Noble Rot Wine Bar

Situated inside an old red-brick bakehouse, Noble Rot is a cosy European-inspired wine bar and restaurant tucked away on the corner of Swan Lane. The fit-out is mainly composed of exposed brick walls, wood and steel elements, adding an old-fashioned charm, but you are immediately struck by its distinctive features upon entering: the bespoke, two-tier wine bottle chandeliers that command the attention of all who sit under them. Wine bottles are everywhere, displayed on just about every surface, shelf and wall you can see.

The interior is split between three sections: the bar, dining area and courtyard, which acts as a private room. In summer you can enjoy a casual glass outside the front entrance under a large outdoor umbrella. Noble Rot offers a vibrant atmosphere for regulars and newcomers alike and is known as a place to bring a date or catch up with old friends over a glass of wine, or venture in for a degustation experience.

Noble Rot offers a compact but well-established restaurant menu, providing locally sourced products served using refined culinary techniques. You can choose between à la carte or a tasting menu in the restaurant, or opt for a more casual range of small plates and snacks in the bar. The menu changes seasonally although classic offerings such as oysters, cheese and charcuterie remain staple favourites.

Think of Noble Rot’s extensive wine list as the Wine Atlas of Jancis Robinson, with almost 1,000 references from premium wineries around New Zealand and the world, plus nearly 100 wines available by the glass. The wine list showcases a wide variety of both classic and more unusual wine styles from around the world, including sparkling, rosé, skin contact, sake and fortified wines, finishing with an impressive digestif range.

The glass pour selection changes frequently and is split between two sections, Sommelier and Coravin, to present different levels of complexity of the wines. The staff is professional, friendly and knowledgeable – simply relax and let them take you for a wine journey.

(Star Wine List's New Zealand ambassador Maciej Zimny is co-owner and sommelier at Noble Rot Wine Bar, Editor's note.)