Queenstown, New Zealand is credited with being the birthplace of bungy jumping -- I'm mortified that I didn't get a chance to try it while I was there. However, some of the nearby vineyards make it REALLY worth the trip. Even though they are in the south pacific, their landscape looks as if it could have been plucked out of Napa Valley. And the wine was spectacular! It was a toss-up --the late harvest Riesling or the light, fruity Pinot Noir.  The Riesling held up to the cheesecake really well, but the overall effect was a bit too sweet. Try it with something lighter, such as a lemon poundcake with raspberry sauce or even a creme brule. The Pinot Noir and truffle pairing was a good balance of sweet and dry. It also went well with the cheeseboard that was served with a variety of goat and cows milk varieties in addition to the breads, crackers and fruit.

I know I usually focus on desserts, but the Pinot Noir paired nicely with the coq au vin. The spices were not what I was used to, which gave it an exotic flair.