One Year of Wine + Food Experience Marlborough
Somehow, it’s been a whole year.
One year since we opened the doors at 42 Alfred Street with a pretty big idea: to create a place where people could come together and experience the incredible wine, food and people that make Marlborough what it is.
And what a first year it’s been!!
There have been thousands of wines poured, plenty of plates passed around tables, long lunches that have rolled well into the afternoon, live music, tastings, events, celebrations and more than a few people standing in front of our wine dispensers wondering where on earth to start.
But more than anything, there have been the people, and that’s what has made our first year what it is.
It all started with an idea
Marlborough is known around the world for its wine. But with so many incredible producers spread across the region, we wanted to create somewhere that could bring more of that story together in one place, right in the heart of Blenheim.
A place where visitors could discover Marlborough wine without having to know exactly which cellar door they wanted to visit first. Where locals could try a producer they’d driven past a hundred times but never tasted. Where you could pour a small taste of something completely unfamiliar without committing to a whole glass or bottle.
And with all that - somewhere that wasn’t just about wine, either. We wanted good food on the table, we wanted to celebrate local producers. We wanted to host events that gave people a reason to try something new. We wanted a space that locals come up and listen to live music on a chilled afternoon and we wanted a space where people could meet, celebrate, learn, eat, drink and simply spend time together.
Twelve months later, that idea has become something we’re incredibly proud of.
To our winery partners - THANK YOU!
Wine + Food Experience Marlborough simply wouldn’t exist in the way it does without the wineries behind it. Over the past year, we’ve had the privilege of showcasing an ever growing collection of Marlborough producers - from names recognised around the world to smaller producers that even some locals are discovering for the first time.
Every bottle in our dispensers represents a vineyard, a vintage and a whole lot of work that happened long before the wine reached us. Being able to bring those stories into one space and give people the freedom to taste their way through Marlborough is something we never take for granted.
So, to every winery that has backed the concept, worked alongside us, joined us for tastings and events, shared their knowledge and trusted us with their wines: thank you. We are so proud to have you here!
More than a place to drink wine
One of our favourite parts of the past year has been watching the space become used in ways that go well beyond what’s in the glass and on the table. We’ve painted. We’ve tasted. We’ve paired wine with cheese, food and plenty of conversation. We’ve had musicians fill the room, hosted private functions, welcomed businesses, celebrated birthdays, wakes, engagements and special occasions, and seen plenty of Friday drinks turn into many many laughs.
We’ve watched visitors discover Marlborough for the first time and locals experience their own backyard a little differently. Some people come in knowing exactly what they want to drink. Others hand us their card and say, “You tell me!”
And honestly, we love both. Because the whole point was never to make wine feel complicated or exclusive. It was to make exploring it easier, more interesting and, most importantly, enjoyable.
And to everyone who has walked through our doors…
This is the biggest thank you of all.
To those who came in during our first few weeks when everything was brand new and everyone was learning the ropes. To the regulars whose orders we’re starting to know. To everyone who has brought their friends, family, clients or out of town visitors in to show them what we’re doing. To those who have booked an event, bought a ticket, ordered another platter, tried a wine they’d never heard of, stayed for the music or recommended us to someone else.
And to everyone who has liked, shared, commented, reviewed or simply told a friend, “You should go check that place out.”
Thank you.
When you’re building something new, that kind of support matters more than you probably realise.
It takes a lot of people
Of course, there are plenty of people behind the scenes too. Our wonderful team who show up every day ready to talk wine, recommend something new, serve great food and make people feel welcome. Our local food producers and suppliers. The musicians who have provided the soundtrack to so many afternoons and evenings. The artists, hosts and experts who have brought events to life. The businesses and organisations who have chosen to hold their meetings, workshops, celebrations and functions with us.
And the wider Marlborough community that has supported what we’re creating at The Alfred.
Our first year has been a genuinely collaborative one, and we’re incredibly grateful for it.
One year down. Plenty more to come.
If year one has taught us anything, it’s that people are always looking for another reason to get together Another wine to discover. Another plate for the table. Another event to put in the calendar. Another excuse to turn a quick drink into a long afternoon. So while our first birthday gives us a good reason to look back, we’re even more excited about what’s ahead. There are SO more wines to pour, more producers to introduce, more events to host and plenty more happening here at 42 Alfred Street.
For now, though, we just want to say thank you for an incredible first year. Whether you’ve visited us once or we’ve lost count of how many times you’ve been through the doors, you’ve been part of it.
