Roving Sommelier is passionate about premium quality New Zealand regional wines. Award-winning sommelier, Robert Giorgione is also a New Zealand Wine Brand Ambassador and enthusiastically goes about his work with great passion and knowledge and positively promotes all the New Zealand winegrowers that he represents.

Located in Bannockburn, Central Otago, family-owned Mt Difficulty has become one of my most favourite New Zealand vineyards. They first came onto my wine radar back in the early-to-mid- Noughties, when I was wine buyer and head sommelier at Fifth Floor at Harvey Nichols in Knightsbridge, London. I have also visited the winery on two occasions: in 2003 and 2014.

I love Mt Difficulty wines for their purity and terroir expression of the unique soils and microclimate of Bannockburn. Located on the now-famous Felton Road, the iconic vineyards, especially noted for their Pinot Noir wines, are situated on the steep sides of the rugged mountain. Other vineyards are located on the flat and undulating soils of the Kawarau river below.

Named after a local stream famed for its character and history, Roaring Meg wines are about celebrating the essence and altitude of Central Otago. Roaring Meg Pinot Noir has been carefully made using selected grapes from premium Central Otago vineyards. Traditional winemaking techniques, including nine months of French oak maturation, further enhance fine berry flavours and hints of dry herb. Best enjoyed in a convivial atmosphere.