After a much-anticipated opening night, the Wine + Food Experience Marlborough is now open, giving a significant boost to central Blenheim.
The new venue on the banks of the Taylor River in Blenheim’s CBD can accommodate 420 guests and showcases more than 50 local wineries and food producers under one roof. The development team believe it will transform how visitors experience the region’s world-renowned wine culture.
Marlborough Mayor Nadine Taylor officially opened the venue on Thursday evening, with developer Chris Thornley welcoming the 100+ guests in attendance.
“Our mission with Wine + Food is to enhance the cellar door journey, not replace it,” says Wine + Food Experience Marlborough Managing Director Lenny O’Connell.
“Wine + Food ensures visitors to Marlborough who are short on time do not miss tasting the expertly-crafted premium wine unique to our region.
“We have designed Wine + Food to be a place where locals, businesses, and visitors come together to experience the region’s finest from wines and seasonal cuisine to thoughtfully-curated tastings and special events.”
Wine + Food offers visitors education on their wines of choice through custom-made display units, personalised wine tastings through self-service WineEmotion dispensers, intimate cellar door experiences, accompanied by signature food, cheese and seafood.
In addition to over 90 wines, guests can enjoy beer, gin and whiskey tastings and purchase featured products through the on-site off-licence.
The wine list includes London Wine Competition Wine of the Year, Isabel Estate’s Wild Barrique Chardonnay 2022, Jackson Estate’s Botrytis Reisling, which achieved gold at the NZ International Wine Show, and The Real Review’s 2025 Rose of the Year, Te Whare Ra Single Vineyard 5182 Rose, alongside the region’s famed Sauvignon Blanc.
Guests can enjoy platters with artisanal products including Little River Estate cheeses, local charcuterie from Premium Game, and Manaaki preserves and condiments, alongside seafood experiences offering crayfish, Marlborough oysters, Mills Bay mussels, Cloudy Bay clams, and smoked salmon.
For an impressive sense of arrival, Steve Trevella and Rose McKenzie were commissioned to produce a stunning hanging sculpture in the double level foyer of the venue, depicting copper and stainless-steel vines with golden globes of grapes.
“We’re proud to breathe new life into the former Clubs of Marlborough building and the Wine + Food Experience will soon be complemented by an adjoining restaurant, expected to open shortly, offering lunch and dinner service to complete the culinary journey,” added Lenny.
“Whether visiting Marlborough for the first time or returning to discover more of the region, Wine + Food offers visitors a new way to taste their way through local vineyards and food producers in a welcoming space, in any weather.
“This is where locals and visitors alike can gather, taste, and experience the true character and spirit of Marlborough.”
