Wine Along The 101
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    • 2023 Articles >
      • Simply Italian Great Wines US Tour 2022, A Brief Look at the Complex World of Italian Wine
      • A Night of Sicilian Wine, Spotlighting Cambria and Madaudo Wineries
      • Yealands Wines, “Think Boldly, Tread Lightly”, Leading the World Toward Sustainable Winemaking
    • 2022 Articles >
      • Further Defining the Single Vineyard Cru Wines of Barolo and Barbaresco, the Rise of the MGA
      • The Barolo Cru Wines of Beni di Batasiolo
      • Pyros Wines Sparks World-Class Malbec
      • AlloraVino Imports, a Love Affair with Italian Wine
      • Maisons Marques & Domaines Wine Portfolio: Prestige, Glamour and Good Taste for the Holidays
      • The Original Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI, a Condiment and a Culture
      • Rocca delle Macìe, Taking Chianti Classico to New Heights
      • Alluring and Iconic, The World of Chianti Wines
      • Paso Robles Weaves a Thrilling Tapestry of World-Class Wine
      • LXV Wines, The Spice of Paso Robles
      • The Mouthwatering Sauvignon Blancs of Chile
      • The Wines of Portugal, Discover a World of Difference
      • Domaines Albert Bichot, An Exceptional Approach to Burgundian Wine
      • The Wines of Abruzzo Undergo a Renaissance of Quality
      • Ketcham Estate, Exceptional Wines From The Heart of the Russian River Valley
      • La Rioja Alta, S.A., Innovation and Tradition That Stands the Test of Time
      • Vega Sicilia Celebrates 40 Years of Winemaking Excellence
      • Planeta of Sicily Embraces the Past While Reaching For the Future
      • The Spirit of Renaissance is Alive and Well in “South of Somewhere”
      • Gambero Rosso Returns to LA, With the Best of Italian Wines
      • Falanghina and Aglianico del Taburno, Sannio's Ancient Wine Stars
      • Tablas Creek Vineyard Embraces Regenerative Organic Farming
    • 2021 Articles >
      • Make Merry With Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Wines
      • Discover These Enchanting Italian Wines, From the Fog of Piedmont to the Island Breezes of Sardinia
      • Rodney Strong Vineyards and Winery, Revitalizing an Iconic Brand
      • Thanksgiving Tips for the Best Wine and Food Pairing
      • Escape to Paso Robles, a Wine Country Oasis
      • Escape to Paso Robles, a Wonderland of Wine
      • Smith-Madrone Wines, a Napa Valley Pioneer Celebrates Fifty Years of Excellence
      • Oregon’s Willamette Valley, the Land of Pinot Noir
      • Irvine & Roberts Vineyards, Exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Southern Oregon
      • BARRA of Mendocino Wines, an Original Organic Wine Play
      • The Opulent and Thrilling Wines of Denner Vineyards
      • L’Ecole No. 41, Expressive Wines That Pass the Test of Time With Flying Colors
      • France's Loire Valley, a Fairytale Land of Storybook Castles and Magical Wines
      • Craft Wine, Shining the Spotlight on America’s Small Wine Producers
    • 2020 Articles >
      • Margerum Wine Company, the Nexus of Sublime Santa Barbara County Wines
      • Catena Zapata, Malbec on High
      • Long Meadow Ranch, the Circle of Life in a Glass of Wine
      • Fontanafredda Barolo Forges a New Future
      • Bordeaux Wine 2017, Surprises in a Challenging Vintage
    • 2019 Articles >
      • The Rising Wine Country of Southern Oregon's Rogue Valley
      • Discover Ashland and the Rogue Valley, Southern Oregon's Serenade to the Good Life
      • Napa Valley Grille, New Fall Menu Paired with European Wines
      • Embrace Your Wine Geek with PRIE Winery & Vineyards
      • Castello di Albola, Chianti Classico on High
      • Nicolas-Jay Wines, the Journey of a Lifetime
      • The Expanding Complexity of New Zealand Wine
      • Prosecco DOC, Splendor in the Glass
      • On the Oregon Wine Trail
      • Albariño and Rioja Star in Spain’s Great Match
