"In our family, what we love about the summer holiday is the chance to take time out, kick back and relax with friends and family - to enjoy those quality moments. It's all too easy to get sucked into another busy year and see such moments overtaken by a flurry of meetings, emails and other distractions."

If the weather forecasters are to be believed, the country will have a helping hand stretching out the season, with an extended Indian summer predicted.

Mason recommends starting the year as we mean to go on, while the weather is warm and perfect for those relaxed barbecues and picnics. Regardless of the weather, he believes that people should ensure the summer holiday vibe is maintained or at least revived regularly as the year progresses.

"We need to make sure that we grab the chance to take time out - spending quality time with friends and family and cherishing those moments."

And as for wines to accompany the summer sun and long evenings, he says we're spoilt for choice this summer like never before.

"With 2013 and 2014 wines on the shelves, we're seeing the best of the best from two of New Zealand's truly outstanding vintages."

Mason's summer picks for a casual BBQ this summer are Sacred Hill Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2014 and Hawke's Bay's truly terrific Cabernet Merlot 2013. "With these wines, you won't want the summer to end."

2014 Sacred Hill Orange Label Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc - A lifted, rich aroma with a medley of tropical fruit notes. Fig, guava, gooseberry, lychee and passionfruit interplay with citrus zest florals and freshly mown grass. Delicate wine through the palate - vibrant from its acidity yet soft and supple from its textural fruit sweetness. The aftertaste has citrus zest flavours and excellent minerality.

Food Match: Enjoy with seared scallops with a white wine, butter and garlic sauce.

Sacred Hill 2013 Orange Label Hawke's Bay Merlot Cabernet - Attractive aromas of black plum, liquorice, porcini mushroom and spice. The palate flows smoothly with dark berry fruit flavours, liquorice complexity and hints of oak spice. This wine is supple with good weight that leads to a fleshy gentle finish.

Food Match: Butterflied leg of lamb with garlic, rosemary and lemon zest, barbecued and served medium rare.

Sacred Hill 2014 Orange Label wines are available at supermarkets throughout New Zealand and have a recommended retail price of $19.99.

For further information visit www.sacredhill.com.

ENDS