Queenstown’s renowned No5 Church Lane is pioneering a local focus of exclusively South Island vintages on its carefully curated wine list. Sommelier Anna Krykunivsky said that the decision to create a quintessential Central Otago experience was an easy one.
“We believe this is the first non winery-based restaurant in New Zealand to offer a list exclusively drawn up from its local wine region, sitting alongside the selection of French Champagne, and we’re proud to fly the local flag,” she said. “Hot dry summers and cold winters produce a stunning array of award-winning wines in the area. You’d be silly to visit Burgundy, Barossa or Provence and not drink local, and the same goes for the Central Otago region.”
The list features local labels such as Felton Road, Prophet’s Rock, Rippon and Domaine Thompson, as well as Sam Neill’s Two Paddocks Pinot Noir.
"When, reluctantly, we can tear ourselves away from the vineyards we like to head for the bright lights of Queenstown and what better place to drink some great Central wines than The Spire, and eat well at the same time," Neill said. "Of course, it’s always pleasing to see Two Paddocks on the wine list, and who can blame us if we sometimes like to indulge in our own wine when there."
The menu has also seen a revamp, focussing on local meats while also putting the spotlight on seasonal vegetables.