      • Exciting and Eclectic, the Wines of Alentejo
      • Blaufränkisch Propels the Red Wines of Austria Into the Spotlight
      • Fascinating Greek Wines of the Cava Spiliadis Collection
      • Revolution In Rioja Wine
    • 2018 Articles >
      • Temecula Valley Celebrates 50 Years of Winemaking
      • The Stellar Wines of Sardinia
      • Italian Wines Prescribed by Doctor Wine
      • The Alluring Wines of Tunisia
      • Gambero Rosso’s Top Italian Wines for 2018
      • Velenosi Wines, From Le Marche to the World
      • Sauvignon Blanc, a Rising Star in Napa Valley
      • Frank Family Vineyards Celebrates 25 Years
      • Markus Wine Co., Sleek New Red Wines Up the Ante for Lodi Reds
      • Lodi Wine, Over 100 Varieties Strong
      • Ramona Valley Wine Country, an Up and Coming Wine Region
      • Hertelendy Vineyards, the Pursuit of Excellence
      • Napa Valley Wine, Nirvana in a Bottle
      • Wine Stroll: Explore Downtown Paso Robles Wineries
      • The Beautiful Shades of Lodi Rosé Wines
      • Doubling Down on Gold Medal Wines: The San Francisco International Wine Competition
      • The Exotic Wines of Lebanon
      • Australian Wines, Rediscover the New Frontier
      • New Zealand Wines, Expanding beyond Sauvignon Blanc
      • Visit France in 2018, a Feast of Food, Wine, Culture and History
      • Bordeaux Wine 2015, A Very Good Year
      • Portugal's Treasure Chest of Wines
      • Livermore Valley, California’s Original Wine Country Reborn
      • Concannon and Wente Vineyards, California’s Pioneers of Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay
      • Livermore Valley Wine Country, the Future Looks Bright
    • 2017 Articles >
      • Viña Ardanza Rioja Turns 75, an Enchanting Wine Gets Even Better
      • The VIP Sparkle of Prosecco Superiore
      • Lodi Wine Country, Seriously Good Wine From A to Z
      • Lodi Wine Country, Old Vines and Great Wines
      • Lodi Wine Country, Winegrowers and Winemakers Focused on the Future
      • Lugana White Wine, Better With Age
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip to LA
      • Sweetzer Cellars, a Life Changing Journey of Wine
      • Lugana and Valpolicella, the Yin and Yang of the Veneto
      • Three R’s of Summer Wine, Rosé, Riesling, and Ramato
      • Familia Martínez Bujanda, Wines Without Borders
      • Codorníu Cava, the Ars and Anna Collection
      • New and Exciting Wines from the 2017 Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend Celebration
      • Sensual Delights on Display at Savor Italy Los Angeles
      • Pizza and Franco Pepe, Italy’s Best Comes to LA
      • Montes Wines, Wisdom in Wine From Father to Son
      • Passionate Pinot Noir Lovers Unite at the 2017 World of Pinot
      • Vignalta, Wines of the Highest Order
      • Santa Lucia Highlands Sensational Wines
      • Gambero Rosso’s Top Italian Wines for 2017
      • Law Estate Wines: Quality by Design
      • Taittinger and Calvisius: Champagne and Caviar Dreams
      • Riding High on American Rhone Wines, The Rhone Rangers LA Tasting
      • Discover Monterey Wine Country, wine and so much more
      • Wines of Portugal, the Perfect Dinner Companion
      • Gruet's Enchanting Sparkling Wines
    • 2016 Articles >
      • The Art of Italian Living, SoCal Style
      • Wines of Alsace: Perfect for the Holidays
      • Oso Libre Winery; Vines, Wines, and Angus Beef
      • Best Wines for Thanksgiving
      • Simply Italian Great Wines US Tour Sweeps Through Los Angeles
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Chardonnay
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Pinot Noir
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Rhône Varietals
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Bordeaux Varietals
      • Achaval-Ferrer, Exceptional Wines from Argentina
      • Celebration of Harvest Grand Tasting 2016 Highlights
      • The Celebrity Sparkle of Ferrari Trento Wines
