New Zealand Writers
COOPER, Michael
Internationally-acclaimed New Zealand wine expert
Cooper, Michael (1952- ) is a prolific wine writer who specialises in New Zealand wines.
Cooper was born in Auckland and educated at Auckland University (MA, 1978). From 1980 until 1990 he worked as Wine Marketing Manager for Babich Wines. In 1991 he became a full-time wine writer.
Cooper’s impressive list of publications, including his books, has won him international acclaim. His books include five editions of The Wines and Vineyards of New Zealand (Hodder Moa Beckett, 1984, 1986, 1988, 1993, 1996), Wine Atlas of New Zealand (Hodder Moa Beckett, 2002), Michael Cooper’s Buyer’s Guide to New Zealand Wines (Hodder Moa Beckett, published annually since 1992), Michael Cooper’s Pocket Guide to New Zealand Wines (Hodder Moa Beckett, 1990), Michael Cooper’s Buyer’s Guide to Imported Wines (Hodder Moa Beckett, 1998), Classic Wines of New Zealand (Hodder Moa Beckett, 1999) and the Pocket Guide to Wines of New Zealand (Reed Books, 1997 and 2000).
The Wines and Vineyards of New Zealand (3rd edition, 1988) won second prize at the Goodman Fielder Wattie Book Awards 1989; the fifth edition won the Leisure and Lifestyle category at the 1997 Montana New Zealand Book Awards. The Wine Atlas of New Zealand (first edition, 2002) received the Montana Medal for Non-fiction at the 2003 Montana New Zealand Book Awards. It was also the winner of the Wine Atlas/ Tourism Category of the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards 2003.
The Wine Atlas of New Zealand builds on the award-winning success of The Wines and Vineyards of New Zealand which ran to five editions.
This visually stunning atlas provides a comprehensive overview of the wine industry in New Zealand and contains information on grape varieties, regional variations in climate and soil, and wine-making techniques. Michael Cooper, one of New Zealand's premier wine critics, combines his knowledge with a lively writing style to capture the spirit of individual wineries.
Sumptuously illustrated with photography of vineyards and wine-makers, wine label art and regional maps, The Wine Atlas of New Zealand offers invaluable guidance and information to the connoisseur and amateur wine-lover alike.
Michael Cooper is a regular contributor to several New Zealand magazines and newspapers including Cuisine. He lives in Auckland.
L.K.
Updated Information
Michael Cooper was appointed Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the New Year's Honours 2004 for services to wine writing.
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