Wine hamper fans may be interested to hear the comments of one writer who attended the New York Riesling Festival.

In an article for DemocratandChronicle.com Laura Nichols said dry Rieslings tend to be sold in olive green bottles and sweet ones in blue bottles.

She explained wine writer Dan Berger noted it is vital to protect "this fragile product" from ultra violet light and indicated some manufacturers add a protective layer to the wine bottle to prevent such damage.

Ms Nichols stated wine specialist Holly Howell claimed the best method for tasting wine is to swirl, see, sniff and sip.

Swirling releases aromas and sniffing the beverage after doing this is likely to release a number of different smells, she added.

In a recent article for 3news.com, Benjamin Quigan suggested wine hamper fans may like to try Viognier, as it is increasing in popularity because it is a refreshing change to Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.