      • Santa Barbara Wine Country’s Celebration of Harvest 2016
      • The Garagiste Festival, Off the Beaten Path Wines
      • Explore SLO Wine Country, Central California’s Hidden Gem
      • Byron Winery, The Grand Pinot Noir Experiment
      • Crocker & Starr Wines, Organically Elegant
      • Escape to Santa Maria Wine Country
      • The Elegant White Wines of Domäne Wachau
      • Champagne Palmer: The New Champagne on the Block
      • Holman Ranch & Vineyards: Making Memories & Wine at Romantic California Hideaway
      • Luminous Wines of France's Loire Valley
    • Examiner.com Articles >
      • Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyards: Wines Without Compromise
      • All Stars of Pinot Noir Rock the 2016 World of Pinot
      • Ampelos Wines' Biodynamic Brilliance
      • Artisan Uprising: Blood Into Wine
      • Bodegas Beronia Rioja: The Magic of Oak
      • Crawford Family Wines: Unlocking Varietal Flavor
      • Dolin Malibu Estate Vineyards' Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs Shine Bright
      • Hahn Family Wines: Santa Lucia Highlands' Sweet Spot
      • Kimmel Vineyards: Good Wine Flows from Challenging Times
      • Larner Vineyard: Sweet Spot for Syrah and Grenache
      • LOCA for Lodi Wine
      • Lompoc Wine Ghetto
      • Sanford Winery & Vineyards, Delicious Wines That Tell a Tale
      • The Diverse and Divine Wines of Santa Barbara County
      • Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail
      • The Stellar Wines of California's Sta. Rita Hills
      • Skinner Vineyards, Destiny and Determination
      • Wines of Portugal, The Art of the Blend
  • Wine Reviews
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. 2021 Sauvignon Blanc, in Can and Bottle
    • Coen Malbec Reserve 2019, a New World Wine with Old World Sensibilities
    • Sangre de Toro Rosé, A Light and Bright Summer Thirst Quencher
    • Summer and Sauvignon Blanc, Lucky Rock Wine Co. Style
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. County Cuvée Pinot Noir 2019
    • Monte Velho, Fascinating Wines and Value-Priced
    • Grassl Glasses Add Depth to Wine Enjoyment
    • Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Rosé Brut Makes Everyday a Holiday
    • Festive Ferrari Trento Sparkling Wines For All Occasions
    • Bodegas CARO, the Best of Both Worlds
    • Kosher Wines For the Jewish High Holidays Are Highly Recommended Anytime of Year
    • Oak Farm Vineyards, a Rainbow of Delicious Lodi Wines
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. Sauvignon Blanc 2019
    • Ron Rubin Wines, The Dream Series
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. County Cuvée Pinot Noir 2018
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. Sauvignon Blanc 2018
    • Crus Bourgeois Bordeaux, Expressive Wines at Everyday Prices
    • Légende Collection of Bordeaux Wines
    • Five Contemporary California Wines To Try
    • Alternative Sparkling Wines For a Celebration
    • A Toast to Prosecco Superiore
    • Celebrate with this Pair of Spanish Red Wines
    • A Quartet of Summer Red Wines
    • Spanish Albariño, a Wine For All Seasons
    • Ciù Ciù Wines, Quality That Shines Through
    • A Trio of Red Wines for Holiday Merrymaking
    • Terre de la Custodia Montefalco Rosso 2012
    • The Sultry Arnaldo Caprai Collepiano Montefalco Sagrantino
    • Pop the Cork on Charles Heidsieck Champagne and Bisol Prosecco
    • Garnacha Wines from DOP Cariñena, Beautiful Bang for the Buck
    • A Pair of Greek Wines for a Spring Feast
    • A Dynamic Duo of Sassy Spanish White Wines
    • Anderra Carménere
    • Artesa Chardonnay/Pinot Noir
    • Avignonesi Grandi Annate
    • Château Saint-Maur Rosé
    • La Miranda de Secastilla, Old Vine Garnacha Gems
    • Intriguing Israeli Wines
    • Leviathan
    • Domaines Paul Mas Wines Trio
    • Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc, intensely refreshing and delicious
