LAST week US wine judges awarded Riedel Crystal wine glasses to wine bloggers deemed the best in their field. Check out this list of winners for some truly opinionated pieces on the ups and downs of the global wine industry.
Best Graphics, Photography, & Presentation: Good Grape http://goodgrape.com
Best Industry / Business Wine Blog: Good Grape http://goodgrape.com
Best Wine Reviews on a Blog: Bigger Than Your Head http://biggerthanyourhead.net
Best Single Subject Wine Blog: New York Cork Report http://lennthompson.typepad.com/lenndevours
Best Winery Blog: Been Doon So Long http://www.beendoonsolong.com/blo
Best Writing On a Wine Blog: Catavino http://catavino.net
Best New Wine Blog: Swirl Smell Slurp http://swirlsmellslurp.com
Best Overall Wine Blog: 1 Wine Dude http://www.1winedude.com
My favourite Kiwi wine blogger is http://thewinewanker.blogspot.com who proudly claims “I’m one so you don’t have to be!”.  Jules used to be a sommelier based in Wellington, but is now studying a Wine Science degree at EIT in Hawkes Bay and working in Craggy Range’s Terroir restaurant.  This conflict of interest means he’s given up writing regular blogs, leaving the field open for new comers. Any takers?
This Thursday (September 2) social networking sites worldwide are set to celebrate “Cabernet Day”. To take part, grab a bottle of cab, dress in red, and visit: http://cabernet.eventbrite.com
Wine of the week: Selaks Winemaker’s Favourite Central Otago Pinot Noir 2008.  
I picked this up for $16 at the supermarket and was impressed by its depth of character.  This second label from Selaks has all the dark fruity raspberry liquorice deliciousness of a pinot from central, at around half the price.