VALLI Wine Bar

When you think of Kurow, rugby culture and rustic hotel pubs may come to mind – but the little wine bar on the corner of Bledisloe Street is proof that more boutique experiences can happily coexist alongside muddy boots and fisherman’s baskets.

VALLI Wines was founded by Grant Taylor in 1998, an independent label known for crafting beautiful wine from the subregions of Waitaki and Central Otago. However, it wasn’t until the end of 2023 that these wines had a special place to call home – in the same town Grant was born.

Grant and Nicole spent about six months restoring the 1930s Kurow Post Office to create a stage for the full range of VALLI wines to perform within. They exposed the original stonework, ripped up carpet, polished native timber flooring, and revealed the chimney and indoor fireplace – all while bringing in warm, elegant and contemporary touches to complement the building’s historic characteristics. The final result is truly magnificent.

When you step inside VALLI Wine Bar, it’s clear that the team are happy to have you in their company – whether you arrive in heels, gumboots or cycling shoes. There are no rules when it comes to the wine adventure you select, be it a casual glass of wine with friends or guided tasting flights that take you from the wines of Waitaki (all grown within 10km of the bar) to the Pinot Noirs of Central Otago subregions. A concise and thoughtfully crafted menu of small plates pair perfectly with the wines, featuring hot smoked salmon pastries and cheese platters – with produce sourced from Waitaki where possible or around New Zealand. Not a wine drinker? Don’t worry, the invitation still stands and there’s an interesting range of specialty soft drinks as well as craft beers to choose from.

If you find you’ve fallen hard for the wine (you’re not the only one), bottles can be purchased to take home, with free case shipping available nationwide for those travelling on two wheels.