Alcohol Press Releases

Monte Christo Winery, the birthplace of Central Otago wine, is thrilled to announce its grand opening, inviting wine enthusiasts and history buffs alike to explore the rich heritage of New Zealand winemaking and enjoy a unique guest experience. Located in the heart of Central Otago, Monte Christo Winery promises to be a destination like no other.

Andrea Martinisi wins the New Zealand Sommelier of the Year 2021 working through a full day of assessments to challenge and showcase sommelier skills held at the New Zealand School of Food and Wine, Auckland.

NZ distilleries are producing world-class spirits with a number of boutique operations out-performing the global greats in the recent International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC) held in London. In particular NZ was well represented in the medal haul for Gin, Rum & Vodka. Of the 20 categories, seven Kiwi distilleries were awarded 11 medals between them – 7 Bronze, 3 Silver and 1 Gold.

This weekend, elite sommeliers from around the country will vie for the title of New Zealand Sommelier of the Year. The competition will take place on Sunday August 19 at the New Zealand School of Food and Wine’s 5th W&F Celebration at their premises in the Viaduct.

Registrations are now open for popular fundraiser Dry July’s fourth year, and a host of local celebrities have pledged to give booze a break in order to improve the wellbeing of cancer patients and their loved ones.
Famous faces who are Dry July Ambassadors this year are netball captain Casey Kopua, comedian Urzila Carlson, cookbook author Chelsea Winter, Shortland Street actor Jayden Daniels, Step Dave star Sia Trokenheim, broadcaster Carly Flynn, and radio presenter Nicki Sunderland.

If there was one road trip that would invoke jealousy amongst the nation’s beer drinkers, it would have to be one that involved visiting the majority of craft breweries in the country. Two of New Zealand’s leading craft brewers have done exactly this. All with the hope of putting together a series of episodes that document the excitement, passion and flavour that the beers and brewers of this fine country have to offer.

Justice Minister Simon Power is encouraging the public to have a say on the Government’s Alcohol Reform Bill after it passed its first reading in Parliament today by 114 votes to 3.

Details of the Government’s new alcohol law reform package have been announced. The Government has responsed to the public’s concern that alcohol laws have been relaxed too much, causing alcohol-related problems within society.