When she graduated in journalism from Wellington Polytechnic in 1989, Joelle Thomson wanted to write lifestyle stories, but it took another two years, a relationship with a chef and a stint as a flambé waitress in the Shetland Islands to join the obvious dots: become a wine writer. Her first wine column was in 1994. She has written 14 wine books in New Zealand and writes a wine column for The Dominion Post. She also edits Drinksbiz, tutors WSET, writes for Tim Atkin and adores Riesling.