Normanby: More than a Bottle shop
Kia ora Wine Whānau,
Two weeks ago I wrote about a quick, unannounced pop-in to Normanby Fine Wines & Spirits in Mt Eden and I promised you all I will be back the following week once I’d properly experienced it the way it’s meant to be enjoyed.
Well… I kept that promise.
This week is Part 2, and it was special, because I went back with my family on my birthday. The mission was simple: good vibes with my family of 5, a glass of Champagne, cheeses and charcuterie on the table… and one beautiful Burgundy to take away for later that night with my dad and brothers at our family Christmas dinner.
First things first: Normanby isn’t your usual wine shop
Normanby is the kind of place where you walk in for a bottle… and next minute you’re staying for a glass.
It’s a fresh kind of fine wine experience, retail, café, and wine bar all in one seamless space. It’s built for people who love wine (or are learning to love wine) and want to actually enjoy the process, browsing, asking questions, tasting, and discovering something new without feeling rushed.
And here’s the thing: it still feels personal. That’s the difference.
The “only at Normanby” moment
On my first visit, I had the chance to witness the opening of one of my favourite rosés: Whispering Angel and not just any bottle… a Salmanazar (9L).
I told Liz (who is an absolute legend, by the way), I felt like I was back in Côtes de Provence with the sunshine. That moment summed up Normanby perfectly: premium, but not stiff. Serious wine, but still fun.
Part 2: The Birthday Visit (Family Mode)
Now for the proper experience.
I went back with my family on my birthday, and honestly, it was exactly what I was hoping for nothing over the top, just quality time with my family of 5. A bit of Champagne, a few great bites, plenty of laughs, and that relaxed Normanby vibe that makes you want to stay longer than planned.
Once again, the team looked after us so well. Andrea (Head Sommelier) was in top form, calm, confident, and guiding us through the menu like we were regulars. And shout out to Indy, a young French guy on the team, I got to brush up on my French for a minute, which felt like a little throwback to my days in Burgundy.
And the setup? I love it. There’s a stand-up fridge full of goodness, cheeses, sliced prosciutto, salads, sandwiches and you simply choose what you feel like. Then the team plates it up and serves it tapas-style to the table, so before you know it you’ve got a proper spread happening. A lot of the food had that Italy and France flavour, but I was also stoked to see some local products in the mix too.
So yeah… you can imagine how it ended. We didn’t just have a snack – we ended up with a proper little birthday feast.
This is a place for anyone looking for a special moment.
The bottle that made it full circle
Before we left, I grabbed something special for the evening: a Vosne-Romanée 2022 Village. A proper bottle to share with my brothers and father on my special day.
And that one hit me right in the memories, because those are vineyards my kids and I actually know. Back when I lived in Nuits-Saint-Georges, playing for the CSN rugby team while studying in Dijon. We used to drive past those vineyard parcels, jog past them, even bike past them. So to pick up a Vosne-Romanée like that here in Auckland, with the family on my birthday… it felt full circle.
That’s what Normanby does best: it makes the “buying a bottle” part feel personal, not transactional.
More than a visit: it’s a place to return to
Normanby has layers to it. You can keep it casual, pop in for a bottle, grab a glass, snack a little or you can go deeper with curated tastings and seasonal menus.
They’ve even got a private room for up to 10 guests, which is perfect for celebrations, small corporate catch-ups, or a proper wine session with your people.
Wine Chief Wrap-Up
That’s why I’m featuring Normanby to my Wine Chief community, not just because of what’s on the shelves (though the selection is serious), but because of the feeling. It’s warm, it’s thoughtful, it’s quality without the ego.
If you’re in Auckland, put Normanby on the list. Go in with no rush. Grab a glass. Build a little tapas spread. Ask the team what they’re excited about right now.
You’ll probably walk out with more than you planned, in the best way.
Cheers,
Semisi – The Wine Chief 🍷
P.S. If you do visit, tell me what you tried and what bottle you couldn’t leave without.