Explore every episode of the podcast Vknow Geek Wine Podcast

The gold medal winners at the Aotearoa National Wine Awards are in, and the trophies are announced on 8 November. In this episode I work through the gold medal list and call which wines I think will take out the top trophies, from Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay through to the aromatics and the reds.

I look at which producers and regions have the momentum, which styles judges keep rewarding, and where I think the big upsets could come from. Then you can check my calls against the real results on 8 November and see how I did.

If you follow New Zealand wine, shop the shelves or just want to know which bottles are worth hunting down, this one's for you. Check out the full list https://www.nationalwineawards.co.nz/

Tell me your own trophy picks in the comments.

The New Zealand International Wine Show is Aotearoa's biggest wine competition, now in its 22nd year, and the 2026 trophies were announced in Auckland on 16 October. In this episode I break down the NZIWS 2026 trophy winners, including [Champion Wine of the Show], drawing on what I know about each wine, the producer and the brand.

I look at which varieties, regions and producers took the top awards, which wins make sense, which surprised me, and what it all says about the state of New Zealand wine. A handy shortlist if you're hunting for the best NZ Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir or Chardonnay.

My six favourites from New World's Top 30 wines for 2026, what supermarket wine is really like, and a rant about Wine-Searcher's "no NZ wines" Sauvignon Blanc list. When does a wine get too expensive?

Wine from Argentina to NZ via Colombia what could go wrong. The interviews are back we talk to @tomastonnelier the Malbec Man about the ups and downs for importing wine to NZ and why he does. #winelover #wine #nzwinepodcast #malbec #argentinewine

Wine is more than just a label. The Great wine all have a story to tell of the place, of the people, of the fruit.

1. So… What Exactly Is a Sommelier?

The great skill of a GREAT sommelier is the ability to find a drink the is the bridge between you and the food. The one thing that elevates your dining experience to the next level is a perfectly paired drink.

Why is there so many rules are drinking wine and which ones should you adhere to and which ones are just complete rubbish

Why

When a Name Becomes a Brand

Have you ever read a wine review and wondered whether you needed a dictionary as well as a bottle opener?

Terms such as minerality, typicity, linear and structure appear in tasting notes all the time, yet many wine drinkers have only a vague idea of what they actually mean.

In this episode of the Vknowgeek Wine Podcast, we’re translating wine critic into plain English. We’ll unpack 10 of the most commonly used words and phrases in professional wine reviews, explain what critics are trying to communicate, and ask whether some of these terms are genuinely helpful or simply part of wine’s often confusing vocabulary.

Whether you’re new to wine or you’ve been reading tasting notes for years, this episode will help you decode the language of wine and read reviews with greater confidence.

No jargon. No pretension. Just a practical guide to understanding the words that shape the way we talk about wine.

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Why the same bottle can taste completely different.

Have you ever wondered why two different bottles of the same wine can taste different. Today we answer this

The theme of this week might be elementary to a lot of you out there but I know some out there struggle with different grape varieties and why they are different, what wines age well and why they can and how wines taste like they do.

Wine isn’t just an alcoholic beverage it’s a form of art to experienced and enjoyed. We need to take our time and when drinking wine to enjoy the craftsmanship and allow it to take us on a journey.

“I recently had a conversation with three wine drinkers who were open to trying something different. I recommended a few wines they had never heard of — and they loved them. But the thing that stuck with me was they said: ‘I’d never buy that because I don’t know what it is.’”

This was the catalyst for this episode as I figure if one person is in this boat there must be others.

Cheat sheet (basics and most commonly found in NZ)

Loire white Sauvignon Blanc (Sancerre, Pouilly Fume/ Chenin Blanc (Vouvray)

Loire Red Cabernet Franc (Chinon)

Bordeaux White Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon

Bordeaux Red Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon blends

Rhône reds Syrah (North) Grenache (South/ Côtes du Rhône)

Rioja Tempranillo with Grenache and other local reds

Ribera del Duero Tempranillo with Merlot/ Cabernet

La Mancha/ Castilla Mainly Tempranillo/ Grenache

Jumilia Monastell (the M in GSM part of the Côtes du Rhône which also leans to this blend)

Piedmont Nebbiolo (Barolo/ Barbaresco) Barbera and dolcetto

Valipolicella Classico (local red variety blend tastes similar to Pinot)

Valpolicella Amarone ( same blend as Classico but more concentrated almost port like)

Valpolicella Ripasso (half way between both

Chianti (Sangiovese like Merlot/Cabernet)

Montepulciano if it says di Abruzzo it is Montepulciano plump like Merlot. If it says Nobile di Montepulciano (if it doesn’t say Abruzzo) it is Sangiovese and tends to be a little lighter but more structure

Sicily (Nero d’Avola) Puglia/ Salento (Primitivo/ Negroamaro) Shiraz like

#wine #wineeducation #winegeek #winelover

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Why Does Wine Cost So Much? The Truth Behind the Price

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Could a New Zealand Wine Region REALLY achieve this? It isn’t as implausible as you may think

Can artificial intelligence really replace a sommelier? 🍷🤖

From AI wine recommendation apps to supermarkets introducing AI wine assistants, the wine world is starting to change. In this episode, we explore why AI sommeliers are emerging, what they’re actually good at, and whether wine expertise can really be replicated by technology.

We also look at the bigger issue behind the trend: why so many people feel intimidated by wine in the first place, and how AI could reshape the way consumers discover wine—including wines from New Zealand.

Is this the future of wine buying, or is wine still ultimately a human experience?

Follow Vknowgeek for more wine insights and commentary.

Listen on Spotify find Vknowgeek

#winepodcast #ai #wineculture #nzwine

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Syrah

In this episode, we explore the gap between popularity and critical recognition in New Zealand wine. Sauvignon Blanc dominates production and exports, yet it doesn’t always feature at the very top of major wine awards.

We break down what wine critics actually look for—balance, complexity, structure, and ageing potential—and how that differs from what makes Sauvignon Blanc so widely loved. From regional success in Marlborough to broader judging trends, this episode explains why the most popular wine isn’t always the most highly awarded.

If you want to better understand how wine is assessed—and where Sauvignon Blanc fits—this episode gives you a clear, grounded perspective.

Follow Vknowgeek for more New Zealand wine insights.

#sauvignonblanc #nzwine #winepodcast #wineeducation

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What New Zealand Wine Region is the BEST?

We are comparing four of New Zealand’s premier wine regions to see which one is the best

Comparing everything from climate to soil to global impact and the all important wines from each region. Who will come out on top?

#newzealandwine #wineeducation #wine #winelovers #nzwine #winegeek #pinotnoir #centralotago #hawkesbay #martinborough #marlborough #sauvignonblanc #thebest

Why is Hawke’s Bay considered a world-class wine region? 🍷

In this episode, we explore what makes Hawke’s Bay one of the most important wine regions in New Zealand—from its warm climate and diverse soils to its ability to produce outstanding red wines.

We break down key subregions like Gimblett Gravels, Bridge Pa, and Te Awanga, and explain how each contributes to different wine styles, from rich, structured reds to fresh, elegant wines. Featuring grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and Chardonnay, this episode gives you a clear understanding of why Hawke’s Bay stands out on the global stage.

Follow Vknowgeek for more New Zealand wine insights and wine education.

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What makes Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc so special? 🍷

In this episode, we explore the climate, soils, geography, and history behind Marlborough’s global success. From its intense aromatics and fresh acidity to the rise of producers like Cloudy Bay, discover why this style became one of the most recognisable wines in the world.

Check us out on youtube

Subscribe to Vknowgeek for more New Zealand wine insights, wine education, and deep dives into the world of wine.

#sauvignonblanc #marlborough #newzealandwine #wineeducation

Why does Martinborough produce such world-class Pinot Noir? 🍷

In this episode, we explore the climate, soils, geography, and history that make Martinborough one of the most unique wine regions in New Zealand. We also look at the producers shaping its reputation and what makes its wines so distinctive.

Subscribe to Vknowgeek for more New Zealand wine insights, wine education, and deep dives into the world of wine.

