Tastes of New Zealand Take Center Stage on Crystal Sailing

November 23, 2009 by Ron McFarland

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 23 /PRNewswire/ — For foodies, New Zealand is a veritable playground, renowned for its award-winning wines and farm-fresh cuisine.

On March 30, from New Zealand to Australia, luxury specialist Crystal Cruises is showcasing the epicurean appeal of the region on a 12-day Wine & Food Experiences of Discovery cruise. Master Sommeliers Robert Bath and Cameron Douglas – the first and only Master Sommelier from New Zealand – will guide guests through the nuances and pairings of New Zealand’s finest vintages, while optional Crystal Adventures take guests to celebrated Cloudy Bay Vineyards, Hawke’s Bay and Marlborough. Sailing to Sydney, leading Australian chef and innovator Serge Dansereau will share regional specialties via cooking demonstrations, tastings and special menus, while top Australian food purveyor Simon Johnson will host tastings of artisanal cheeses and gourmet chocolate.

Read the rest of the story here.

Can New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc Age Well?

November 12, 2009 by Ron McFarland

Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand is always thought best consumed early in its youth. For many this is true and now there is an emerging group of New Zealand wine producers whose efforts will continue to delight for several years.

A recent event in New Zealand invited John Avery to discuss and taste some past vintages of Sauvignon blanc. You can read the entire article here ………

Natureshop New Zealand

November 6, 2009 by Ron McFarland

natureshopUSAIf you are looking to give New Zealand gifts to friends or relatives, here is a wonderful  resource.

Natureshop is a New Zealand-based online retailer that is passionate about providing its customers with 100% natural fibre products that are healthy on the body and have minimal impact on the environment.

As a carbon neutral certified company by CarboNZero, we are committed to environmental sustainability. This is reflected in our company name, our suppliers, packaging, recycling and most importantly – the brands we sell.

clothing

We stock Icebreaker’s complete range of high performance outdoor clothing that is made from 100% pure NZ merino wool. Our range of clothing is available in a number of thicknesses and styles, all of which offer temperature regulation, next-to-skin comfort and superb breathability for all of your high energy outdoor activities and everyday use.

Natureshop also stocks an extensive range of adults and kids ugg boots that include all the popular models as well as the hottest styles from Emu Australia’s latest range. Our online products also include a variety of sheepskin slippers from Emu Australia and Golden Fleece NZ.

emu-australia

We also stock quality silk clothing from New Zealand’s Silkbody brand as well as a line-up of woollen homewares from other New Zealand companies. We are constantly looking to add other natural fibre products that will benefit our customers and the environment.

Please visit our website at www.natureshop.com and select the right clothing to meet your comfort needs and fashion preferences.

Happy shopping!

natureshopnztwit

 

Christchurch/Southern New Zealand wins wine capital of the world title

October 15, 2009 by Ron McFarland

Christchurch/Southern New Zealand has been selected as the New Zealand representative on the prestigious Great Wine Capitals Global Network. 

The Great Wine Capitals network, which includes as members wine regions such as Bordeaux, France and San Francisco/Napa Valley in the US, is an international network of major wine producing regions which aims to promote tourism, education and business exchange.

The Christchurch City Council-led bid to join the international network incorporates the wine growing regions of Canterbury, Waipara Valley, Marlborough and Central Otago. As the largest wine-growing region in the South Island, Marlborough took a key role in the bid.

Click here to read the rest of the announcement…..

Eveline Fraser to Join Daniel Le Brun as Chief Winemaker

July 23, 2009 by Ron McFarland

***PRESS RELEASE***

July 2009 NO1 Family WB

 

No.1 Family Estate, New Zealand’s only winemaker focusing exclusively on the production of Methode Traditionnelle has appointed Eveline Fraser to share the role of Chief Winemaker with proprietor, Daniel Le Brun. 

Fresh from her position as Senior Winemaker at Marlborough’s Cloudy Bay, Eveline’s experience in the production of Cloudy Bay’s cult sparkling wine, Pelorus will contribute valuable experience to the company’s winemaking team.  Daniel comments on Eveline’s appointment, “We are delighted to welcome Eveline to the team. Our families have been friends for 30 years and it is wonderful that we can now share our passion for making great sparkling wines.” 

Using only specialised equipment imported from Champagne, Eveline will join the family-owned producer to continue the ritual of hand-crafting superb Methode Traditionelle focusing on just five very special wines; Cuvée N°1, a non-vintage blanc de blancs made from 100% chardonnay, Cuvée Number 8, a non-vintage blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Reserve Cuvée No.10  and Cuvée Virginie – both limited edition wines and only made in the finest of years and now for the first time, a rose made from 100% Pinot Noir.  

No. 1 Family Estate has grown steadily since its establishment eleven years ago and with numerous international trophies, gold medals and five-star awards, is looking forwards to a rewarding future. 

For further details please contact: 

Daniel Le Brun   021 539 338  

Adele Le Brun  021 982 192

New Wine Book by Jo Burzynska

July 16, 2009 by Ron McFarland

The Marlborough Express recently published this review about a new wine book by New Zealand author Jo Burzynska.

Jo Burzynska is a fellow wine writer known by many for her columns in The Press, New Zealand Herald’s Viva magazine and The New Zealand WineGrower.

Her new book, Wine Class: All you need to know about wine in New Zealand was launched on July 3.  Here is the rest of the article

Bio Dynamic New Zealand Wines

June 10, 2009 by Ron McFarland

The Hippy Gourmet is traveling through New Zealand and has a really nice video from Seresin Estate in Marlborough. Check it out and share with others.

Kastle Ski Comeback Movie Trailer Part 6: Martin “McFly” Winkler

June 4, 2009 by Ron McFarland

Found this video via Twitter and  Mt Hutt – Enjoy the moment.

Martin “McFly” Winkler skis Bergella Alps, SUI and Skeena, BC

more about “Kastle Ski Comeback Movie Trailer Par…“, posted with vodpod

 

 

New Zealand Ski Season 2009

June 4, 2009 by Ron McFarland

SKI SEASON STARTING EARLY

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The rumours were true and Mt Hutt went ahead with the May 30th opening. This is not only great news for season pass holders who now get an extra two weeks for their money, its also fantastic news for guests staying with us early June! In order to celebrate the start to the early season, check out our HOT accommodation rates online throughout the month of June!

With the great winter packages now on offer guests can come and stay in the deluxe villa suite and chalet accommodation, have a delicious cooked breakfast, enjoy a complimentary bottle of mulled wine and receive a NZSuperpassvalid for use at The Remarkables, Mt Hutt, Treb le Cone, Snowpark NZ and Coronet Peak all from as little as $193.00pp. 

Joining us soon for some further great winter package deals, Porters Ski Area is only a short drive through the Lyndon Road and offers both the longest and steepest runs in the Southern Hemisphere, as well as easy access to some great back country runs. Porters has lifted its game in the last few years and it is impressive to see another great Canterbury field making itself more accessible to the public by offering excellent new facilities.

Please mention you  saw this on New Zealand Food and Wine TV.com 5

Wine Library TV: Gary Vaynerchuk’s daily wine video blog

June 2, 2009 by Ron McFarland

Daniel Schuster from the Waipara Valley in New Zealand continues his discussion with Gary V about the delicious wines he produces in New Zealands South Island.