On what would might have been the sunniest and calmest of days this winter, the Waipara Community Centre bustled with foodie activity. This was the Truffle Day Out 2017. A day not to miss on NZ’s epicurean calendar. With attendees split into two groups and alternating in the afternoon, everyone got a chance to be both a forager and a cook. Chef in chief was Canterbury’s own Johnny Schwass, who toiled away at an outdoor fire kitchen and educated the group on the various ways to use truffles. He spoke of how to maximise their usage and the way truffles...

Meeting friends and colleagues in the industry to listen and talk is always refreshing.  Although we discussed many things: how to market better, the experiences of other growers – here and abroad, bio security risks and so on; it was the subject of soil that provided me with the most food for thought.

Science is giving us an ever clearer picture about the world beneath our feet.  That is to say, the biology of soil, roots, microbes and arthropods that sustain soil health and allow us to farm organically.  Among...

We’re thrilled to announce that our Dry Pinot Gris 2016 has won a gold medal in the NZ Organic Wine Awards announced on May 13th.

North Canterbury was incredibly well represented in the awards with 14 out of 26 golds awarded to our neighbouring winegrowers and Black Estate taking out vineyard of the year.

Read the full results here http://organicwineawards.co.nz/2017-results/

VIN DOUX NATUREL

Just in time for the golden season; late harvest peach and apple crumbles, afternoon cheese plates or a cosy night in, Bellbird Spring is delighted to announce the release of two Vin Doux Naturel wines to the range, the Muté ‘L’Alouette’ and Muté ‘Les Epices’. The word Muté indicates fortification and these wines draw on the traditions of Southern France where Vin Doux Naturel (V.D.N.) have their home.

Made in a traditional sense, late picked fruit is whole bunch pressed, run into old oak barrels and fermented without added yeast. Part way through ferment our exceptional pot still brandy is...

2012 Bellbird Spring River Terrace Pinot Noir

Rating: 92/100  Pale ruby colored, the 2012 River Terrace Pinot Noir
displays pretty notes of rose petals and lavender over a gentle core of warm
red currants and cherry coulis plus a hint of Provence herbs. Medium bodied
with very good intensity and plenty of layers supported by finely grained
tannins and just enough acidity, it finishes long.

Reviewed by Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Issue Date 2nd Jan 2017, Source – 216 (Part
2), The Wine Advocate