Welcome to joellethomson.com

Wine and words are close to my heart and this website is about a bit of both.

I wrote my first wine column for Capital Times arts weekly in 1994, which soon led me to writing for New Zealand's largest magazine company, Australian Consolidated Press (ACP) about wine, travel, food and the talented people who make all of those products and experiences so interesting. This led to writing books and I have had 15 now published by New Holland and HarperCollins.

My writing awards include winning the Gourmand World Cookbook Award for my 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, among other writing awards for books and feature stories in magazines. 

For all of my journalism career, I have wanted to make wine as interesting to read about as it is to drink and taste, which led me to study the Wine & Spirit Education Trust's (WSET) highest qualification, the WSET Diploma in Wines & Spirits. 

Tastings, writing, editing, wine judging and reviewing

I write independently about wine on this website as well as judging wine, hosting tastings and wine tours by private arrangement. I have taught the WSET qualifications in levels 1, 2 and 3 and also trained wine retail staff, along with vast tasting and event experience - hosting, organising and marketing. 

I also write independently about wine for Drinksbiz magazine, NZ Winegrower magazine and other publications, mostly magazines.

To find out more or contact me, get in touch by email: mailme@joellethomson.com