The countdown to the 2023 Young Viticulturist of the Year National Final is on. Five finalists from around the country will take part in the competition on Wednesday, August 30, 2023 at Paritua Vineyards in Hawke’s Bay. They will deliver their speeches at the Awards Dinner the following evening, August 31, when the overall winner will be announced. The national finalists are: Tai Nelson, Soljans Estate, Auckland; Nick Putt, Craggy Range, Hawke’s Bay; Zac Howell, Indevin, Marlborough; Tristan van Schalkwyk, The Bone Line, North Canterbury, Waipara and Nina Downer, Felton Road, Central Otago. Th ..read more

The IWSC Mixer Awards were created to crown the world’s best Gin & Tonic, Vodka & Tonic, Rum & Tonic, Whisky Highball and Agave & Tonic. In each categories, the spirits were judged based on how well they paired with the mixer and a total of 12 Gold Medals were awarded to outstanding spirits. Here are the best spirits and mixers of the 2023 awards: Gin And Tonic Mixer Awards – Gold Medal winners Granddad Jack’s Craft Distillery (Australia) – 65 Miles Gin Hernö Gin (Sweden) Vánagandr Destilerías (Spain) – London Dry Gin Wild Distillery Bornholm (Denmark) – Ene Organic Navy Stren ..read more

Looking to take your interest in cocktails to the next level in the hospitality industry? In the first of our ‘want to be’ series, we share how you can study to become a mixologist. What is a mixologist? A mixologist is a skilled professional in the field of bartending who specialises in crafting and mixing cocktails. Unlike a traditional bartender who might focus on serving drinks and managing the bar, mixologists are known for their creativity, innovation, and expertise in creating unique and well-balanced cocktails by combining various spirits, liqueurs, mixers, and garnishes. Mixologists o ..read more

Temporary and casual staffing platform, Sidekicker, has released its first New Zealand Jobs Index, revealing that tight hiring conditions are finally easing for businesses. The data for June recorded more than a 211% increase YoY in the application-to-shift ratio. This is despite the average business posting 46% more shifts YoY. The Sidekicker Jobs Index analyses data from more than 2,500 thousand workers across businesses from several sectors in New Zealand, including hospitality and events. Thomas Amos The sector saw an application-to-shift ratio growing almost 200% YoY, despite the average ..read more

Beervana returns on August 18-19 August, with more than 50 local and international breweries taking part at Sky Stadium in Wellington. Up to 16,000 beer fans will be heading to the festival to sample some of the 340 brews on offer. Beervana Manager, Ryan McArthur, says each year tends to have a trend in terms of beer style, and this year he’s noticed a lot of pastry stouts including a collaboration between Duncan’s Brewing Co. and Kaibosh’s with ‘Upcycle’, an Imperial Pastry Stout made from rescued bananas, Altitude Brewing’s Croquembouche Salted Caramel & Hazelnut Pastry Stout, and Three ..read more

Looking to take your interest in wine to the next level in the hospitality industry? In the first of our ‘want to be’ series, we share how you can study to become a Sommelier. What is a Sommelier? A Sommelier is a trained wine professional who specialises in various aspects of wine service, selection, and education. The role of a Sommelier typically encompasses: Wine selection Sommeliers have a deep understanding of wines, including their characteristics, flavours, and production methods. They curate wine lists for restaurants, bars, and wine shops, ensuring a diverse and well-balanced selecti ..read more

New Zealand’s reputation for premium food and beverage has grown in key markets, but the F&B export sector still needs to build awareness to counter ‘buy local’ trends and competition from other sources of high-end food products, according to NZTE research. Wine (along with red meat and dairy) led the charge as recognised premium products from New Zealand, according to research conducted by Kantar in April 2023 across Australia, China, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States. Wine topped the recognition rankings – associated with New Zealand by 54% of the surveyed consumers, and pa ..read more

Constellation Brands has announced a new partnership with EuroVintage as part of its strategic goals for Kim Crawford and a selection of international wines within the New Zealand market. EuroVintage will represent Kim Crawford exclusively in the on-premise channel, while selling Californian brands Robert Mondavi (excluding Private Selection), Schrader, Mt Veeder, The Prisoner, and Saldo Wines in total market. EuroVintage plans to expand the availability of Kim Crawford wines in bars and restaurants throughout New Zealand, including its low and no-alcohol options. The Constellation Brands inte ..read more

Celebrating women in leadership and 40 years of Australia-New Zealand Closer Economic Relations, the first ever all-female/all-wāhine Trade Mission is currently in Australia. The New Zealand Minister for Economic Development, Hon Barbara Edmonds, is leading the delegation of 26 women to Australia, which includes Red Shoots co-founder Rhona MacKenzie. The mission – named Wāhine, the Māori word for women – celebrates and puts a spotlight on women leaders in business and brings together a diverse cohort of New Zealand female business leaders. Recognising and honouring the excellence of women, the ..read more

Newly-opened Somm on Princes Wharf has launched the first of its cellar door series called “Guest in Residence” – a limited-time offering which will bring some of the country’s finest winery experiences to Auckland’s doorstep. First up is a showcase of Mt Difficulty wines, a collection of vineyards from the Bannockburn, Gibbston and Bendigo regions, and home of the Roaring Meg label. On offer during the series are bespoke Mt Difficulty wine flights (try by single vineyard wines, a vertical journey through vintages, or explore Central Otago’s sub-regions) and a set menu created by Somm Execut ..read more