We all have our mountains to climb—in life—some tougher than others. New Zealanders seem to be good at tackling the most difficult ones, like winegrower Duncan Forsyth at Mount Edward in Central Otago, assailing the treacherous slopes and objective dangers of being a vigneron, and having reached the elusive peaks of perfection with the perilous pinot noir grape. Read More >

Admittedly, arriving at the ‘Wandering Palate Restaurant of the Year’ is essentially informed subjectivism; there is no avoiding the emotional and mental reactions of the individual; you will simply have to trust my palate and meta-ethics. Read More >

Arguably the most profound pinot noir in the New World and emphatic proof that Australia has a two-speed wine industry Read More >

Sommelier Isabelle Brunet is our 100th Sommelier’s Palate interview, which is most fitting as she is the sister of Christophe Brunet, the first Sommelier featured to launch this column. Isabelle is a highly respected Sommelier at the top of her game having spent the last 10 years at the legendary Monvinic wine bar in Barcelona as Sommelier and Wine Buyer and has just been nominated in the “Premios Nacionales de Gastronomia” in the category  ‘Mejor Sumiller’. She recently left Monvinic to embark on an exciting new project of her on.

The Sommelier’s Palate continues to grow in popularity and many readers have commented on how valuable the restaurant and wine bar recommendations are, as well as the excellent wine insights. So, onwards and forwards…to our next target 200 Sommelier’s Palate. Read More >

“The Yalumba ‘Virgilius’ Viognier from Eden Valley is very luscious and layered in the autumn.” Sommelier Kara Maisano Read More >

 (pronounced suh-mal-‘yAy)

In Medieval Provençal times they were saumaliers, animal pack drivers who evolved during Middle French kingdom to become court officials charged with transportation of supplies. So what does a modern day Sommelier actually do? Well, Wikipedia outlines as such, “A sommelier or wine steward is a trained and knowledgeable wine professional, normally working in fine restaurants who specializes in all aspects of wine service as well as wine and food matching. The most important work of a sommelier is in the areas of wine procurement, wine storage, wine cellar rotation, and expert service to wine consumers.” Read More >

(pronounced suh-mal-‘yAy)

In Medieval Provençal times they were saumaliers, animal pack drivers who evolved during Middle French kingdom to become court officials charged with transportation of supplies. So what does a modern day Sommelier actually do? Well, Wikipedia outlines as such, “A sommelier or wine steward is a trained and knowledgeable wine professional, normally working in fine restaurants who specializes in all aspects of wine service as well as wine and food matching. The most important work of a sommelier is in the areas of wine procurement, wine storage, wine cellar rotation, and expert service to wine consumers.” Read More >

(pronounced suh-mal-‘yAy)

In Medieval Provençal times they were saumaliers, animal pack drivers who evolved during Middle French kingdom to become court officials charged with transportation of supplies. So what does a modern day Sommelier actually do? Well, Wikipedia outlines as such, “A sommelier or wine steward is a trained and knowledgeable wine professional, normally working in fine restaurants who specializes in all aspects of wine service as well as wine and food matching. The most important work of a sommelier is in the areas of wine procurement, wine storage, wine cellar rotation, and expert service to wine consumers.” Read More >

What’s your latest wine discovery – new region, variety or style? “Generally I am beginning to appreciate and discover the wines of the Hunter Valley in Australia.” Sommelier Diego Meraviglia Read More >

(pronounced suh-mal-‘yAy)

In Medieval Provençal times they were saumaliers, animal pack drivers who evolved during Middle French kingdom to become court officials charged with transportation of supplies. So what does a modern day Sommelier actually do? Well, Wikipedia outlines as such, “A sommelier or wine steward is a trained and knowledgeable wine professional, normally working in fine restaurants who specializes in all aspects of wine service as well as wine and food matching. The most important work of a sommelier is in the areas of wine procurement, wine storage, wine cellar rotation, and expert service to wine consumers.” Read More >