Author Archives: tigchandler

About tigchandler

English-born, lived several years in Wellington, NZ, then in Adelaide, South Australia, and recently moved back to New Zealand. With an economics background, I have worked in researching wine consumption patterns, marketing, economics and social media at the University of Adelaide. I also worked a vintage and in wineries in McLaren Vale so have seen both the research/analytical side of the industry and the practical/hands-on side. I have retail experience and many ongoing industry links all around Australia and overseas. This blog reflects my ongoing passion for everything related to the wine industry.

Bird in Hand – a rare breed beats the world’s best

Posted on August 28, 2012 by tigchandler

For those of us who love our wines we all know that there are some wineries where you try one wine and love it and then try another and think – hmmm not so impressive… It’s not often you come … Continue reading →

Posted in Adelaide Hills, Cabernet sauvignon, Chardonnay, New World wine, Sauvignon blanc, South Australian wine, Syrah/Shiraz, Wine news | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Academia and industry – when it really works! The University of Auckland and Goldie Wines

Posted on July 4, 2012 by tigchandler

In July 2011 I read about the University of Auckland acquiring an established Waiheke Island vineyard and winery called Goldwater. The deal meant that the university has taken ownership and the vineyard and associated facilities are effectively now an extension … Continue reading →

Posted in New World wine, NZ wine, Winemaking, wine appreciation and viticulture courses | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

University of Adelaide graduates thrive in the world’s southernmost winemaking region

Posted on June 7, 2012 by tigchandler

The region of Central Otago, in the South Island of New Zealand, sits astride the 45th parallel, making it the southernmost winemaking region in the world. This stunningly beautiful region is reminiscent of Switzerland with snow-capped mountains to over 2,000m, … Continue reading →

Posted in New World wine, NZ wine, Pinot noir, Wine news, Wine2030, Winemaking, wine appreciation and viticulture courses | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

Grape-a-hol: How Big Business is Subverting Artisan Winemaking and the Future of Fine Wine

Posted on May 8, 2012 by tigchandler

Introducing Grape-a-hol! Grape-a-hol: How Big Business is Subverting Artisan Winemaking and the Future of Fine Wine, by Michael F. Spratt and Mark L. Feldman As indicated in the title, this book pulls no punches. In summary, “this book exposes the … Continue reading →

Posted in New World wine, NZ wine, Private labels, Wine news, Wine2030 | Tagged , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Tarac Technologies – closing the winemaking loop

Posted on May 2, 2012 by tigchandler

Have you ever thought about what happens to those delicious winegrapes making your shiraz or riesling after they have been crushed for their juice? With over 1.6 million tonnes of winegrapes crushed in 2011 this gives a lot of skins! … Continue reading →

Posted in Barossa wine, McLaren Vale wine, New World wine, Riverland wine, South Australian wine, Wine news, Wine2030, Winemaking, wine appreciation and viticulture courses | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Fassina – An SA family treasure

Posted on April 3, 2012 by tigchandler

The Fassina family owns and operates a chain of liquor stores in South Australia (SA). Why is Fassina an SA family treasure? Because they have heart and creativity and good honest values. I chatted to Ross Fassina and his daughter … Continue reading →

Posted in McLaren Vale wine, NZ wine, Pinot noir, Social media, South Australian wine, Wine events | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Encore! The second South Australian cellar door wine festival

Posted on February 27, 2012 by tigchandler

The South Australian state cellar door wine festival is back! Held at the Adelaide Convention Centre in the heart of the city from Friday 24 to Sunday 26 February 2012, it was even bigger and better than the inaugural event … Continue reading →

Posted in Barossa wine, Langhorne Creek wine, McLaren Vale wine, New World wine, Riverland wine, South Australian wine, Wine events, Wine news, Wine varietals and blends | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Spicy and suave – the Alsatian sensation – Hugel gewürztraminer

Posted on February 8, 2012 by tigchandler

Those who follow the Tigchandler blog will know of my passion for this noble grape – gewürztraminer. This is how the Tig blog was born, reviewing New Zealand’s Brookfields and Coopers Creek gewürztraminers. New Zealand continues to excite with stunning … Continue reading →

Posted in European wine, Gewurztraminer, NZ wine, Old World Wine, Wine varietals and blends | Tagged , , | 7 Comments

Rock on! Exciting developments in mapping the ‘Geology of the McLaren Vale Wine Region’

Posted on January 12, 2012 by tigchandler

South Australia gets another first! I’ve blogged about us having the first ever white (and bronze) cabernet sauvignon grapes (Cleggett Wines, Langhorne Creek) and the oldest surviving shiraz vines (Langmeil Wines, Barossa). Now I find that we are also breaking … Continue reading →

Posted in South Australian wine, Wine news | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Revisiting the Indian wine market

Posted on January 7, 2012 by tigchandler

In September 2010 I wrote about key features of the Indian wine market – bite-sized overview, looking at trade, production, consumption, marketing and opportunities for Australian wine producers. Such a complex market with huge potential deserves to be revisited, particularly … Continue reading →

Posted in Wine news | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments