Hi, I am getting in early with my December edition, partly to clear the decks for the silly season, but also to let you know about some exciting news. Well for me it is exciting and I hope you will share some of the buzz.

At last I have my first Vinodiversity Magazine published. It is available on the Apple Newsstand via the iTunes store. That means that you can read it on your iPad, or iPhone. There are specially formatted versions for each device. I hope to publish on other platforms later.

I have called the publication Vinodiversity Magazine. It contains stories, photos, tasting notes and embedded videos about alternative varietal wines. Some of the material is mine, but I have also found quality material from other lovers of different wines.

Contents of the First Issue.

• Letter From The Editor
• Tempranillo: Is this the most important red variety in Australia? Some opinions, tasting notes and videos which I hope will convince you.
• Wine exploration: A guest column which sets out a philosophy of wine appreciation similar to my own.
• Fiano: A classy southern Italian white wine variety quickly finding a home in Australia
• The Wine Century Club: For those who enjoy the chase looking for new grape varieties to try
• Geographe Wine Region: A little known wine region in Western Australia that has embraced alternative varieties
• Have you tried this? A wine variety or region you probably haven’t heard of
• Books Review: Wine Grapes by Jancis Robinson. A must have for anyone with a love of grape varieties
• Recipes: Matched to the wines in our feature articles
• Reference Section: List of wineries related to the feature articles

The cost of each issue is just a couple of dollars. Better still you can subscribe for a full year for the price of a bottle of wine. As a Subscriber you will get access to special issues such as report on the 2013 AAVWS I am currently preparing. If you subscribe you get a free month to make up your mind. Apple will send you a reminder before it starts charging you and you can cancel your subscription if you don't think the magazine is of interest to you.

See some screen shots and order your copy from the iTunes store

*******************

Looking for a different gift idea for a wine lover?

A bottle of wine is always welcome but you might be looking for something that lasts a little longer.

Why not check out some of the maps and charts available from Vinodiversity Products page.

If you'd like to receive a beautiful wall map of your favourite wine country perhaps you could forward this newsletter on to a loved one as a gentle hint.

*******************

Different Drops, Vinodiversity's wine merchant partner has several Mixed Packs at great prices.

These packs allow you try some wines made from unusual varieties by smaller producers. Their freight rates are reasonable and free for larger orders, over $150.

At the moment their offerings include:

• Alternative varieties whites six pack$119
• Alternative varieties reds six pack $119
• Tempranillo masterclass six pack $119
• Italian whites six pack six pack$120
• A savoury Sangiovese pack six pack $144
• A Sparkling six pack $117