The Chronicle
Latest dispatches
31 results across all types
- news
New distribution partner for Blank Canvas
New Zealand fine wine producer Blank Canvas has announced the appointment of Blanc Distribution as its new distribution partner in New Zealand, effective 1 June 2026. This partnership marks a new chapter for Blank Canvas in its home market, bringing together two businesses united by a shared commitment to excellence, integrity, and the on-premise sector....
- news
Auckland Sommelier wins MICHELIN Guide Special Award
Matthew Aitchison, General Manager and Sommelier of The French Café in Auckland, has been awarded the MICHELIN Guide Sommelier Award. Yesterday’s announcement marked the MICHELIN Guide’s first expansion into Oceania, and the inaugural selection spans Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown. Aitchinson received one of three MICHELIN Guide Special Awards – the Sommelier Award – acknowledging...
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Finding New Zealand’s Top 100 Sommeliers
Many Sommeliers are in hybrid roles these days – this could be you – it still counts and it still matters.
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New Zealand distillery to take part in global whisky climate study
Eight single malts, one from each continent, are being analysed over six months.
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Europe’s 50 Best Bars list debuts
The list features venues from 22 cities across the continent.
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Inaugural Wairarapa Pinot Noir Selection unveiled
The wines provide a window into the Wairarapa's landscapes, seasons and people.
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Lion pilots new sustainable Steinlager Returnable format
The pilot modernises the classic Kiwi Swappa Crate by removing the deposit and adding digital tracking.
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Kiwi merino company partners with Sawmill Brewery
New Zealand merino brand Norsewear has teamed up with Sawmill Brewery to release a limited-edition cold-fermented IPA. The new beer is crisp, clean and easy-drinking, brewed using exclusively New Zealand ingredients and crafted in the spirit of Norsewear. It is number 73 in Sawmill’s Aotearoa Series, the only beer series in New Zealand made entirely...
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2026 LION Hospitality New Zealand Business Awards for Excellence winners
Hospitality New Zealand Chief Executive Kristy Phillips says the awards come at an important time for the sector.
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Christchurch-based group acquires Volstead Brewing Co.
The acquisition builds on the group's existing ownership of Concept Brewing and Bloody Good Gin.
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New Zealand’s largest two-day hospitality conference gets underway
The country’s largest hospitality conference, HNZ26, has opened its doors at the Energy Events Centre in Rotorua.
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International Wine Challenge announces new global regional structure
The International Wine Challenge has announced a major new regional structure that will see the competition evolve into four regional wine competitions across the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe and the United Kingdom. The new structure will launch from July 2026, with entries opening for both IWC Americas and IWC Asia Pacific ahead of their first...
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Five key trends from DWWA 2026
Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) 2026 reveals several clear shifts shaping today’s global wine landscape, from regional identity to consumer value. 1. Great wine now comes from more places than ever One of the strongest messages from DWWA 2026 is the continued expansion of fine wine geography, with medals awarded to wines from 56 countries....
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Decanter World Wine Awards 2026 Best in Show: Top 50 wines
The results of Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) 2026 have been published, revealing a global wine landscape that is more diverse, competitive and exciting than ever before. The world’s largest wine competition, almost 17,000 wines from 58 countries were blind tasted by 245 leading wine experts, including 63 Masters of Wine and 24 Master Sommeliers,...
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Hawke’s Bay Wine Auction heads north for the first time
For the first time in its 34-year history, the Hawke’s Bay Wine Auction is heading north, with the launch of their Auckland Preview + Tasting Evening. Wine lovers will get an exclusive for look at the 2026 Hawke’s Bay Wine Auction at Caro’s Wine Merchants in Grey Lynn on Tuesday 28 July, ahead of the...
- news
Star Wine List names the best wine lists in the world
The competition is one of the fiercest contests for the sommeliers who represent the talent behind exemplary wine programmes.
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Young Viticulturist of the Year 2026 regional winners
The competition provides an opportunity for viticulturists 30 years and under to start making a name for themselves within the industry.
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Shaken or stirred? Get ready to celebrate World Martini Day!
World Martini Day falls on the third Saturday in June each year and around the world martini lovers sip on this classic cocktail.
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Central Otago’s shift to organics shines at national wine awards
According to the 2025 New Zealand Winegrowers Sustainability Report, 16% of wineries now hold organic certification.
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Champagne Bollinger announces new Cellar Master
Émilien Boutillat will be entrusted with preserving and deepening the expression of the style and identity of the House.
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How should spirits companies target the RTD opportunity?
The dynamic RTD category is a potentially lucrative source of value growth for spirits brands, but making the most of this opportunity is complex.
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Sydney sommelier named inaugural Hawke’s Bay Wine Ambassador
The programme is designed to strengthen connections between Hawke’s Bay and the Australian wine trade.
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Alcohol consumption declines amid excise increases
The Brewers Association is putting Treasury’s own revenue forecasts under the microscope.
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The search is on to find New Zealand’s Top 100 Sommeliers
The list will be a definitive guide to the best professionals working in hospitality and beverages service today.