Don’t believe everything you read! Christchurch’s Cellar Door has been named Australasia’s top wine bar by World of Fine Wine—but the real story behind the accolades is even richer. Photo by cottonbro studio
🏆 What Just Happened?
-
Cellar Door, nestled in the historic Christchurch Arts Centre, scooped the Australasia category in World of Fine Wine Magazine’s prestigious “World’s Best Wine List Awards”
-
This marks the first time a New Zealand venue will represent the region in the global finals, set for London this September
Unlock 1.2 Million+ Aussie Business Contacts — No Subscriptions, No Limits
🎉 Why It’s a Big Deal
-
Owner-director Tim Ogle says:
“We’ve been doing our thing here for five years … it’s great to get this international recognition.”
-
The honour follows a string of wins:
-
Wine Spectator’s “Award of Excellence” in 2024
-
Star Wine List Silver Star for “Best Wine By-The-Glass”
Photo: Supplied – Cellar Door
-
🍇 What Makes Cellar Door Shine
-
Located in the restored Arts Centre, the venue exudes warmth with red-brick walls, wooden floors, and natural light flooding in
-
Their 20+ curated wine flights offer a taste of local and international terroirs—structured, educational, and fun
-
The menu pairs craft nibbles and seasonal small plates with serious cheese and charcuterie .
-
Co-owners Tim Ogle and Kate Hide—a two-time South Island sommelier—bring credibility and down‑to‑earth charm
🤔 So… Should You Believe the Buzz?
Yes—but with a grain of salt.
-
These awards are prestigious but reflect curated wine lists, not necessarily your average night out.
-
Reviewer Maciej Zimny describes it as “ideal … to relax and enjoy fine wines” but flags it’s more wine‑focused than party-focused
-
Cellar Door proudly retains a local, unpretentious vibe while offering high-end discovery
🍷 Final Take
If you’re a wine lover in Christchurch—or visiting—you should check it out. But don’t be fooled: this isn’t just a trendy hotspot. It’s a world-class wine experience with genuine expertise behind it.
“Don’t just drink the hype—taste for yourself.”
📺 Want More?
Listen to owner Tim Ogle chatting with RNZ’s Jesse Mulligan about what this award really means — and why Christchurch can now hold its own on the world’s wine stage Apple Podcasts.