Wine Time

New Zealand wines have just "taken the pinot noir and sauvignon blanc titles at the International Wine and Spirit Competition in London for the second year running", underlining the country's already solid reputation as a producer of fine wines. The awards are based on technical analysis as well as taste to ensure that consumers receive the same quality product as the judges, so when it comes to a 'nice Sav', you need look no further.

It is for just this reason that discovering New Zealand's wineries is such a popular inclusion on the itineraries of many visitors and is definately not something that need be reserved for gourmets and wine buffs. South Island's Marlborough region and Hawkes Bay on the North Island are the two premier wine producing districts, though quality vineyards are dotted around the country from Auckland to Wanaka and there are several ways to experience the taste of the grape.

You can simply choose to follow a map and drive yourself around the local wineries, though the pitfalls to this one are hopefully quite obvious. Alternatively you can try pedal power as with The 'On Yer Bike Winery Tour' out of Napier. Supplied with the bike and a map you set off on a pleasant day out cycling past olive groves, ostrich farms and orchards, and of course vineyards. You're even supplied with a mobile phone so you can call for a lift if the excericise (or the wine) proves too much! Guided tours are another popular option and give you a chance to discover a range of wines at a number of different wineries as somebody else navigates. And in Marlborough you can also choose to take a walking option.

But for me the best way to experience New Zealand's wine culture is to pick a venue, book a table for lunch, jump in a taxi and then spend a glorious afternoon enjoying fine wine, good food and charming views. Definitely a 'go slow and savour' moment.

After the weekend just gone, I think a glass of two of wine is definately in order! A toast to England and commisserations to the All Blacks - who knows, perhaps the colour of strip really is important!

IWSC awards reported on www.stuff.co.nz.