Overview
Following clarification from the New Zealand Government on essential services, peppy beverages now find themselves on the priority list during the COVID-19 lockdown. While social distancing rules can mean long waits at supermarkets and one in, one out restrictions at many of the nation's bottle-os, there are other, more convenient ways you can add a sneaky tipple to your liquor cabinet. Alcohol stores around the country can now ship to your front door as long as they adhere to health and safety measures like contactless delivery. Whether you're after vino from one of the country's most acclaimed wine regions or hop-heavy beer releases, these services will sort you right. Drink responsibly, folks.
FOR WINE
FOLEY WINE CLUB
As well as representing a collection of wineries and brands from one of the country's most acclaimed wine regions, Foley Wine Club delivers wines and gin straight from the makers to your door. The website is home to wine labels by way of Martinborough and Central Otago, including Te Kairanga, Grove Mill, Vavasour and Mt Difficulty, and for those into spirits, the country's oldest craft gin distillery is also on the list. During the lockdown shoppers can pick up cases for under $100.
CULT WINE
Looking for something to whet your palate beyond supermarket cleanskins? Wellington-born retailer Cult Wine specialises in natural and lo-fi vino. Created by Jules van Costello and Asher Boote, Cult Wine celebrates innovation, diversity and authenticity in wine by supporting artisan winegrowers. That typically means wines created in small volumes, produced without chemicals and with minimal intervention. And so you know what you're in for, the company's wines are categorised with charming descriptors like 'Smashable' for easy-drinking drops; 'MindFuck Alert' for varieties that really break the boundaries of what wine should be; and 'Future Classic' for fine specimens that may end up being legendary. The selection is priced between $25 and $45 and there's no delivery charge for orders over $50.
WINEDAB
Winedab was created to help people enjoy wine without the hassle of shelf browsing. New members to the subscription service are required to complete a quiz so the Winedab experts can select your perfect wine match — you'll rank your favourite fruits, smells, snacks and whether you're more of a sweet or sour candy type of person. By signing up you'll be sent a customised case (between three, six or 12 bottles) to your unique wine taste each month. The service is open during lockdown with an estimated delivery time between two and five working days across the country. They have spirits and RTDs, too.
WINE DIRECT
Wine Direct boasts what is perhaps New Zealand's largest selection of imported wines — whether it's gluggable drops or essential cheapies you're looking for. Shop rosé from Marlborough, chardonnay from West Auckland, tempranillo from Barossa Valley or Châteauneuf-du-Pape from Lirac. Much-loved RTDs also make the cut, as do boutique spirits and liqueurs. Bypass the supermarket — the store will deliver any six bottles or more for free, anywhere in New Zealand. The expected delivery time for items in stock during lockdown is between three to five working days.
FOR SPIRITS & MIXERS
THE WHISKY SHOP
Need a snifter of something obscure to complete that at-home cocktail? Not just dedicated to the 'water of life', The Whisky Shop has you covered with an extensive selection of spirits, from manuka honey mead to Greek ouzo and the clear Chinese distilled liquor called baijiu. Given global restrictions you may find it easier to navigate the store's hit list of stock in ample supply which includes spiced rum, gin from local distillery Scapegrace and bourbon. Then there's the whisky list which spans single malts and drops by way of Ireland, New Zealand and Japan.
FINE WINE DELIVERY
Thirsty Kiwis have the choice of over 2000 wines, beers and spirits at Fine Wine Delivery. On the company's extensive list you'll find viognier by way of Australia, well-balanced pinot noirs from North Canterbury and trophy-winning bubbles from Marlborough. Further, there's single-source vodka, rainforest botanical gin and barrel-aged single malts. The company is offering $1 delivery per case ordered during the lockdown and zero-contact delivery.
ELEMENTAL DISILLERS
Marlborough-based craft distillery delivers small-batch dry gin from locally sourced botanicals. Each batch of its Roots gin is distilled within a 200-litre copper still named Fanni. The result is a bold juniper-forward spirit. To enhance your beverage further the store offers bitters infused with grapefruit, hops, blackberry and balsamic. And in line with the current circumstances, the company is now offering complimentary hand sanitiser with every online purchase of Roots Marlborough Dry Gin.
FOR COLD BEER
BEER JERK
April typically marks the start of the hop harvest in New Zealand, with farmers scrambling to pluck the bine so brewers can create fresh-hopped brews — a process that results in more aroma and more flavoursome beer. While Fresh Hop Day isn't happening for 2020, beer subscription service Beer Jerk has partnered with local independent breweries so you can still enjoy hop-heavy drops. The Fresh Hop mixed case features beers from Garage Project, Behemoth, ParrotDog and Beer Baroness, all delivered to your door with free shipping.
THE BEER LIBRARY
The Beer Library is a family-run bottle shop in Christchurch that claims to provide the freshest selection of craft beer available in the country. It also guarantees that you'll find interesting and quality brews not available at your local supermarket. The drinks list includes a bottle selection of over 300 varieties of craft beer, wine and small-batch spirits — from IPAS and imperial stouts to lambic sours and new world wild ales. The Library delivers to anywhere in New Zealand.
BREWBOUND
Craft brews from Garage Project, Panhead and Good George, plus watery suds like Export Gold, Heineken and Double Brown, all make the cut on Brewbound's list of bevies. The company is operating during the lockdown using trusted courier partners for contactless delivery straight for your door. Flesh out your order with munchies like chips, cookies and chocolate.