I have recently returned from a trip to personally observe this "new world" wine producing country. Mark my words the "old world" had better sit up and take serious notice.

New Zealand's south island is a tourist delight. It is truly a most picturesque, quaint inexpensive sojourn. Besides being breathtaking and wondrous in its natural rain forests, glaciers, fjords and snow capped mountain alps, it also exudes a charm of years gone by - uncomplicated, slower, friendlier and ohh so damn nice. Like America was in the 1950's.

Today's frenetic, high-pressured world has simply passed them by and left them to gracefully enjoy an unchanged genteel way of life. Parents and children are playing, eating, and relaxing on green lawns in gorgeous flower-filled parks. Colorful "Rule Britannia" like uniformed bandsmen play warm, stirring, yet soft music. I hope they appreciate what they have - I'm not really sure they do.

It is also a wine lovers dream. Here you enter an exciting, fast-paced breathless world that contrasts directly with the laid back experience everywhere else. Wine is where it's happening and Pinot Noir - the new liquid gold - has spurred furious activity, committed hard work, imported oenologists, and an entrepreneurial fervor that is truly contagious and reminiscent of real gold rushes of years gone by.

So I joined in with gusto. I visited every possible wine estate I could, including new vineyards, newer vineyards and brand new vineyards. I tasted every delicious Pinot Noir I could lay my hands on. Wow, what an experience.

It appears that New Zealand's diverse range of cool climates, from Martinborough through Central Otago, provide the rough equivalent of having Burgundy, Oregon, Carneros, and the Central Coast & Alexander Valley of California all available in one tiny geographic area. Add to this magic mix the fact that Central Otago shares the 45th parallel with Burgundy and Oregon.

What this means is that I was able to conveniently taste a huge variety of styles of this fabulous wine. Pinot Noir that is racy and sharply faceted. Intense varietal styles and wines that are lush, rich, and plush.

From the early 1970's through the early 1990's, Pinot Noir was frowned upon by most wine 'know it alls'. Then New Zealand Pinot Noir started wining international awards. Rippon Pinot won gold in London in 1991 and successive trophies at the International Wine and Spirit Conventions in 1996-1998 as the best Pinot Noir in London (Ata Rongi and Martinborough vineyards).

Now, producing world class Pinot Noir is all the rage. Underground cave cellars symbolize a determined approach to producing world-class Pinot Noir. There are more splendid Pinot Noirs available now than ever before and new vineyards continue to come on stream.

Based on my trip to New Zealand in February, here is the 'wine bottom line':

Red Wines: Try and experience all the South Island Pinot Noirs you can find available in America. Locate the Pinot that ideally suits your personal preference. Some areas to look for excellent Pinot Noirs are Alona Estate, Bannockburn Heights, Gragey Range, Dry River, Felton Road, Kaituna Valley, Martinborough Vineyards, Pegasus Bay, and Wither Hills.

New Zealand Merlot/Cab Sauvignon Blends are also terrific!

White Wines: Never pass up an opportunity to enjoy a Sauvignon Blanc from this region. They are a real treat and among the best produced from the new world wine making countries. Also experience their wonderful blends, such as Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc.

Well friends I do hope this provides a helpful overview of wines to seek out from beautiful New Zealand. Of course, I'm sure I've overlooked many other wonderful wines that deserve mention. Apologies!