Thanks for popping in. This website is devoted to all things flavour related, but especially to wine. I am an independent writer, author and wine columnist for the NZ Herald's Canvas magazine and have a career spanning three decades in journalism, writing books, communications work and have worked extensively in the world of wine - from hosting events, teaching at qualification level, judging at wine competitions and, of course, writing.

This website is home to some of my stories. I add to it as often as I can and will publish many more on here - as well as on my Substack platform @joellevino. Please take a look, have a read and get in touch, if you have ideas about wine topics you'd like to know more about and if you'd like me to host a tasting or event for you.

In the meantime, read on and I hope you enjoy the journey.

You can get in touch with me directly at: mailme@joellethomson.com

I am a trained journalist and began my career in newspapers, progressing into magazines at Australian Consolidated Press (ACP Media) in Auckland, New Zealand,  between 1997 and 2008, contributing to magazines on both sides of the Tasman with wine columns across several titles. 

I have since studied wine and obtained the Wine & Spirit Education Trust Diploma and have taught WSET levels 1, 2 and 3 for the NZ School of Food & Wine, along with the NZQA Certificate in Wine qualifications.

I am the author of 15 books about wine with awards for Best Wine Guide in the World (English speaking) for Joelle Thomson's Under $15 Wine Guide (New Holland publishers) and was short-listed (with photographer Andrew Coffey) as a finalist in the Montana New Zealand Book Awards for "Celebrating New Zealand Wine". 

My writing is independent.