IN BRIEF

Remarkable wine bar and tasting room boasting an impressively extensive wine list, located in the magnificent Arts Centre.

WHY CHOOSE THIS RESTAURANT?

Enjoy a quality and educational wine experience while soaking up the architecture of the historical heart of Christchurch. Choose to graze or immerse yourself in several courses of inviting and flavourful dishes.

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ABOUT THE FOOD

The menu is tasty, fresh and unfussy. Ingredients feature local delights from some of the best the region has to offer. Cured Ōra King salmon with apple, citrus and cucumber yoghurt is fresh and very well-balanced in flavour. The venison tartare with Thulani egg yolk and puffed wild rice was a favourite and both dishes were well received with a tasting glass of both albariño and vouvray. The market fish of pan- seared grouper with Greystone verjuice beurre blanc is perfectly cooked and well matched with a New Zealand chardonnay. The porcini pappardelle with wild mushrooms, walnut and sage is a delectable dish, made more special given one can currently forage for porcini across the road in Hagley Park. A spiced apple dome with white chocolate and gingernut was a great finish, washed down with a 20-year tawny port. Popping in for a drink and snack is an experience all on its own as there is a huge offering of about 20 New Zealand and European handmade cheeses, carefully cared for and matured by the Canterbury Cheesemongers.

ABOUT THE CHEF

Chef Anna Victoria has embarked on her first head chef position at Cellar Door. Her previous roles included sous chef at OGB and The Bicycle Thief.

ABOUT THE TEAM

Co-owners Kate Hide and Tim Ogle are old-school Christchurch hospo, both with many successful years in the industry. With Tim’s noble and gregarious style of service and Kate’s immense wine knowledge, which she shares so warmly and unimposingly, they are most worthy successors of this special hospitality space, which once housed the iconic institution Annie’s Wine Bar. The front-of-house staff deliver knowledgeable, relaxed and attentive service and are well trained on the wines and menu. It is obvious they feel proud of where they work.

OF NOTE

This exceptional wine list boasts approximately 18 themed flight options, each offering four interesting 40ml pours to taste side-by-side including sparkling, white and red New Zealand and international wines plus sherry and port. These flights are fantastic for the wine lover or beginner offering a unique chance to explore grape varieties, wine regions and winemaking styles.