Wineinsights

06/09/2026

A wonderful day yesterday in Szekszard visiting two incredible w**eries: Sebestyen and Eszterbauer.

05/09/2026

Part II of my sustainability series digs into the human side of New Zealand w**e. Beyond policies and corporate structures, the real frontier is the people who prune our vines, manage our cellars, and welcome visitors at the cellar door. This chapter looks at how labour practices, training, wages, and Māori values shape the long‑term health of our vineyards and our premium brand. The human asset is where sustainability succeeds—or fails.

A deep examination of labour practices, Māori values, and cellar‑door strategy shaping the human sustainability challenges facing New Zealand’s w**e industry.

03/09/2026

An outstanding exploration of the w**es of Eger in Hungary with visits to Marcell Bukolyi, G*i Tibor and St Andrea. If, like me you've had some rather disappointing " Bull's Blood", you need to try the outstanding expressions of Egri Bikaver from these three producers. And in the process some very decent Egri Csillag as well

01/09/2026

Three great w**ery visits today in Mad, Tokaji region of Hungary. Barta Pince, Royal Tokaji and Szepsy Pince. Dry and sweet w**e mostly Furmint but sometimes with Harslevelu and a little yellow Muscat

30/08/2026

Environmental sustainability has taken NZ w**e a long way, but maintaining our global reputation for sustainability leadership will require a step change in the human factors of sustainability. Here is the first of my two articles about the challenge.

Audit culture and contractor gaps expose structural risks. Strengthening human sustainability is now essential for New Zealand w**e’s long‑term resilience.

22/08/2026

22/08/2026

Ever tasted a w**e that seemed fine… until it suddenly wasn’t?
Part 2 of Is Something Wrong With My W**e? dives into the hidden faults that catch even experienced drinkers off‑guard — Brett, mousiness, heat damage, light strike, and the “fake flaws” that look scary but aren’t faults at all.
If you’ve ever doubted your palate, this one’s for you.

A deeper look at w**e faults beyond cork taint and oxidation — including Brett, mousiness, heat and light damage, and fake flaws — and how to confidently detect them.

20/08/2026

I’ve just published a deep dive into three decades of Ata Rangi Célèbre — a w**e I’ve followed since its very first vintage. This vertical tasting revealed remarkable consistency, longevity, and the quiet brilliance of this Martinborough icon.

A 30‑year exploration of Ata Rangi Célèbre, reflecting its evolution, honouring Clive Paton, and offering rare guidance on older vintages.

20/08/2026

Three Decades of Ata Rangi Célèbre! From the cellar to the tasting table, this three‑decade vertical of Ata Rangi Célèbre showcased the w**e’s evolution, depth, and unmistakable Martinborough identity. Vintage by vintage, the tasting revealed both continuity and refinement — and confirmed Célèbre’s hallmark: a red blend with genuine longevity and soul.

20/08/2026

Three Decades of Ata Rangi Célèbre: Unveiling a Taonga