Specialist liquor retailer expands to Wellington

Specialist store Normanby Fine Wine & Spirits has opened a new outlet in Wellington, with plans to add more stores further south.

It follows the May 2025 opening of the flagship store on Normanby Road in Auckland’s Mt Eden by respected wine industry figure Liz Wheadon.

The new store is located within Webb’s Wellington on Marion Street in Te Aro and is the next step in a national expansion, with plans for a Christchurch store to open later in 2026, followed by Queenstown.

As with the Auckland store, the new Wellington outlet is designed to be an experience – combining retail with hospitality and its range spans fine wine, spirits, sake, and craft beer.

“Wellington has such a strong culture of food, drink and independent retail,” says Wheadon. “They’re curious, informed, and open to conversation. We wanted to create a space that feels knowledgeable but never intimidating – somewhere you can take your time, ask questions, and enjoy the process.”

The team at Wellington’s new Normanby Fine Wine & Spirits with Liz Wheadon (centre).

A defining part of the Normanby experience is the ability to enjoy the wine in-store. Any bottle from the shelves can be opened with a $20 corkage, alongside a rotating selection of wines by the glass. Light food and simple bites are also available.

Studio 11:11 designed the space to sit within Webb’s active fine art space while introducing a permanent wine and spirits presence, allowing visitors to move between art and wine.

Wellington local Tom Mapplebeck leads the new store, while also overseeing Webb’s Wellington. Mapplebeck has deep experience in fine wine retail and operations and brings a strong understanding of the city’s hospitality and cultural landscape. Wine leadership across Normanby is guided by award-winning sommelier Andrea Martinisi.