Craig Pinhey - Palate Press

2 min read

This is the first of a series of three articles on the terroir of Central Otago, the most southerly wine growing region in the world, at 45 degrees South, marked by a dry, semi-continental climate. Known for pinot noir, the region has more than one grape to it—and more than

Central Otago Terroir Breakdown, Part 2: The Cromwell Basin and Bannockburn

Craig Pinhey

Feature Stories

2 min read

This is the second in a three-part series on the terroirs of Central Otago. After Gibbston and Wanaka, last week, here is a look at the largest winegrowing areas: The Cromwell Basin and Bannockburn, which combine to account for 70% of all Central Otago vineyards. The Cromwell Basin is east

Central Otago Terroir Breakdown, Part III: Bendigo and The Alexandra Basin

Craig Pinhey

Feature Stories

1 min read

This is the last of a three part series on the terroirs of New Zealand’s Central Otago. After Gibbston and Wanaka and The Cromwell Basin and Bannockburn, we are finishing with Bendigo and The Alexandra Basin, the two lowest elevation, most easterly sub-regions. Bendigo Bendigo is just east of the

Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, Old and New

Craig Pinhey

Features

4 min read

One of the most controversial topics about Californian wine—and thus, one of the most widely discussed by wine lovers—is how much Napa Cab has changed over the years, or whether it has truly been altered. Every time I go to Napa and Sonoma with a group of wine writers, we

East vs West: Cool Climate Palates and California Chardonnay

Craig Pinhey

Features

3 min read

One very interesting aspect of the wine tasting profession is the notion of a regional palate. The difference is clear to those who judge at competitions that use tasters from all over the world, or even just from different parts of North America, from east to west coast. There is

Winter Warming Ales: Brews That Will Help You Face the Cold

Craig Pinhey

Feature Stories

3 min read

With the cold weather here, many beer lovers are turning to warming winter tipples. Although we generally avoid these hearty brews in hot weather, when the cold descends we happily seek out and sip strong, spicy Belgian ales, licorice tinged Russian imperial stouts, malty Baltic porters and wood-aged barley wines. What

New Brunswick Wines By Way of Minnesota Grapes

Craig Pinhey

Features

8 min read

Elmer Swenson is a legend in cool climate grape growing circles. This is thanks to all his research, mainly in Minnesota, developing hardy varieties that thrive in a cold climate growing season, survive cold winters, but can also make really good wine. Northeastern American wineries know Swenson varieties well, but

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Central Otago Terroir Breakdown, Part 1: Gibbston and Wanaka

Central Otago Terroir Breakdown, Part 2: The Cromwell Basin and Bannockburn

Central Otago Terroir Breakdown, Part III: Bendigo and The Alexandra Basin

Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, Old and New

East vs West: Cool Climate Palates and California Chardonnay

Winter Warming Ales: Brews That Will Help You Face the Cold

New Brunswick Wines By Way of Minnesota Grapes

Wine

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Spirits

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Travel

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Hospitality

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Author Craig Pinhey