Autumn is harvest time in the vineyards, but it’s also when the wine trade gets together to show off their latest collections ahead of the festive season. This is the tasting season - where we show off our spittoon skills and emerge with tannin-stained teeth and a list of exciting new finds.
 
It’s part fashion show, part treasure hunt. From checking new vintages of old favourites to sniffing out the next big thing, it may look like a dream day out, but with 50-60 wines to taste and notes to scribble down, it takes stamina (and the occasional strong coffee).
 
Nic and Kate grabbed a glass and a notebook and dived in last week - here’s what they loved:
 
Kate’s picks - Matawhero & Pierre & Antonin:

"Catching up with Kirsten from Matawherowas a real highlight. Her energy is infectious - she’d just hiked the Alps for six weeks to celebrate turning 50! Their Pinot Gris shows exactly why Gisborne is one of the ‘fruit bowls’ of New Zealand - bursting with tropical fruit, freshness, and natural acidity. After tasting the rest of her range I’m on a mission to get more on our shelves before Christmas.

My other highlight was Pierre & Antonin, who are two friends from the Languedoc that reunited at Pierre’s family domaine near Carcassonne. They champion resilient grape varieties, and craft organic, small-batch wines that are vibrant, modern, and accessible. I tasted through their range with Antonin himself (who never stopped smiling). Their Languedoc Pet Natis already a shop favourite - and I'm nudging Nic to bring in more of the range soon. Watch this space."
 
Nic’s picks - Black Chalk & Lyrarakis:

"I was bowled over by the purity and precision of the new Black Chalk Classic Cuvée- such finesse for an English sparkler. On the white side, the Vilana from Lyrarakis in Crete really stood out. It’s vibrant, mineral, and completely transportive - a real stunner. Both wines are brilliant food partners as we head into the season of feasting. I also loved the organic wines of Ode Winery in Portugal, and tried some exciting new South African wines, so keep an eye out for some more tasty new drops in the coming weeks."