Wine writer, author and presenter
If you’re looking for a wine writer who brings experience, clarity and a love of wine to every project, you’re in the right place. This website features a weekly column by yours truly, along with reviews of new wines, old wines and historical line ups, profiles on wineries and the latest news in the world of wine.
You can contact me to give presentations on what makes wine the most delicious liquid on Earth.
My experience as a journalist spans three decades, including working for ACP Media (the largest magazine company in Aotearoa New Zealand at the time) in Auckland between 1997 and 2008. I have since written weekly wine columns for many years for The New Zealand Herald, The Post, the Christchurch Press, Waikato Times, Capital Times, Capital magazine and many other publications. My work in magazines, newspapers and communications has seen me carve a niche in wine through writing books (15 published books by New Holland NZ and HarperCollins), presenting and teaching wine qualifications, including for the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) and the New Zealand Qualifications Authority's Certificate in Wine, awarded by the New Zealand School of Food &^ Wine. I hold the WSET's highest qualification; the Level 4 Diploma.
My work is independent, approachable and informed.
I have won several awards for my writing, including, among others, Best Wine Guide in the World (English speaking) 2003 for Joelle Thomson's Under $15 Wine Guide (New Holland publishers).
Meet Joelle
Wine and words are close to my heart and this website brings both them together with a deep dive into wine and its compelling blend of geography, history, taste, flavour and the people who find it as fascinating to make as I do to write about.
I wrote my first wine column in 1994 and have since studied wine, judged it in competitions, taught wine qualifications, sold it and collected it. I have the highest qualification of the Wine & Spirits Education Trust Diploma (WSET Dip). I am a trained journalist and author of 15 published books about wine (New Holland HarperCollins NZ) and writing awards for my work in journalism.
Best of... stories about great wines
News from the world of wine
Writing
I have been writing about wine since 1994 when I began a monthly series of wine columns in Capital Times arts weekly in Wellington; the capital city of Aotearoa New Zealand.
I have since worked for wine, food and travel magazines for what was once the biggest media company in New Zealand, ACP Media. I have also authored 15 books, all published by New Holland and HarperCollins, as well as written for many years for The NZ Herald and The Dominion Post (now The Post), Christchurch Press and Waikato Times.
My first wine column was about the great value and quality of southern French wines, following a trip there with my backpack and boyfriend at the time. I have since studied wine and hold the Wine & Spirit Education Trust's highest qualification, the Diploma. I have also taught wine qualifications, negotiated extensively with suppliers and sold wine for an independent wine retailer in Wellington and worked in communications, as well as edited magazines about drinks (Drinksbiz), written widely and independently for nearly every major daily newspaper in New Zealand and contributed to publications further afield.
I love wine and continuously grow more fascinated by its journey from ground to glass - and Mother Nature's role in all that transition entails.
Tastings host
Education is key to understanding wine, guiding both beginners and experts through its complexities. Each sip is a lesson in geography, history, and the uniqueness of vintages. I simplify wine terms and make vineyard exploration fun. Discover the role of terroir and winemaking. Education boosts your appreciation and enjoyment of wine. My aim is to make learning about wine an enjoyable journey. Join me to deepen your wine knowledge and savour each moment.
Presenter
I present wine tastings in an accessible, engaging style with humour and insights gained from 30+ years of writing, teaching and learning about wine. If you're keen on learning more, doing a deep dive into why Central Otago Pinot Noir is an outstanding success and how it tastes different to the wines of Martinborough, North Canterbury, Nelson and Marlborough - or if you simply want to have a fun, informal wine tasting with friends, get in touch.
Every sip tells a story.
Joelle Thomson... Savouring and shaping meaningful narratives about wine.
Email: mailme@joellethomson.com
