Top tipples and winery finds feature on our new drinks page.
on her favourite tipples, KIRSTEN RØDSGAARD-MATHIESEN a winery worth a visit and news from the world of wine
By appointment only
Central Otago’s iconic Felton Road winery (feltonroad.com) is an absolute must-visit for connoisseurs. The cellar door itself is rustic yet elegantly understated and the experience and the wines will blow your socks off. Visits are by appointment only, which ensures a personalised, unique and memorable tour. Some of the wines are so sought after, there’s a waiting list for them.
Wine for Mum?
Looking for a Mother’s Day gift? Consider a subscription to WineFriend. Based on the answers to eight simple questions about her preferences, “chief tasting officer” Yvonne Lorkin will choose and send out a case each month containing six different bottles. There are no scary contracts to hook you in for longer than you want, and pricing starts from $109 so roughly $18 per bottle. winefriend.co.nz
Watering hole
Young international staff clad in funky uniforms, friendly smiles (several through hipster beards), a wine list showcasing some of the country’s best wineries and a heritage building. OGB, in the heart of Christchurch behind the old cathedral, is a cool little spot to enjoy a drink and a bite – either seated outside or in the cosy, wood-panelled and well-stocked bar. ogb.co.nz
LABEL LOVE
Behind Tongue in Groove’s gloriously quirky labels are some seriously well-crafted wines – riesling, pinot noir and a rather curious “orange” wine called Little Stomper, a pinot gris/gewurz blend. The boutique winery is based at The Food Farm in North Canterbury’s Waipara Valley, and you can buy online. The 2015 pinot, $45, is great for cellaring. tongueingroove.co.nz
THREE DELICIOUS DROPS
Some say ABC (Anything But Chardonnay); I say drink great chardonnay whenever possible. I’m loving the versatile Mahi Marlborough chardonnay, $29. Hawke’s Bay’s Tony Bish Wines makes some delicious chardonnays from $20. And at the supermarket, I’d pick Main Divide chardonnay, $17-$21.
JOYFUL DRINK
I am a sucker for funky websites and the one for Joiy, a delightful sparkling riesling in a 250ml bottle or can, makes you want to support this Kiwi/Aussie venture, the bright idea of a winemaker and his marketer wife. On its own, Joiy is a refreshing, elegant tipple, yet it mixes well with spirits like Aperol, or a ruby port for the colder nights ahead. Available at Countdown, many restaurants and online at joiy.co.nz.