Category: New Zealand
Global Masters 2026 Pinot Noir Winners
Patrick Schmitt, master of wine and chairman of the Global Masters competition in the UK, asked: “What is the perfect Pinot Noir? It’s a question I found myself asking after our blind tasting of wines made in a wide range of...
Read MoreBest of the Best Global Wine Masters 2025
The Global Wine Masters Competitions began in 2013 as an offshoot of the Drinks Business, the world’s leading magazine for the wine and spirits trade. The goal was to use their collective industry expertise to promote the...
Read MoreFavorite Wines of 2025 – Burgundy and Pinot Noir Edition
In reading through my tasting notes from 2025, a couple of themes stood out: wine drinkers are enjoying an excellent supply of well-made wines under $25 from around the world; direct-to-consumer offers from discount and flash...
Read MoreWine Business Announces 2025 Chardonnay Masters Winners
The Global Wine Masters competition is one of my favorite resources for exploring wines from around the world in all price categories. According to the site, “Each competition showcases a key variety or style – such as Pinot...
Read MoreGlobal Wine Masters Judges Find Gold in Pinot Noir
Patricia Stefanowicz, Master of Wine (MW), reported on findings from the recent Global Masters blind tasting in London. She said judges had high expectations for the Pinot Noir category and entrants from eight countries. “The...
Read MoreSauvignon Blanc Winners – Past and Present
Wine lovers worldwide have been showing an increased interest in Sauvignon Blanc, from legendary palate-pleasers from Sancerre to new issues from South Africa, New Zealand, and the United States. I’m pleased to report that...
Read MoreGood Values and Choices Abound in Pre-Holiday Wine Sales
New vintages are on the way through the global distribution channels, and now is a good time to look for older wines going on sale at merchants trying to clear inventory – from your favorite local wine shop to the large chains...
Read MoreRed, White and Rosé Wine Values
The hunt for values in summer sipping wines continues and with some success. The following finds from the past two months have good flavors and quality for the money, at prices from $16 to $25. Each scored well in tastings and...
Read MoreEasy-Sipping Picnic, Party, and Patio Wines
This may be a new category, but we are always looking for good values in daily wines (vin ordinaire to the French) with a high quality-to-value ratio (QVR). This includes for easy-sipping with friends on a casual evening,...
Read MoreExploring the World of Sauvignon Blanc
Many of the Anything But Chardonnay (ABC) persuasion turn to Sauvignon Blanc, and well they should. The grape is made into many different and attractive styles to suit most palates. It matches well with foods, from a plate of...
Read More15 Tasty Red Wines Under $30
January and February are good months for searching the grocery store shelves, local merchants, online direct-to-consumer purveyors, and big box stores for value wines. Newer wines will soon enter the distribution channels....
Read MoreLighter Wine Bottles: Good for the Environment, Economy
Do heavy wine bottles and fancy, thick foils help persuade you that a wine is of good, higher, or even cult quality? If so, you might reconsider and move toward lighter bottles for a variety of reasons, starting with good taste...
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