    • Perticaia Trebbiano Spoletino
    • Stay Cool With These Two Charming White Wines
  • Events
    • Garagiste Wine Festival: Urban Exposure 2022 Highlights Hidden California Wine Gems
    • Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival 2019
    • World of Pinot Noir 2019, A Magical Mystery Tour
    • Journey to Planet Pinot at the 2018 World of Pinot Noir
    • Great Wines of Italy Comes to LA
    • Wine Along the Beach at Garagiste Wine Festival 2017
    • Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend Celebration 2017
    • Orbit the World of Pinot Noir at the 2017 World of Pinot
    • Rhone Rangers Los Angeles 2016
  • Wine Travel
  • Videos
    • Celebration of Harvest
    • Feliz Noche Wines
    • Terravant Custom Crush
    • Que Syrah, Shiraz!
    • Paso Robles Wine Festival
    • L'Aventure Syrah Harvest
    • Clos Pepe's Prince of Pinot
  • Photos
  • Who We Are
    • About Patricia Decker
    • About Fabian Rodriguez
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Natalie Christensen, Chief Winemaker for Yealands Wines
Sauvignon Blanc is New Zealand’s spirit animal in wine, if you will.  Renowned for its intensely pure and vibrant Sauvignon Blanc wines, the cooler temperatures in the Marlborough region of the South Island provide the perfect cradle to develop its flavor and acidity, making wines that resonate in the glass.  Yealands Wines crafts elegant and distinctive Sauvignon Blancs that channel the boldness of New Zealand.  Sustainable from the start, Yealands’ quest is to preserve the environment while making delicious wine, their mission statement, “Think Boldly, Tread Lightly”, is setting the standard for the world to live by.
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Founder Peter Yealands, Courtesy of Yealands Wines
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Courtesy of Yealands Wines
From auspicious beginnings, starting with the date 8/08/08, Yealands Wines has always thought “outside the box”.  Founder Peter Yealands had a working knowledge of the oceanic, forestry and viticulture businesses, in fact, he is best known for creating Greenshell mussel farming, which became one of the top exports from New Zealand.   He used his innovation and experience to create a sustainable, carbon zero winery from the very beginning, a holistic approach to farming.  And even though he retired in 2018, Yealands' green design continues in the winemaking business that bears his name.
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Babydoll Sheep in Seaview Vineyard, Courtesy of Yealands Wines
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Solar panels on winery roof, Courtesy of Yealands Wines
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Vine prunings, baled for biofuel, Courtesy of Yealands Wines
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Butterfly habitat, Courtesy of Yealands Wines
​Sustainability is a major part of the Yealands equation.  Constantly tinkering with the best environmentally-friendly approaches, the sustainable recipe includes many aspects.  Yealands has one of the largest solar energy arrays in New Zealand, over 1300 panels strong.  Vine prunings are baled like hay, and then dried, used as biofuel to heat water in the winery, and also mulched into the vineyard soils, benefitting the vines.  Three wind turbines provide renewable energy for the winery.  To support their carbon neutral certification, and reduce emissions year after year, energy efficiency is key, using cover crops and a flock of sheep to manage the vineyards.  Even indirectly improving their environment is a focus, restoring wetlands and planting a protected butterfly habitat to add biodiversity and a healthy ecosystem that feeds the vineyards.  And even though it seems that Yealands has all their bases covered, they continue to look for new sustainability initiatives to incorporate into the mix.
