Felton Road makes top 10

THE HIGHLY respected Drinks International magazine has just released its seventh annual ‘‘most admired wine brands’’ list, our own Felton Road Wines from Central climbing into the top 10 (after leaping on to the list at No 13 last year).

It shares its top10 glory with Villa Maria: the two of them back to back in eighth and ninth spot. Cloudy Bay comes in at 14th, while Oyster Bay rounds out Kiwi representation.

Drinks International polls a large group of wine professionals, journalists, wine educators and MWs (masters of wine), taking into account wine quality, innovation, typicity within styles/country, marketing/packaging and overall appeal to a wide market demographic. Wonderful recognition for Felton Road.

Auckland wine fairs

Wine lovers finding themselves in Auckland in the near future should keep an eye out for two upcoming wine festivals. First up is the 2018 World of Wine Festival to be held this weekend. A truly international affair with more than 140 wines from 14 countries being poured by the principals of a string of local wine importing businesses. A fantastic way to expand your vinous horizons.

Then, on June 10, is the 2018 NZ Boutique Wine Festival. With a series of masterclasses, vertical tastings and more than 30 boutique producers (including half a dozen from Central Otago), this is an opportunity to delve deep into some our smaller producers.

Visit www.boutiquewine.co.nz for details.

Sauvignon Blanc Day

Sauvignon Blanc Day was last Friday. New Zealand produces less than 1% of the world’s wine, but 17% of the world’s sauvignon blanc originates here. You can do your bit by enjoying some Kiwi sav blanc — here’s three suggestions to get you started.