Hospitality Business Magazine

From Crayfish Crumpets to Beef Tartare: Auckland’s luxe new wine destination

The College Hill Wine Room by David Nash is set to usher in a new era for those seeking great wine, spirts and food experiences in Auckland’s Inner West when it opens on Friday November 22.

Created and led by David Nash, one of New Zealand’s foremost wine professionals (and the writer and director of acclaimed NZ wine story film A Seat at the Table), The Wine Room has been designed as a wine lover’s home away from home.

Set across a thoughtful collection of above and below ground spaces, and centrally located in Freeman’s Bay, The Wine Room presents a neighbourhood wine bar, private dining rooms, subterranean cellar, sundeck and retail store.

With many a great wine experience linked to food, The Wine Room offering will be elevated by the talents of Executive Chef and partner Ryan Moore creating a menu of classics and perfectly executed dishes, while Wine Director Joe Costello takes the reins in the design and pairing of the liquid offerings.

Executive Chef, Ryan Moore in the Chef’s Kitchen.

Below ground, The Wine Room houses New Zealand’s premier subterranean wine storage vaults. Built and managed in collaboration with Storage King, they provide seasoned wine collectors, or those with a bourgeoning investment interest, state-of-the-art cellar options of varying sizes, all expertly managed by The Wine Room Concierge.

“I wanted to set about creating a wine lover’s home away from home, that happens to come with a private dining room, a Michelin-starred chef and boasts some of New Zealand’s most experienced wine professionals.

“A state-of the-art subterranean wine cellar accessible 24/7 with unlimited corkage at your very own wine bar, and of course a shop with a curated offering to help replenish your cellar for a lifetime of enjoyment – all under one roof,” says Nash.

“It is for like-minded collectors and drinkers. A welcoming and inviting space where anyone can share their love of wine, make meaningful connections, as well as store and access their own personal collections. We’re for both seasoned collectors and the curious.

“We’re looking to set a new standard for wine and spirit experiences in New Zealand by curating bespoke, elevated services that cater to each client’s preferences. From personalised wine recommendations to private dining and exclusive events, we will create unforgettable moments that set The Wine Room as a benchmark for luxury and service excellence,” concludes David.

Te Matuku Oysters

To match one of the country’s most extensive bottle lists a ‘by the glass food offering’ includes the likes of fresh Te Matuku oysters, duck liver profiteroles, beef tartare, jambon persillade, crayfish crumpet and The Cheese List.

The Cheese List.

A space for all seasons and reasons, from casual catch ups, and corporate celebrations to intimate family dinners, elegant, branded events and of course, David Nash’s legendary Atelier Nash wine dinners. The exclusive area seats from two to twenty people.

With a variety of wine and food-matching Masterclasses, Executive Chef Ryan Moore and the team have carefully created menu offerings which reflect their love of European flavours, traditions, and contemporary techniques that hero New Zealand’s best produce. There’s even a champagne and caviar service for those who are inclined.

Events and celebrations

Designed as a luxurious, elevated and versatile space, the entire Wine Room can transform into a celebration venue for larger groups including the Private Dining Room, Wine Bar and outside sundeck. Canapé menus, and an extensive Champagne collection from some of the world’s most famous houses and boutique growers, are on hand to complement any occasion and even the most discerning palates.

The College Hill Wine Room’s extensive retail offering, curated by David Nash, showcases a pre-vetted selection of New Zealand and the world’s best wines. The easy-to-navigate store offers an ever-changing collection of current vintage must haves, along with a continuous roll-out of expertly cellared wines from some of the world’s most iconic producers.

From personalised wine recommendations to private dining and exclusive events, the new venture aims to set a benchmark for luxury.

Temperature & Climatic Controls

For discerning collectors, The Wine Room offers over 450 individual cellars. The walk-in cellars cater for those with large collections, while the bespoke smaller cellars are an economical way to add on space as and when it’s needed for a growing collection.

State-of-the-art temperature, climatic controls, along with on-hand The Wine Room Concierge service ensuring impeccable care and management of precious liquid assets. The ‘Residences Barrell Room’ located in the cellars is a place for members to appreciate, catalogue and consider their collections.

An optional online inventory enables residents to select, order and have their wines delivered to their home, or prepared ahead of dining in the Private Dining Room, providing a discrete and premium service like no other.

The Wine Room Design Partners

The College Hill Wine Room was designed by Space Studio, who led the functional and aesthetic design of the spaces, in collaboration with David Nash, alongside a carefully curated collection of quality design brands that are showcased. Woodwrights of Motueka Tasman crafted the furniture, retail displays and outdoor settings. The custom dining table and chairs designed by cutting-edge design duo Seear-Budd Ross. Kitchen design for The Wine Room Chef’s Kitchen is by Fisher & Paykel.

Opening hours

The College Hill Wine Room located at 43 College Hill opens on Friday November 22. For more information visit the website: www.thewineroom.nz