Wine writer & author

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About Joelle...

Wine writer and author

Welcome to my website, which is all about wine and the things that go with it... 

I am a journalist and have been writing wine since 1994 in newspapers, news stand magazines, books, as a wine judge, tutor and in wine retail. I have the Wine & Spirit Education Trust’s highest qualification, the Level 4 Diploma. I currently write independently about wine for Good magazine, Drinksbiz, NZ Winegrower magazine, the Martinborough Star and my own website, among others.

I have worked in wine education extensively teaching WSET and NZQA wine qualifications as well as hosting and organising fine wine and in store tastings in wine retail. My writing awards include, among others, winning the Gourmand World Cookbook Award for her book Joelle Thomson’s Under $20 Wine Guide and being shortlisted for the Montana Book Awards Best Lifestyle in 2005 for Celebrating New Zealand Wine. 

Central Otago blazes certified organic wine trail

February 15, 2025
Central Otago Winegrowers Association reached a new milestone this week of 30% organic certification for its vineyard area, which is the highest proportion in Aotearoa New Zealand. "We would like to reshape how people value the connection between the wine they drink and the land it comes from,"...
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