Drinks
30 March 2026
Best wine bars in Christchurch
Discover the best wine bars in Christchurch. From the iconic Vesuvio and natural pours at Kisi Bar to the hidden charm of Downstairs, explore our curated guide to the city's finest pours
A guide to the best wine bars in Christchurch
Ōtautahi Christchurch has mastered the art of the urban wine escape.
From historic stone vaults to neon-lit courtyards, and cosy interiors, the city’s wine scene is a testament to the region’s world-class hospitality.
Here's a curated guide to the best wine bars across the city.
Where are the best intimate & cosy wine bars in Christchurch?
Downstairs | New Regent Street
Located beneath the acclaimed Twenty Seven Steps, Downstairs marries the cosy vibes of an intimate lounge with the sophistication of a focused wine list.
It’s an inviting space that celebrates hearty seasonal snacks and local pours.
Location: 22 New Regent Street, Central City.
Hours: daily 4:00 pm – late.
The Dirty Land | Victoria Street
A sophisticated den of cool. With its heavy red curtains, exposed brick, and candlelit tables, The Dirty Land offers a broody, meticulously crafted aesthetic.
It is the city’s premier hideaway —perfect for a private conversation over a heavy red or a bottle of French champagne.
Location: 131 Victoria Street, central city.
Hours: Tue – Sat: 4:00 pm – late (closed Sun/Mon).
Londo | Papanui Road
Small in footprint but massive in personality. Londo is the epitome of the modern, minimalist wine bar.
It’s an intimate, high-energy spot where low-intervention wines meet sophisticated small plates — ideal for a close-knit catch-up or a focused tasting.
Location: 2/1 Papanui Road, Merivale.
Hours: Tue – Sat: 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm (closed Sun/Mon).
The Last Word | New Regent Street
A velvet-clad sanctuary on the city’s prettiest heritage street.
While it’s a heavyweight in the whisky world, the boutique wine list is hand-picked to match the warm, wood-panelled, old-world interior.
Location: 31 New Regent Street, central city.
Hours: Mon – Wed: 4:00 pm – 11:00 pm; Thu – Sat: 4:00 pm – late; Sun: flexible.
Where to go for a casual glass of wine in Christchurch?
Cellar Door | The Arts Centre
Award-winning wine flights served in the stunning, historic south quad.
It’s the perfect place to drop in for a casual tasting after exploring the galleries in the Arts Centre.
Location: 1 Hereford Street, west end.
Hours: 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm (daily).
Kisi Bar | High Street
Tucked behind Gatherings, Kisi is a high-concept yet relaxed temple for the vine.
Specialised in natural and Georgian qvevri (clay-aged) wines, it’s an essential, laid-back stop for fans of amber, orange, and skin-contact wines.
Location: 257 St Asaph Street (access via High Street).
Hours: Wed – Thu & Sun: 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm; Fri – Sat: 5:00 pm – 12:00 am.
Where are the most iconic wine bars in Christchurch?
Vesuvio | Merivale
Truly iconic, Vesuvio is a Merivale institution.
With its no-list approach, jazz-infused atmosphere, and red neon glow, it is the definition of sophisticated charm.
Let the staff guide you to your perfect pour based on your tastes.
Location: 4 Papanui Road, Merivale.
Hours: Tue – Sun: 3:00 pm – late (closed Mon).
OGB (Old Government Building) | Cathedral Square
A high-glamour step back in time.
With waistcoated bartenders, live jazz, and a majestic heritage backdrop, it’s the most theatrical spot in the city for a premium vintage.
Location: 28 Cathedral Square, central city.
Hours: Mon – Thu: 3:00 pm – late; Fri – Sun: 12:00 pm – late.
Looking for wineries?
If it's wineries you're after, the Canterbury region has you more than covered with world-class wineries and cellar doors in beautiful settings from the Waipara Valley to the Banks Peninsula, and a few spots in between.
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