The Cellar Dunedin

The Cellar Dunedin is temporarily closed.

Nestled on Hanover Street in central Dunedin, The Cellar is a contemporary wine bar and relaxed dining space that has quickly become part of the city’s vibrant hospitality fabric. Positioned right in the urban core, it feels naturally connected to Ōtepoti’s rhythm – it’s close to the historic precinct, surrounded by cafés, bars and pedestrian energy, and very much plugged into the life of the city.

The interior is defined by a generous, open-plan layout with tall ceilings and exposed red brick, lending the space an intimate underground charm. A thoughtful mix of lower and higher tables allows for flexible configurations, making the room equally suited to a quiet glass of wine, a shared table with friends, or a lively evening event. Wood elements soften the space, while the real game changer is the fireplace – a focal point adding warmth, comfort and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, particularly on cooler Dunedin evenings.

The Cellar is not a static venue – quite the opposite. There’s a strong sense of momentum here, with a packed calendar of events that keeps the space dynamic and engaging. From Sherry Week and Albariño Day to live performances and DJ sets, there is always something happening. The versatility of the room allows it to shift effortlessly between formats, while always retaining its identity as a welcoming, wine-led destination.

The wine programme is clearly structured and guest-friendly. Wines are grouped into three main categories – sparkling, whites and reds – with still wines further organised by grape variety, and sparkling wines arranged by style. This makes the list intuitive and easy to navigate. The primary focus is on New Zealand, with a particularly pleasing inclusion of older vintages, offering real depth and perspective. Alongside this, there are well-chosen additions from classic European regions and a handful of New World countries, ensuring balance and familiarity, while still leaving room for discovery through more curious and interesting selections.

Adding another layer to the experience are the curated wine flights – a real highlight. These allow guests to explore specific styles or themes, whether that’s Gamay, Albariño, sherry or beyond. The fact that the flights change weekly gives plenty of reason to return, offering something new each time and reinforcing the venue’s strong educational and exploratory ethos.

Food at The Cellar is versatile, seasonal and rooted in local produce. Designed very much with wine in mind, the menu lends itself naturally to sharing, encouraging a relaxed, social style of dining that complements the overall atmosphere of the space. Overall, The Cellar feels like a confident, thoughtful wine destination in the heart of Dunedin – warm, flexible and full of life. With its inviting room, strong wine focus and ever-changing programme of events, it’s a place that rewards both casual visits and repeated ones. Either way, wine lovers will immediately feel at home.