After a long weekend of mixed weather, the glorious Auckland sun is back, and it’s time to make plans for the week ahead. Considering that our waterfront is just about the best place to be on a sunny day in this city, it is to the exceptional Somm Cellar Door that we shall inevitably head, drawn in as much by its impressive collection of wine and tasty food as we are by its unparalleled position on the water’s edge.
Set in the Princes Wharf site that once housed Euro, Somm not only affords its guests incredible, waterfront views but it also enjoys exceptional sun, meaning that settling in here for an afternoon is one of the smartest ways to enjoy the best that Auckland has to offer.
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Making this prospect even more tempting is Somm’s daily ‘Somm Sundowns’ happy hour, where guests can enjoy $7 drinks from 3pm until 5pm. With a line-up of libations that includes Little Creatures Catalina Lager, Grove Mill Pinot Noir, Russian Jack Pinot Gris, Dashwood Rosé and the signature Somm Spritz (among others) this is one sundowner you don’t want to miss. In addition, those who choose to make the most of happy hour on a Tuesday or Wednesday can take their experience to the next level by adding a platter of Somm’s unbeatable $2 oysters, served au naturel with lemon.
For a more substantial bite, Somm’s Sunday pizza offering is a delicious way to round out the week with friends or family. Every Sunday, Somm is serving its moreish pizzas in a two-for-one deal, making a sun-drenched afternoon here all the more appealing. And if you haven’t had the privilege of trying them yet (where have you been?) Somm’s mouthwatering pizzas are made with 72-hour poolish dough (a technique that delivers a lighter and more airy texture and a soft but structured crust) and boast toppings that include a simple pomodoro with garlic, fior di latte and basil, an indulgent raclette option, finished with ‘nduja, honey and rosemary, one with flavoursome palermo peppers, eggplant and mozzarella, and a mortadella option with zuni pickle.
If all this wasn’t enough, Somm is also offering a rotating roster of live music sessions that you really don’t want to miss. This week for instance, on Thursday and Friday from 5pm until 8pm, guests can discover the exceptional musical stylings of Nick Taylor, a renowned bassist who will be bringing with him a series of jazz players to wow the crowd with soulful sounds and laid-back beats. Then on Saturday, from 1pm until 5pm, classic jazz and soul singer Chris Melville of KZ7 will be taking to the Somm stage with his warm, velvety vocals reminiscent of the genre’s greats. (See here for Somm’s comprehensive, weekly live music line-up.)
So, whether you’re seeking delicious drinks in the sun, a quick bite between friends, an elevated spot for after-work wines or somewhere to simply sit back and take in the true beauty of Auckland’s waterfront, Somm Cellar Door is exactly where you should be heading this week.
