STORY
Noble Rot – The Beginnings
Wellington had a distinct lack of wine bars. In a city full of quality restaurants with good wine lists, multiple craft beer bars & cafes, there was really no place that catered for the lovers of wine. An opportunity was knocking…..
It was August 2012, both Josh and Maciej had enrolled to study the 2 year WSET Diploma. This internationally recognised wine and spirit qualification is one level below the hallowed MW! In preparation for the challenging tasting aspect of the Diploma, the guys created a weekly Monday tasting group with a few other like-minded individuals, to hone their palates. The Monday tasting group is still running to this day, with many more keen members testing their tastebuds.
Friendship naturally developed, and ideas for the future began to ferment. After successfully passing the WSET Diploma, a promise to do more over a bottle of Barolo in an Italian restaurant in Parnell, was budding.
By the end of 2015 planning was complete and the need for the perfect site was paramount to success. After months of looking, but not loving, no.6 Swan Lane appeared. This was the perfect site to cultivate Noble Rot Wine Bar. It had a history, and felt like the perfect space.
After 6 weeks, a cancer battle, countless late nights, a full house move and the operation of other businesses on the side, Noble Rot Wellington opened its doors on the 1st of June, 2016.
In almost 7 years, Noble Rot Wellington has achieved success beyond our initial imaginings. Cuisine Magazine’s “Best Wine Experience in NZ” for 2017, 2018 & 2019. 1 Chef’s Hat in 2017, 2 Chef’s Hats in 2018 & 1 Chef’s Hat in 2019. The Felix Wellington Hospitality Awards “Best Wine Experience” in 2017, 2018 & 2019 & being included in the World’s Top Fifty Discovery List…..where will our journey take us next?
A special mention must be made to all the people who have helped create Noble Rot along the way. JP & Amy of Salty Pidgin who were paramount to getting the doors open. Our Head Chef’s both past & present, Restaurant Manager/Sommelier Jessica Wood, our families & friends who suffered all the talk & long hours, the awesome team – current & since departed.
But we wouldn’t be anywhere without you. To the customer who is reading this…we thank you for your loyalty, your support, your kind words.
We thank you for coming together with us for our shared passion and love of wine.
