A Night Time Wine Crawl through Wellington City

Your night begins at Noble Rot, one of the city’s classiest watering holes. Conveniently located just off central Cuba Street, it’s the ideal place to start your journey. The wine list here is unrivalled, so enjoy taking your pick, and pair your wine with a charcuterie board to get your appetite going.

Now you’ve had your first wine and a bite to eat, make the short walk over to Puffin. The Ghuznee Street spot is neatly tucked away from the street (just look for the little wine bottle by the entrance), and with its dark, moody vibes and plush green seats, it feels a world away from the noise of the city. Park up in a booth or grab a seat in the courtyard, and let the friendly staff walk you through the extensive wine selection, dominated by organic and ‘minimal intervention’ wines. With a small but punchy range of bar snacks (think cheeses and cured meats), it’d be rude not to grab another bite for the road.

With your night now truly underway, it’s time for some wine-based mental stimulation - and what better place for that than at Garage Project’s Wild Workshop Cellar Door? The beloved brewery’s lab in the heart of Te Aro is where they experiment with barrel-aged sours, spontaneous ferments, beer-wine hybrids, and other weird and wonderful concoctions. And for those looking for something a bit more familiar, the natural wine selection here is a very safe bet. Embrace the smells and sounds of a working brewery and let the crew take you on a mini tour behind the scenes of one of one of Wellington’s favourite brands.

Time for a breather and a well-earned dinner, and a meal at Highwater Eatery is the piece de resistance of this itinerary (make sure you book in advance!). The elegant restaurant oozes charm and class in equal measure, and that’s before we even get to the food. The seafood dishes are always highly rated, or opt for the chef’s menu for an unforgettable feast. With sustainability a big part of the Highwater ethos, there’s a fantastic organic wine list here, which the staff are happy to help you navigate.

And now to finish the evening at the Ascot, one of Wellington’s favourite rooftop venues. The all-natural wine list means you can choose a quality, guilt-free vino as your nightcap, enjoyed above and away from the noise of Cuba Street. And if, somehow, you’re still feeling a bit peckish, Ascot’s famous hot dogs (vegan options available) are on hand to pair with your wine for one last bite before bedtime.