New Zealand Wines!

The Certificate in NZ Wine runs over 4 sessions and is followed by an Advanced programme of another 4 sessions.

This week we have enjoyed tasting and learning about innovative estates such as Burn Cottage from Central Otago, Heron’s Flight who make an exceptional Sangiovese in Matakana. Always a pleasure to taste the wines of Hans and Therese Herzog and we savoured the Mistral, a blend of 60% Viognier, 20% Marsanne and 20% Roussanne.

Te Mata’s Cape Crest showcases Hawkes Bay barrel-fermented Sauvignon Blanc and is interesting to compare with Sancerre from Henri Bourgeois also the owner of Clos Henri. Pegasus Bay’s Finale is New Zealand best example of a Sauternes style with deliciously ripe Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc.

Learning about New Zealand’s wine geography and tasting some special wines along the way is always rewarding.

The wines that were tasted were -
- Hans Herzog Estate, Mistral 2016
- Burn Cottage Vineyard, Pinot Noir 2016
- Te Mata Estate Winery, Caupe Crest Sauvignon Blanc 2017
- Heron's Flight Vineyard - Matakana, Amphora Sangiovese 2016
- Pegasus Bay Winery, Finale 2017
- Henri Bourgeois Sancerre, 2018 (Clos Henri Vineyard)

More messages from your neighbours

2 hours ago

Witnesses sought in relation to mass disorder on K-Road Auckland

The Team from New Zealand Police

Police are appealing to the public for any footage they may have of the mass disorder that occurred on Karangahape Road in Auckland in the early hours of Sunday 28 December.
Emergency services were called to the disorder around 3.41am where it is estimated around over 50 people were present.

A Police investigation is underway after there were three serious assaults on and around Karangahape Road during the mass disorder.
A portal has been set up to allow the public to upload any footage they have of the disorder and the serious assaults.
The portal is https://dahr.nc3.govt.nz/

Police have arrested one person but are asking for help to identify and locate others involved.

• Around 4:15am there was a serious assault outside the Crown Bar on Queen Street.
A 33-year-old man received serious injuries and was hospitalised.
The offender is still unknown, and the Police file number is 251228/4647.

• Around 4:30am there was another serious assault on a Cobden Steet just off Karangahape Road.
A 27-year-old man received serious injuries and was hospitalised.
The offender is still unknown, and the Police file number is 251228/4462.

• Around 5am there was third serious assault at the Mobil Service Station on the corner or Karangahape Road and Ponsonby Road.
A 46-year-old man received serious injuries and was hospitalised.
A 21-year-old man has been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
He has been bailed to appear in court again on 16 January 2026.
The Police file number is 251228/4774.

Police would like to speak to anyone who has witnessed or filmed the assaults.

Witnesses can call Police directly on 105.
Please quote one of the above file numbers.

14 days ago

Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’

If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.