Farewell ‘Bernadino spewmuchly’: New Zealand mourns loss of favoured sparkling wine

The death knell has sounded for the $10-a-bottle Bernadino spumante after its owner announced it was stopping production

New Zealanders are mourning the end of one of the country's cheapest sparkling wines, a beverage that for many was the defining drink of their youth, the cause of many bad decisions and a familiar presence at parties and weddings.

The death knell has sounded for the $10-a-bottle Bernadino spumante, colloquially known as Bernadino spewmante", Bernie" or the best party plonk".