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Yealands Estate Winery, Courtesy of Yealands Wines
Embracing the Toitū CarboNZero certification, Yealands is committed to measuring, monitoring and reducing carbon emissions, the first winery in the world to do so.  Joining the International Wineries for Climate Action (IWCA) in 2020, Yealands has pledged to lower its carbon emissions 50% by 2030, and 80% by 2045, believing that “producing world-class wines doesn’t have to be at the expense of the environment”, according to Tiffani Graydon, CEO of Yealands Wine Group.
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Seaview Vineyard, Courtesy of Yealands Wines
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Seaview Vineyard, Courtesy of Yealands Wines
The 2,965 acre Seaview Vineyard in the Awatere Valley is Yealands pride and joy, the largest privately owned vineyard in New Zealand.   Here in this rugged coastal landscape, overlooking Cook’s Strait, the impossible became possible, where a wild and windswept patch, seemingly inhospitable to growing wine grapes, yielded exciting results.  Preserving the rolling hills and planting over 80% of the vineyards for optimum sun exposure, the many micro climates created what Yealands calls a “folded landscape”, which provides unique growing conditions within the vine rows.  The constant winds keep the grapes small, and they develop thick skins for protection, which concentrates the fruit flavors.  Cool yet dry, Seaview gives rise to a variety of wine styles and varietals, there are 133 blocks within this large vineyard, channeling the mineral, saline qualities imparted by the sea spray that often mists the vines.
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Natalie Christensen, Chief Winemaker for Yealands Wines, Courtesy of Yealands Wines
Chief Winemaker Natalie Christensen is a native Kiwi, whose passion for wine and music intersect at the crossroads of science and artistic expression.  A love of music first led her to a Bachelor of Music from Canterbury University where she became a classically trained double bass player.  Although she was attracted to music for its healing properties, Christensen realized she needed another avenue for job security.  She worked her first harvest in 2006 and loved it, turning her happiness into a new career, earning a Master of Science with a specialty in Oenology.  From there, she worked her way up in the wine business, leaving Marlborough for experience in Spain, Bordeaux and Oregon, returning to New Zealand and landing at Yealands in 2015.  Since then, Christensen has sought to create wines that reflect her mantra of “peace, unity and harmony”, taking the already pristine wines of Yealands and making them even more seamless.  In 2018, she was named by The Drinks Business as one of the World’s Most Influential Women in Wine.  In the same year, Christensen acted as a mentor for up and coming women winemakers through the Women in Wine program run by New Zealand Winegrowers.  
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Winemaker Natalie Christensen of Yealands Wines
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​Christensen recently came to Los Angeles, sharing five of Yealands elegant wines and their mission of sustainability with wine writers over a six-course luncheon at Crustacean in Beverly Hills.  She spoke of the essence of Yealands' Sauvignon Blanc wines, and what it means to be a "green" winemaker.
​Exploring what that means in the glass led to a lively discussion of the first wine, Yealands Sauvignon Blanc Rosé 2022 (SRP $18).  Christensen dubbed it the “weirdo” rosé, I found that it played with your mind, the wine color leads you to expect a Provence style wine, but bingo, it has an intense nose of lime, very Sauvignon Blanc!  Yealands created this wine to satisfy their UK customers, who requested they make a rosé.  So a splash of Merlot for color and texture, about 2%, added to a fully Sauvignon Blanc aromatic body, and voilà, a “psychological experiment” was born.  Bright citrus, crisp acidity, and herbal notes with a hint of blackcurrent, it has a long, mineral finish, a great pair with seafood, barbecue chicken and salads.  Definitely a conversation starter!
