Easy-going vibe for new cellar door

ON THE DOOR: David Beveridge manages the cellar door at Colombo Wine Growers in Martinborough. PHOTOS/GEOFF WALKER

A new Martinborough cellar door with a difference is attracting attention from locals and visitors.

Colombo Winegrowers in Todds Road, on the outskirts of the town, opened its vineyard venue to the public on December 27.

The winery is owned and operated by husband and wife team, Carolyn Irwin and Baptist Sieber, who combine running the business with family life - baby son Monty, dog Bruno and cat Lulu.

Martinborough man David Beveridge manages the cellar door.

The couple decided to set up their winery in Wairarapa because "Martinborough offered everything we were looking for", said Ms Irwin.

"We wanted a village community, boutique wineries and proximity to Wellington. Martinborough offered all three."

Ms Irwin says the response to the new venue has been "absolutely amazing, with stunning weather the whole time".

Set among the vines, with a deck and steps going down to a soon-to-be-established garden, a small selection of plates are on offer.

Ms Irwin describes it as a different type of cellar door where people can enjoy a glass of wine with a tapas-style menu.

"It appeals to people of all ages and backgrounds. They like the fact that it's something different," she said.

The response has been positive, with steady trade since opening day.

"We've had good feedback, with a lot of support from locals," said Ms Irwin.

The small venue has a lounge-type feel.

"It's not a typical dining experience," she said.

On the menu are mixed olives, New Zealand lamb skewers with tzatziki, Greek salad and a selection of cheeses.

The organic vineyard, which uses no herbicides or pesticides, produces sauvignon blanc, pinot noir, syrah, and rose.

The cellar door is open Thursday to Sunday from noon to 5.30pm.