Normanby Fine Wine & Spirits Opens It’s Doors Introducing A Reimagined And Redefined Era Of Retail Experience

Normanby Fine Wine & Spirits, Auckland’s newest destination for curious drinkers, collectors, and everyone in between, opens its doors on 15 May 2025 - unveiling a redefined approach to wine and spirits retail, both in-store and online, and inviting discovery at every turn.

Normanby reimagines what a wine and spirits space can be - blending an exclusive and extensive retail selection, a casual wine bar and café, a private tasting room, and a striking collection of furniture, art, and interior pieces sourced and curated by The Estate at Webb’s - all available to purchase.

At first glance, Normanby - located at 31a Normanby Road, Mount Eden - feels effortlessly different. Eschewing the clichés of traditional wine retail, it offers a fresh vision and a new benchmark: an inviting space for exploration and easy-going enjoyment, thoughtfully designed around how people actually discover, shop for, and enjoy fine wine, spirits, sake and craft beer.

Led by renowned wine expert Liz Wheadon - one of New Zealand’s most respected voices in wine retail, judging, and industry advocacy, and now Webb’s Director of Wine - Normanby was born from a simple idea: that buying wine should feel less like a transaction and more like an experience. It’s a place built on curation, conversation, and the joy of sharing knowledge - where great bottles come with context, and discovery is part of the pleasure.

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Normanby Fine Wine & Spirits is the culmination of Liz Wheadon’s three decades in the wine world — shaped by global industry relationships, deep product knowledge, and a sharp eye for what the future of wine and spirits retail could be.

Liz explains: “We wanted to create something we couldn’t quite find elsewhere — an environment where choosing wine, spirits and sake, whether in person or online, is enjoyable, approachable, and genuinely interesting, no matter your taste or budget. Normanby is fine wine and spirits — done differently — and we’re incredibly excited to open our doors to a new era of retail.”

A fine wine and spirits destination that invites discovery

Normanby offers a carefully curated selection of over 1,300 wines, spirits, sakes, and craft beers — sourced from both around the world and close to home. Many of the bottles are exclusive to Normanby, brought in through long-standing relationships with producers. But whether rare or familiar, everything on the shelf is there for a reason — organised intuitively, made approachable, and backed by a team who know their stuff and love to share it. Leading the way is Liz Wheadon, supported by Anthony “T” Sorensen - Head of Client Services, Zane Winskill – Specialist, Wine Sales and Andrea Martinisi - Sommelier. Together, they bring warmth, insight, and a fresh perspective to every bottle on the shelf.

While Normanby features rare and intriguing labels, just as much care is given to approachable wines for every palate, occasion, and price point - with the expert team always on hand to offer guidance. A vast array of Normanby’s impressive range of spirits are available to enjoy on site. Browse the spirit shelf and discuss your selection with the team.

“Not every bottle needs a special occasion,” explains Liz. “Sometimes, the bottle itself marks the occasion. We’ve selected wines that tell stories - whether it’s a celebrated vintage from a renowned French domaine, a chilled pét-nat from a rising Kiwi winemaker, or a sake crafted by a former Dom Pérignon cellar master.”

Completing the experience is La Cave, Normanby’s dedicated private tasting room. Seating up to 15 guests, it offers a space for intimate tastings, bespoke events, and private celebrations. Details of upcoming ticketed events can be found online or by subscribing to Normanby’s email updates.

Thoughtful details, delicious bites, and retail-forward experiences

Designed by award-winning Trans-Tasman architectural design agency CTRL Space with brand identity by Natasha Mead of 1/1 Studio, Normanby Fine Wine & Spirits strikes a balance between elegance and easy warmth. Natural light spills across rich reclaimed timber ceilings, custom shelving, and thoughtfully placed seating, creating a space that invites people to linger. Curated by The Estate at Webb’s, the gallery-like interior features a rotating selection of furniture and art — all of which is available to purchase.

For a relaxed visit, Normanby’s wine bar offers a rotating selection of wines by the glass, or you can choose any bottle from the shelves to enjoy on-site with a $20 corkage. The café caters to early risers with excellent coffee, tea, pastries, and light fare — perfect for a quick breakfast or easy lunch – with fresh bread provided by Beabea’s of Westmere. As the day transitions, the bar serves expertly pre-batched cocktails crafted by Theo Tjandra (formerly of Panacea).

Normanby’s menu is thoughtfully designed to complement the wines and spirits. Highlights include anchovies on toast, chicken liver pâté, spiced nuts, and Basque-style cheesecake. Additionally, artisanal breads, delicatessen items, and gourmet pre-packaged foods by Sabato are available for you to savour at home.

Normanby is proud to be a stockist of RIEDEL who, for almost 270 years, have led the way in glassware design and innovation. Now both connoisseurs and casual drinkers can enjoy wine at its best from RIEDEL’s Grape Varietal Specific stemware at Normanby.

In addition, Normanby has partnered with renowned local florist Greenpoint to offer beautifully presented dried bouquets, enhancing the curated selection of wines, spirits, and gourmet provisions available in-store.

This attention to detail, combined with Liz’s expertise and the support of Webb’s, positions Normanby Fine Wine & Spirits as New Zealand’s premier new wine retail experience. Looking ahead, Normanby plans to expand into carefully selected regional locations, bringing its distinctive approach to wine and spirits to a wider audience.

“At Normanby, we’re redefining wine and spirits retail, creating a destination like no other — one built on knowledge, personalisation, and a true connection, rather than just a transaction. We’re excited to invite everyone, from seasoned collectors to those just starting their journey, to explore our selection both in-store and online, and to feel welcomed and inspired,” concludes Liz.

Normanby Fine Wine & Spirits officially opens to the public on Thursday, 15 May 2025. To shop the extensive range online and to sign up for the newsletter detailing new featured products and events visit: https://normanbyfinewines.co.nz/ . Follow at @normanbyfinewines

Opening hours:

Monday – Wednesday: 7.30am – 8pm

Thursday – Friday: 7.30am – 10pm

Saturday: 8am – 9pm

Sunday: 8am – 4pm

NOTES:

About Liz Wheadon

Liz Wheadon is one of New Zealand’s most respected figures in wine, with a career spanning over three decades in retail, wine judging, education, industry advocacy, and producer collaboration. Liz recently joined Webb’s as Director of Wine, a role she now holds alongside leading Normanby Fine Wine & Spirits. She also serves as President of Retail NZ and is renowned for her commitment to creating approachable, enjoyable wine experiences.

About Webb’s

Established in 1976, Webb’s is New Zealand’s premier auction house, specialising in art, antiques, fine wine, and rare spirits. Renowned for expertise and credibility, Webb’s provides foundational support and curatorial collaboration to Normanby Fine Wine & Spirits, aligning closely with Webb’s Fine Wines & Whiskies department.

About CTRL Space

CTRL Space is the name behind the strategy, planning, design and execution of interior works for many of New Zealand and Australia’s most well-known and prestigious hospitality venues, hotels and workplaces. The award-winning agency has studios in Auckland and Brisbane. To view more of CTRL Space’s work, visit www.ctrlspace.co

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