Aiming for a fine experience

A passion for the fruits of the vine has provided the impetus for a new bar that has opened in Wanganui.

Courtney Hendrick and Shae Moleta are the couple behind the Balcony Wine Bar, which has set up in the Grand Hotel.

Ms Hendrick and Mr Moleta are leasing the first-floor conference room and trade under the hotel's existing licence.

The conference room, with its balcony overlooking St Hill St, started trading last Friday night and will trade seven days a week from 4.30pm to 2am.

Mr Moleta said their enterprise will specialise in fine wines and spirits as well as cigars.

"Customers will be able to order their wine by the glass or the bottle. We'll decant the wine if they ask for it," Ms Hendrick said.

The smokers will use the balcony, which will be made over to accommodate them.

Mr Moleta has been a maitre d' in the restaurant industry for more than a decade and said he is "extremely confident" when it comes to dealing with wines. Ms Hendrick has a similar work background in the wine and spirits industry.

"Our wines will be sourced from around the world, but we certainly have a passion for New Zealand-made wines," she said.

As well as the drinks and cigars, Balcony Wine Bar will provide light food.

There are other decorative touches to the new bar.

"All our glassware is washed and polished by hand. It makes a difference," Ms Hendrick said.

Local art will hang on the walls and they are keen to get local musicians playing at the venue.

"This is a business built on our passion. It's all about the experience," Mr Moleta said.