New Zealand Tea Coming to USA

Chicago Tea Garden will begin to import oolong tea grown in New Zealand. Read the full story here.

A Rockin New Zealand Glacier

Passengers aboard two Glacier Explorers boats at Aoraki Mount Cook last weekend were treated to a real show-stopper when the largest iceberg in the Tasman Glacier terminal lake rolled over and split in two right before their eyes. …

New Zealand Chardonnay – The Missing Story

Everyone knows the New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc story. Some know the New Zealand Pinot Noir story. A few know the New Zealand Aromatics story.

Most are missing the New Zealand Chardonnay story.

Kumeu River Wines established in 1944 when Mick and Katé Brajkovich and their son Maté first came to the small country settlement of Kumeu, about 20 km northwest of Auckland City.

Still very much a family wine company as son Michael is making a stunning range of wines – including Chardonnay. Brothers Milan and Paul are actively involved in the vineyards and marketing. Sister Marijana is also part of the family business on the finance side. All under the direction of Managing Director Melba Brajkovich.

After studying Oenology at Roseworthy College in South Australia where he was Dux in 1981, Michael Brajkovich returned to the family vineyard and winery in Kumeu to take up responsibility for wine production.

Since then he has travelled extensively through the world’s wine areas and had the opportunity to spend the 1983 vintage in France with the reputed house of Jean Pierre Moueix in Libourne, near Bordeaux. Michael was New Zealand’s first Master of Wine which he achieved in 1989.

It is the Chardonnay that has enjoyed the greatest critical acclaim and success in international markets, particularly in the United States. The “Wine Spectator” magazine has placed Kumeu River Chardonnay in its annual list of the top 100 wines on five occasions. In 1996, the Kumeu River Chardonnay 1994 was ranked at Number 6.

Today, the 2010 Chardonnay is quietly fermenting away. Here is a quick video update on the 2010 harvest at Kumeu River.

Insights Into Central Otago Pinot Noir

Here is a great article  written by Pat Landee author of Patty’s Pinot Closet about Pinot Noir from New Zealand’s Central Otago region. This region is producing a wide range of wines that are often described as stunning. Pat provides insight into the sub regions – people – where to eat – where to stay and specific reviews of several select wines.

Here is the link again.

Chardonnay – A New Wine Experience

Robert Haynes-Peterson recently wrote a nice piece encouraging wine enthusiasts to revisit Chardonnay and seek out the new modern styles that are emerging from New Zealand and other wine regions.

You can access the full article here.

Tastes of New Zealand Take Center Stage on Crystal Sailing

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?

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 ………

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

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…..

New Wine Book by Jo Burzynska

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

New Zealand Ski Season 2009

SKI SEASON STARTING EARLY

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