Friends Aleks and Martin found common ground in their passion for great wine, and quickly discovered they both had a strong desire to share that passion with others. Enter: Ground Wine Bar — the duo’s cosy below-ground wine bar in the heart of city.

Tucked away beneath O’Connell Street, Ground is a haven for wine enthusiasts. With decades of experience and thousands of hours dedicated to tasting and studying wine, Aleks and Martin envisioned a tasteful space where great wine meets relaxed, approachable enjoyment. “Our main game is wine,” they share. “We offer a small range of beer and spirits, but wine is our passion. We have over 50 wines by the glass, with selections from all over the world — from the cradle of wine in Georgia to classic regions like Italy, Spain, and Greece, and even more obscure gems from Lebanon, Syria, and Peru.”

The atmosphere at Ground is warm and intimate. Soft blues and soul music play in the background, inviting guests to unwind in a comfortable setting. It’s a place to cosy up and read a book over a glass, settle in for a catch up with friends, and the perfectly intimate setting for a date.

On the food front, the menu is homey and simple, “Nothing fancy, just delicious nibbles,” as Aleks puts it. “What we serve is sourced from local small businesses and trusted friends, like Wild Wheat, Artisan Hub and Cazador.” As such, you’ll find charcuterie, cheeses, baked camembert, pâté, tapenade served with fresh bread and crackers — perfectly selected to complement the wines on offer.

Nestled below Cahn’s Wines & Spirits at 10 O’Connell Street, Ground is a hidden gem open six days a week, offering a laid-back yet world-class wine experience.

Opening hours:
Wednesday — Monday, 3pm until midnight

groundwine.co.nz