Christchurch

Gatherings

Unit 5/2 Papanui Road, Merivale

★ NEW ZEALAND'S FIRST EXCLUSIVELY NATURAL WINE RESTAURANT, 75-strong natural wine list, minimal intervention focus, organic/biodynamic, seasonal plant-based menu, warm homelike atmosphere

Londo

Unit 6/2 Papanui Road, Merivale

★ Tiny but mighty natural wine bar, Harry's curation, local NZ natural wines (Lele, Vita, 15 Minute Bottles), grower relationships, intimate hospitality

Downstairs Bar

16/22 New Regent Street, CBD

"Wine pub," sister to Twenty Seven Steps, wines they like from people they like, blackboard wine list, local ingredients, streetside tables

Gustavs Kitchen & Wine Bar

3 Garlands Road, Woolston

5.0 rating, one of largest wine lists in NZ, seasonal local Canterbury ingredients, tapas & snacks, live music, elegant wooden interiors

The Last Word

31 New Regent Street, CBD

Whisky specialist (600+ bottles) with boutique natural wines, craft beer, emerald green interior, 50 Best Discovery, Spanish Mission heritage building

The Institution

28 New Regent Street, CBD

Craft beer & cocktail bar, cider, wine selection, comfy couches, DJ your own tunes via WiFi, historic street location

Cellar Door

1 Hereford Street, Arts Centre

Wine flights, forest green & brick interior, outdoor picnic tables, historic Arts Centre location (ex-Annie's Wine Bar), cozy all-weather venue

Frances Nation Cafe

28 Worcester Boulevard, Arts Centre

Summer Friday wine bar evenings, local wine focus, picturesque courtyard, sundowner spot, cafe by day

Shop Eight Food & Wine

New Regent Street area

Local chef-owned, simple preparations highlighting quality, Riesling selection, cozy local hangout

Benson Road Deli (Auckland?)

Note: Primarily Auckland location

Wine bar & deli, European vibes, cheese & charcuterie (Note: Main location is Auckland, check for Christchurch pop-ups)

King Somm

Christchurch (location varies)

Natural wine events & pop-ups, pizza & organic drops, Jane Dough Pizza collaboration

Annabel's (Auckland export)

Christchurch events

Natural wine events, pop-up tastings, cozy neighborhood vibes

North Bird

North Canterbury

Wines with a story, small-batch & natural focus, craft beers, available at Christchurch venues

The Corner Dairy

Christchurch

Neighborhood wine bar, pét-nats, orange wines, casual local vibe

Inati

48 Hereford Street, CBD

★ Fine dining "Trust Us" menu, 50 Best Discovery, Māori word for "to share," Simon & Lisa Levy, personal relationships with winemakers, 19-seat brass chef's table, wine pairings $199-250pp

The Monday Room

161 High Street, CBD

Established 2016, Duncan's Buildings heritage space, comprehensive wine list, rare library wines, "Trust the Chef" menu, Bloody Mary variations, 7 days dinner service

Earl

115 Worcester Street, CBD

Food-centric wine bar, pasta & wine Tuesday $26.50, well-selected small wine list, cocktails, all-day dining, fine casual

Margot

Christchurch

26-seat modern European wine bar, rustic seasonal share plates, organic ingredients, funky wine list, super-friendly suburban spot

The Old Vicarage Cafe

35 Halswell Road, Christchurch

Historic building, breakfast through dinner, wine selection, garden setting, boutique accommodation

Vesuvio

Merivale (near Gatherings)

Italian restaurant, natural wine selection, neighbor to Gatherings & Londo, make a night of it

Tussock Hill Cellar Door

210 Huntsbury Avenue, Cashmere (Port Hills)

★ Organic vineyard, Port Hills views over city, seasonal sharing plates, organic Canterbury produce, Pét-Nat specialist, family-owned

Black Estate Restaurant

614 Omihi Road, Waipara (45 mins north)

★ Biodynamic winery, two-hatted restaurant since 2019, Olly Le Maitre, organic local produce, 3 vineyards, limestone terroir, cellar door

Greystone Wines

376 Omihi Road, Waipara

★ 100% certified organic, Vineyard Ferment technique (indigenous yeast in vineyard), Decanter "Best Pinot Noir in the World," Dom Maxwell winemaker, pét-nat & rare releases

Vino Fino

188 Durham Street South, CBD

★ Christchurch icon since 1993, natural wine specialists, organic/biodynamic section, knowledgeable staff, online & in-store, Monday-Friday 10am-6pm, Saturday 10am-5pm

Decant Vintners & Epicures

76 Buchan Street, Sydenham

★ Most extensive European wine collection in South Island, exclusive imports, French cheese specialist (20+ styles), wine bar closed but shop open, Riccarton location too

Cult Wine

Online & Wellington-based (ships to Christchurch)

Natural, Lo-Fi & Small Batch specialists, Jules van Costello, championing creativity & diversity, curated cult wines

Great Little Vineyards

Multiple locations (Akaroa, etc.)

Small NZ producers, organic/biodynamic/natural farming, tastings, "find a few great little bottles"

The Re Store

Leederville & Northbridge (Auckland?)

Continental deli & natural wine selection, affordable pricing, check for Christchurch availability

Fine Wine Delivery Co

Lunn Ave, Mt Wellington (Auckland) - ships nationwide

"Super stores," NZ wine focus, natural wine selection, established 1997, delivery to Christchurch

Georges Road Wines

Waipara Valley (45 mins north)

Bordeaux-style blends, Wine Pod accommodation, antipasto platters, cellar door, petanque

Pegasus Bay

Waipara Valley

Donaldson family pioneer, Mini Deli, expansive gardens, nature walk, tastings, established 1970s

Pyramid Valley

Waipara Valley

Biodynamic, limestone soils, Home Vineyard, cult status natural wines

Muddy Water

Waipara Valley

Organic & biodynamic, low intervention, Chardonnay & Pinot focus, sustainable

Boneline

Waipara Valley

Limestone soils, amphitheatre vineyard, organic practices, unique terroir

Tongue in Groove

Waipara Valley

Collaborative winemaking, single vineyard expressions, natural wine focus