Wine not? A full-bodied list of Wellington wine bars

A dark and mysterious corridor leads to one of the city’s best wine bars. Puffin is a stylish, relaxed bar with a focus on organic, biodynamic, and minimal intervention wines. The by-the-glass wine list changes weekly. Orange, chilled red, rosé, and many other varietals (and colours) often feature. The staff are experts and can guide you in your selection. Pair with some of Puffin’s umami-rich snacks, and settle into a booth or a table to sip, sample, and savour. If you find a drop you love, grab a bottle from Puffin’s dedicated wine shop next door.

Ever considered enjoying your favourite natural wine with a hot dog? If the answer is no, Ascot might change your mind. Up a winding staircase, the rooftop bar offers a casual approach to natural and organic wine. Your glass of vino will likely come from a tap, with the day’s selection written on a chalkboard on the wall. The unusual but delicious pairing of hot dogs come in a wide variety, from traditional meat sausages through to vegan carrot dogs. Lo-fi is the aim of the Ascot experience, with turntables spinning the music, and retro decor. It’s a relaxed approach to a traditional drink.

Graze is a charming neighbourhood wine bar with a focus on sustainability. The cosy spot in Kelburn village is helmed by a husband and wife team. The couple uses low-waste and sustainable ingredients and practices. A range of New Zealand wines are available by the glass, showcasing many of the country’s smaller and lesser-known vineyards. Most of the varietals on offer are organic or biodynamic. Pair your selection with plates from the pescatarian menu. Dishes showcase sustainably-caught fish and seafood, and local produce. It’s a casual space with a serious offering of highly considered food, and thoughtful wines.

If you’re looking for an impressive wine list, Noble Rot is the spot. There are over 500 wines to choose from, with hundreds of bottles on display across the walls of the bar and restaurant. If you don’t want to commit to a bottle, there are over 80 wines available by the glass. With so many choices, it can be hard to know where to start. Let the knowledgeable team guide your selection, taking you across the best wines from New Zealand and beyond. 

Accompany your glass or bottle with a charcuterie board, or go all out with a degustation menu. Expertly paired with wine matches, it will take your wine-tasting experience to the next level.

At the top of a pedestrian laneway off Lambton Quay, you’ll find 11 Woodward. This intimate wine bar offers respite from the surrounding bustling shopping and high-rises. Head sommelier Gary Pluck has loaded the wine list with special finds and exotic drops. He aims to “embrace everything Beaujolais.” This means quality bubbles, Beaujolais blanc chardonnay, and gamay wines (a light-bodied wine like pinot noir). The menu changes regularly. You’ll likely find an exotic selection of cheeses, tasty platters, and small bites.

Old meets new at restaurant and wine bar Rosella. Housed in a charming 1886 Mount Victoria cottage, Rosella offers a modern fusion menu and an extensive selection of wines. The 12-page wine list will appeal to every palate, from contemporary oranges to well-loved classics. The food fuses Mediterranean, Middle East, and North African cuisines to delicious effect. Share-style plates mean you can sample a bit of everything. 

Rosella’s beautiful interiors add to the experience. Designed by co-owner Kat, the decor is cool and sophisticated. A tiled bar, warm woods, and wine bottles line the room. It’s the perfect backdrop to enjoy a tipple with a friend.

Fun is on the menu at Plonk. Described by the team as a “bistrotheque” — a mix of bistro and discotheque — it’s the furthest thing from a stuffy wine bar. Expect live DJs, food on skewers, and a cheerful, chilled-out atmosphere. And then there’s the wine. Plonk’s collection is extensive and full of surprises. Take your chance with a ‘lucky dip’ and see what the team can dig out of the cellar. You might end up with a rare vintage, or a modern, biodynamic delight. Either way, it’s sure to be delicious.