Before the pour

Words: Anna King Shahab

Photography: Blink Ltd.

An Uptown distributor of fine wine and boutique beers is the brains behind many of the things you sip in your favourite hospo haunt.

From tastings in Uptown to tables across the country, Red + White Cellar provides the knowledge and the goods to match wine to space, style, and palate. Founded 20 years ago in Wellington, the business serves a wide range of clients, from grocery stores and independent retailers to restaurants, clubs and event venues. Although it doesn't deal directly with the end consumer, making sure that what's in the glass you're ordering is sure to please is its driving force.

At the heart of the business is connection: its team of 11 sales representatives maintains long-term relationships, providing consistent support and guidance. "Our clients know they can rely on us," says Head of Operations and Marketing, Lisa Shultz. "We help them select the right wines and make confident choices for their menus."

A move 18 months ago from Grey Lynn to an upper-level site on the corner of Mt Eden and Boston Roads and Burleigh Street enabled more space for its growing team, as well as for a purpose- built function area with custom tasting benches where the team can host trade events and wine education sessions. Many of the wines you pore over on drinks lists around town have first been pored over in this space.

Far from just selling wine, Red + White Cellar is a conduit between winemakers and the people who talk about the wine to us end customers, who want to know we're spending good money on something we will enjoy. And there's more to that enjoyment than just the taste of the wine in the glass. "It's about pairing the right wine with the right environment," says Lisa. "We work closely with our customers to understand their spaces and clientele, to make sure the wine complements both."

Strong partnerships with New Zealand's top wineries underpin Red + White Cellar's business.

Amisfield, Dog Point, Spy Valley, and Mahi Wines are core collaborators, while a broader roster including Greystone, Dicey, Man O' War, Redmetal, Margrain, Catalina Sounds, Nanny Goat, Paritua, TW Wines, and High Garden offers access to lots of varieties across the country's diverse and distinctive wine regions. Lisa says her team takes the utmost care to protect these brands in the market - for wineries located in remote parts of the country, Red + White Cellar is a trusted and indispensable partner. Hallertau Brewery claims a spot in the company's portfolio, too, with Lisa saying they're thrilled to be able to support Auckland's local craft beer scene.

Advising top bars and restaurants around town comes with a few perks, including knowing where to head for top-notch food and drink. Lisa says Red + White Cellar clients Lillius, Shapiro's and Galbraith's are favourite local haunts when the team is hankering for a lunch treat out of the office.

Red + White Cellar

38 Burleigh Street

Phone: 09 376 0760

Website: redwhitecellar.co.nz

Instagram: @redwhitecellar