly been employed to shape the look of a number of high-profile wine labels.