The New Zealand wine industry has gone through many changes over the past few decades.  Factory winemaking and corporate beverage company ownership undermined what began as a grassroots winemaking culture, and of course there was that unfortunate business when Saruman tore up all the vineyards to create an army of bloodthirsty super-orcs.
    But today, there is an increasing number of fantastic estate offerings from Middle Earth...uh, New Zealand, and our friend, Eric Platt of Pacific Prime Wines, will be here on Tuesday to pour a few of them. We'll be tasting a Grüner Veltliner from the venerable Seifried family as well as the classic NZ Sauvignon Blanc from their "Old Coach Road" imprint. Also featured are a beautiful bruiser of a Pinot Noir from Carrack and a delightfully subtle Riesling from Forrest Wines' innovative "The Doctor's" lineup. Eric always mixes fun with education, so come prepared to learn about what it means to make great wine in New Zealand.