Tag Archives: chardonnay

Central Otago, New Zealand

On par with Burgundy in terms of quality Pinot Noir production, Central Otago is a gem of a wine producing region, located at the bottom of New Zealand’s South Island. Vineyards are nestled in a number of different valleys situated on the foothills of the Southern NZ Alps and are divided into 6 sub-regions: CromwellContinue reading “Central Otago, New Zealand”

Carmel Valley AVA

Carmel Valley is an American Viticultural Area (AVA) located within the larger Monterey County AVA and lies 100 miles south of San Francisco. It’s home to over a dozen wineries and tasting rooms and is responsible for some of the best quality Cabernet Sauvignons in the country.  Designated an AVA in 1983, Carmel Valley isContinue reading “Carmel Valley AVA”

Hawke’s Bay

Hawke’s Bay is a wine growing region located on the North Eastern side of New Zealand’s North Island. It is NZ’s oldest and second-largest growing region (it boasts over 200 vineyards), producing about 10% of the country’s wine. There are 70 wineries (30 with cellar doors where you can actually go and taste) located throughoutContinue reading “Hawke’s Bay”

Napa Valley

When people think Californian wine, they immediately think of Napa Valley. It’s an area north of San Francisco that has over 400 wineries located within its 16 smaller sub-districts (some of the most famous AVAs being Oakville, Rutherford, Stags Leap, and St. Helena).  However, Napa Valley only makes up 4% of California’s wine production! It’sContinue reading “Napa Valley”

A Day In The Vines

When I came across a Facebook event for a volunteer harvest day at a local Connecticut vineyard, I leapt at the chance to get outside and in the vines, meet like-minded people, and just enjoy myself.  Paradise Hills Vineyard and Winery is family owned and operated. The Ruggiero’s started growing grapes in 1997 and soldContinue reading “A Day In The Vines”

Sparkling Wines

Sparkling wines are one of the great joys in life. Easy to pair with all sorts of food, perfect for any occasion (and I recommend enjoying the bubbles even when there is no “special” reason), they come in white, rosé, and red, can be sweet to bone dry, with all sorts of flavours like citrus,Continue reading “Sparkling Wines”

Martinborough

Region Highlights Martinborough, New Zealand Located near the bottom of New Zealand’s North Island, a winding 1.5hr drive North-East from capitol city Wellington, Martinborough, once home to sheep and agricultural crops, has seen a burgeoning into the wine world. In the late 1970s, a scientific study of the area came out, likening the climate toContinue reading “Martinborough”