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Tuna Cigar with Tobiko Caviar
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Spicy Pacific Yellowtail Sashimi accented with “Calabrasian” Chili Sauce
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Vegan Hearts of Palm “Crab Cake” with Spicy Vegan Aioli
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An’s Famous Roasted Dungeness Crab with An’s Famous Garlic Noodles
As the luncheon began, three of Yealands’ Sauvignon Blancs were poured alongside the first four expertly-paired courses. Crustacean's incredible food was the perfect backdrop for these wines, and worthy of mention.  First course, a bit of culinary theater, when what seemed to be a cigar humidor was opened, and out of the smoke, Tuna Cigars with Tobiko Caviar were revealed!  Second Course, Spicy Pacific Yellowtail Sashimi accented with “Calabrasian” Chili Sauce, and Third Course, a Vegan Hearts of Palm “Crab Cake” with Spicy Vegan Aioli, with the Fourth Course, Crustacean’s claim to fame, their An’s Famous Roasted Dungeness Crab with An’s Famous Garlic Noodles.  All of these dishes really showcased Yealands Sauvignon Blanc wines.
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First, the Yealands Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2022 (SRP $18) is a blend of two vineyards in Awatere and Wairau Valley.  It is an intense and structured wine with layers of both ripe tropical and refreshing citrus fruit, accented with green herbal notes.  Crisp with a mineral finish, it’s perfect with seafood, grilled chicken, salads, and pastas.
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Next, the Yealands Estate Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, Awatere Valley, Marlborough 2022 (SRP $27), from three blocks within the Seaview Vineyard, is nicely evolved for such a young wine.  Its herbal and mineral character, very much a crushed oyster shell quality, is enveloped in a generous and textured palate, with snow pea, passionfruit, and a smidge of ripe tropical fruit.  For Christensen, it’s a perfect example of the richness and depth of a single vineyard wine, soft yet penetrating on the palate.  A very good pair with freshly shucked oysters, steamed green lip mussels, or goat cheese salad.
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​The final Sauvignon Blanc poured, the Yealands Estate S1 Single Block Sauvignon Blanc, Awatere Valley, Marlborough 2021 (SRP $33), is utterly spectacular!  Taking first place in the prestigious 2022 International Wine Challenge out of London, and crowned the best Sauvignon Blanc in the world, this three dimensional wine is vibrant, pure and expressive, with immediate herbal and blackcurrant leaf notes, followed by ripe citrus and hint of nectarine.  It’s elegant, textured and concentrated, with a long mineral finish.  On the label, their mantra, “Think boldly, tread lightly”, really captures the essence of this wine.  This wine is a perfect companion for fresh and cooked seafood, such as freshly shucked oysters, prawns, green lipped mussels and creamy scallops, or in this case, Dungeness crab.
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Wok Watercress Filet Mignon Beef
And, just to prove the variety of wine that can be grown in the Seaview Vineyard, the Yealands Estate Single Vineyard Pinot Noir, Awatere Valley, Marlborough 2020 (SRP $34) joined the party.  Intense with ripe blackberry, cherry and boysenberry fruit, there is a leafy, savory character about this wine.  Spice and cocoa play among the fine tannins and oak notes from fermentation in French oak barriques.  Paired with the Wok Watercress Filet Mignon Beef, it presented itself as a racy, spicy wine with dusty tannins, and would also be a perfect pair with venison, lamb, wood-fired pizza and nachos.
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Natalie Christensen, communing among the vines, Courtesy of Yealands Wines
Yealands Wines of New Zealand is the complete package, producing award-winning wines made by a gifted winemaker, birthed from a spectacular coastal vineyard and winery that is nurtured by sustainable means.  And, to top it off, these incredibly high quality wines retail for such a reasonable price.  Yealands is leading by example, where great wine can spring from respect for our environment, making the world a better place, glass by glass.