#martinborough #pinotnoir #newzealandwine #wineeducation

I haven’t done a pairing episode for a while, and I was inspired to do so thanks to a hearty autumnal dish I was cooking and a delicious wine I found Special to drink with it.

I have taken a few classic autumnal/ winter dishes and given some slightly left of centre wines to pair with them.

is wine missing the mark? Does wine producers and their governing bodies need to reassess how the market themselves to drinkers? Does there need to be a shift in mindset?

the messages conveyed with packaging makes a huge difference in the way wine or anything is and feel a lot of wine companies in NZ get caught not know how to position themselves. Also they miss the mark in knowing what the consumer is looking for sometimes.

An episode dedicated to the legacy left by Peter Taylor. A huge thank you to Emma Jenkins MW, Tony Bish, Daniel Kemp and Ian Isaac’s.

The most misunderstood of grapes. We take a look at this most intoxicating wine style, as always from a Kiwi prospective.

this week i give my take on the Wine Blasts

podcasts NZ wines of the year

We need to keep the little guys going!

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we break down Master of wine Emma Jenkins’ article in New Zealand Wine grower Magazine. where she interview’s

various industry peoples about this new Viticulture philosophy.

in this episode we have selected six wines (3x white and 3 x red) we think offer great summer drinking.

this week

My favourite wines from the year. Twelve in total including my value picks.

Getting more Kiwis enjoying food and wine together is an important cornerstone of this podcast. We explore this theme again by going through the current degustation menu with pairing at the two hatted restaurant the Bistro.

Two years this is what the Podcast is all about! Wine education, promoting small producers and food and wine pairing (part 2). This is what all about!

this week on the offensive taking aim at everyone from Tourism ministers, to cuisine , top 100 sommeliers, wine show governing bodies and even myself. After all this i finish on a high with Zephyr Riesling outstanding wine and the perfect way to finish

This is me putting my money where my mouth is. I have been telling you for weeks to stop buying the big corporates and it’s about to I backed up my words with alternatives to the big guys so here they are. 

Eradus Sauvignon Blanc $17.99 Whisky and More otherwise $19.99

Odyssey Chardonnay $19.00 Whisky and More otherwise $19-$22

Opals Pinot gris $18.99 Good Wine Company otherwise $22

Pāritua Stone Paddock Rosé $19.99 Advintage $20 from paritua 

Me by matahiwi Pinot Noir $19.00 Whisky and More $22 elsewhere 

Alpha domus collection Syrah $19.00 Whisky and More otherwise up to $25

Brookfield’s Burn Foot Merlot $17.99 Wine Central or up to $23.99

Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc $36.99 Whisky and More otherwise Dog Point (Greywacke) $26.99 Good Wine Company 

Craggy Range Te Muna Sauvignon Blanc $26.99 Caros otherwise Palliser Estate Sauvignon Blanc $23.99 Whisky and More

Church Road Grand Reserve Chardonnay $34.99 Good Wine Company otherwise Odyssey Reserve Iliad Chardonnay $29.99 Whisky and More

Roaring Meg Pinot Noir $23.99 Good Wine Company otherwise Shaky bridge Pioneer Series Pinot Noir $23.99 Whisky and More

Mt difficulty Pinot Noir $36.99 Whisky and More otherwise Grasshopper Rock $39.99 Whisky and More

Craggy Range Martinborough Pinot Noir $33.99 Pak n Save otherwise Lime Rock Pinot Noir 2014 $33.00 Whisky and More or Johner Estate Gladstone Pinot Noir 2021 $35.00 Whisky and More 

Craggy Range Syrah $35.00 Woolworths otherwise Beach House Syrah 32.99Whisky and More

Church Road McDonald Series Merlot 25.99 Good Wine Company otherwise Beach House Merlot Cabernet Franc $22.99 Whisky and More

Moët & Chandon $68.99 Pak n Save otherwise Vilaura Blanc de Blanc $58 Whisky and More or Quartz Reef Methode Traditionelle $34.99 Pak n Save

Aix Rosé $29.99 New World otherwise Two Rivers Isle of Beauty Rosé $21.99 New World

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