Aussie wine retailer Vinomofo coming to NZ

Vinomofo founders Andre Eikmeier, left, and Justin Dry. Photo / Supplied

A wine distribution website that was last year named Australia's best web retailer has unveiled a plan to come to New Zealand.

Vinomofo - a darling of the Australian start-up scene - announced its intention to expand to New Zealand after securing A$25 million in funding in April.

The online site for New Zealand has just launched and the duo behind the fast growing site are coming here next week to set up for an official launch.

Last month, Vinomofo launched a debut 48 hour pop-up sale with local wines, as well as Australian and European wines on sale for reduced prices.

Co-founders Andre Eikmeier and Justin Dry said they were "thrilled" with the pop-up sale and a full launch in New Zealand would take place in late July.

"We've now got 3500 new members, our founding members in a brand new market, hopefully telling their friends about Vinomofo and the experience they've had, and sharing the wines they bought," Eikmeier said.

"It's how we started here in Australia, when we couldn't afford to spend anything on marketing - we just tried to make sure that the wine deals and the whole Vinomofo experience was that good that people would want to share it."

Vinomofo began in a garage five years ago and last year was named the best online retailer at Australian industry awards.

The company has grown to employ 100 people, serving more than 400,000 customers with turnover approaching A$50 million a year.

After the New Zealand launch, the company is eyeing Europe, Asia and the United States launches later in the year.