Esquire's drinks writer fan of Central Otago wines

New York-based Esquire magazine's drinks correspondent rates Central Otago wine.

David Wondrich, one of the judges at the week-long 42 Below cocktail world cup in Queenstown, yesterday said pinot noir, pinot gris and riesling in Gibbston Valley were "quite delightful" and the region's natural beauty was off the scale.

Mr Wondrich was a professor of comparative literature at a New York university before a chance editing assignment got him noticed by Esquire.

"I never really wanted to be a professor in the first place, I didn't really enjoy it and the academic politics were stupid. It was very accidental, I was never a bartender."

Speaking to the Times during a lunchtime cruise on Lake Wakatipu, he said he preferred classic cocktails and beer to wine, and simple ingredients were best.

In the Caribbean, tourist joints sold cocktails sprouting umbrellas but the locals would sit down to drink rum with fresh coconut water, he said.

He said his job description was unique and a fluke after years of freelancing as a writer and working as a professor.

42 Below global marketing director and former Black Cap Dion Nash offered a few tips for aspiring New Zealand entrepreneurs.

Mr Nash was behind the 42 Below 420 volcanic spring water and said the trick was investing in great design and branding.

"We have few attractive products in New Zealand and in order to sell around the world you have to present something that catches people's eye."

The 42 Below cocktail world cup ends today.