Originally from the UK and now based in Nelson, Sammy Wilkinson – also known as The Wine Writer – is WinePilot’s only New Zealand–based reviewer. With 17 years in the wine industry, spanning the UK, New Zealand, and California, including hands-on harvests in Nelson, Marlborough, and Sonoma, she brings both a global perspective and local insight. A Stage 2 Master of Wine student, WSET Diploma holder, educator, and wine show judge, Sammy is known for clear, no-nonsense reviews that strike a balance between precision and accessibility, and help readers discover the wines worth drinking.
