NEW Zealand wine growers have heard us singing the winter blues and decided to add some Zydeco to liven our spirits!

They did this by hosting a wine tasting in London last week.

You would think more than 700 wines would put a smile on anybody’s face.

But I realized that instead of a party, I was joining several hundred middle class men, with middle age spread, in suits who were more serious about wine than their wife’s birthday present.

Throughout the afternoon I dutifully sniffed, swirled, sipped, swished and spat. After a while I was dying for a cup of tea.

Then I spotted a younger man, dressed in a black shirt, black jeans and black trainers.

He was actually smiling instead of frowning analytically at the glass before him. This was Clive Dougall, left, the Winemaker for Seresin Estate.

His passion for the wine is unmistakable.

He waltzed me through the Seresin’s portfolio, describing the care in which each wine is made – including waiting for when the stars are aligned so that even if it’s the middle of the night, the fruit can be picked by hand.

The Seresin Reserve Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2007 is a delight.

It’s clear, pale lemon in colour, with a clean aromatic nose that hints of minerals.

On the palate it is crisp and complex with tropical fruit and citrus flavours. Its recommended retail price is £23.95.

If you want something that is just as refreshing, but a bit easier on the pocket, try Momo Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2008 by Seresin Estates. It has the classic gooseberry flavour of NZ Sauvignon Blancs, it’s clean and simple and less dear at £9.95.

Rumour has it that the Summertown Wine Café will be trying the Seresin Gewurztraminer in the near future.

You can order Seresin wines from Armit, 5 Royalty Studios, 105 Lancaster Road, London W11 1QF (0207 908 0600). Alternatively, contact Mary at maryrg@armit.co.uk