Advice
MICHELIN Grapes: Burgundy's Best Wineries Receive a New Benchmark for Excellence
For decades, the MICHELIN Guide has shaped the way we think about the world's greatest restaurants. This year, New Zealand welcomed Michelin inspectors for the first time, placing the guide firmly in the spotlight. At the same time, Michelin has quietly launched another significant initiative: MICHELIN Grapes, a new rating system recognising the world's finest wine estates. Unlike many traditional wine critics, who typically assess individual wines or vintages, MICHELIN Grapes recognises the producer itself. The inaugural 2026 selection focuses solely on Burgundy, evaluating domaines on the quality of their vineyards, winemaking, expression of terroir, consistency across vintages and the recognisable style of the estate.What Are MICHELIN Grapes? Michelin's connection to wine isn't entirely new. The guide introduced its Outstanding Wine List Award in 2004, followed by the MICHELIN Sommelier Award in 2019. MICHELIN Grapes takes that commitment a step further. Rather than awarding a single bottle, inspectors assess the estate as a whole. The published criteria include: Vineyard quality and agronomy Winemaking excellence Expression of site and terroir A distinctive and recognisable house style Consistency over multiple vintages The system mirrors the famous Michelin restaurant stars, with wineries receiving one, two or three grapes, alongside a broader list of "Selected" producers. Why Burgundy Was Chosen First It feels entirely appropriate that Burgundy became the first region to receive the MICHELIN Grapes treatment. A wine region that places greater emphasis on the relationship between vineyard, producer and terroir. Evaluating an estate across multiple vintages arguably tells a richer story than judging a single release. The inaugural 2026 selection recognises 94 estates, including: 9 Three-Grape estates 20 Two-Grape estates 33 One-Grape estates 32 Selected producers The names at the very top are hardly surprising. Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Domaine Leroy, Domaine Coche-Dury and Domaine Georges Roumier have long been considered among the world's greatest wine producers. Their wines are exceptionally rare, tightly allocated and command prices that place them beyond the reach of most collectors. One question inevitably follows: will another prestigious accolade make these already scarce wines even more difficult to access?Where the Real Interest Lies Perhaps the greatest value of MICHELIN Grapes isn't confirming what collectors already know. Instead, it's shining a light on outstanding producers whose wines remain remarkably attainable. Browsing the One Grape category quickly reveals a number of domaines producing exceptional wines without the eye-watering prices associated with Burgundy's most famous names. Among them is Henri & Gilles Buisson.Henri & Gilles Buisson: A Producer Worth Discovering Located in Saint-Romain, Henri & Gilles Buisson has been imported by Normanby Fine Wines since late last year. Our Director of Wine, Liz Wheadon, visited the domaine during her Burgundy trip last year and immediately recognised the quality of both the vineyards and the wines. Given Michelin's emphasis on vineyard management, terroir and consistency, seeing Henri & Gilles Buisson recognised comes as little surprise. What makes the inclusion particularly exciting is the value. While many MICHELIN-recognised producers sell for thousands of dollars per bottle, the top wine in the Henri & Gilles Buisson range sits at $125, while their Bourgogne is available for $64.99—offering remarkable value for a domaine now recognised alongside some of Burgundy's greatest names. There is still a small amount of the 2023 Bourgogne available, while the 2024 vintage arrives in mid-August 2026 The full range is already online and we're happy to accept pre-orders. Given the attention this recognition is likely to generate, we expect the wines to sell through quickly. The Inaugural 2026 MICHELIN Grapes Awards 🍇🍇🍇 Three MICHELIN Grapes (9) Domaine Cécile Tremblay Domaine Coche-Dury Domaine d'Auvenay Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Domaine Leroy Domaine Dugat-Py Domaine Hubert Lamy Domaine Jean-Marc & Thomas Bouley Domaine Georges Roumier 🍇🍇 Two MICHELIN Grapes (20) Arnaud Ente Benoît Ente Benoît Moreau Bonneau du Martray Bruno Clair Bruno Lorenzon Denis Mortet Domaine des Comtes Lafon Domaine des Croix Domaine Leflaive Domaine Dujac Dureuil-Janthial Etienne Sauzet Georges Mugneret-Gibourg Gérard Mugneret Jacques-Frédéric Mugnier Jean-Claude Bachelet Jean-Marc Vincent Lamy-Caillat Paul Pillot 🍇 One MICHELIN Grape (33) Domaine Armand Rousseau Domaine Claude Dugat Domaine Denis Bachelet Domaine Duroché Domaine Joseph Roty Domaine Trapet Domaine Comte Georges de Vogüé Domaine Ghislaine Barthod Domaine Hudelot-Noëllat Domaine Louis Boillot Clos de Tart Domaine des Lambrays Domaine Ponsot Domaine Arnoux-Lachaux Domaine Sylvain Cathiard Domaine Méo-Camuzet Château de la Tour Domaine Faiveley Domaine Bernard-Bonin Domaine Henri Boillot Domaine Henri Germain Domaine Roulot Domaine Vincent Girardin Domaine de Montille Domaine Marquis d'Angerville Domaine Michel Lafarge Domaine Roblet-Monnot Benjamin Leroux Maison Joseph Drouhin Maison Louis Jadot Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey Marc Colin Henri & Gilles Buisson Will MICHELIN Grapes become as influential as Michelin Stars? Only time will tell. For collectors, the top estates were already household names. The real value of this new classification may lie elsewhere: identifying producers quietly crafting exceptional wines before demand inevitably catches up. For us, it's particularly pleasing to see Henri & Gilles Buisson recognised in the inaugural selection. It's further validation of a producer we were excited to introduce well before Michelin came calling—and one we believe offers some of Burgundy's most compelling value today. If you've been looking for an opportunity to experience a Michelin-recognised Burgundy producer without entering four-figure territory, this may be one of the most exciting places to start.
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A Remarkable Champagne Evening Among Extraordinary Art
Some tastings stay with you long after the last glass has been poured. Last night's Champagne tasting was one of those evenings, made even more memorable by its setting amongst the extraordinary Zoomorphic Lounge exhibition, presented by Webb's. Surrounded by an exceptional private art collection, the wines seemed to take on another dimension, making for a truly unforgettable experience. Our line-up celebrated the remarkable diversity of Champagne. We explored Grower Champagnes alongside the great Négociant houses, tasted Prestige Cuvées, compared Non-Vintage and Vintage expressions, and enjoyed the newly released Dom Pérignon 2017 before moving through exceptional vintages from 2013 and 2018. From Chardonnay-led wines to Pinot Noir-dominant styles, finishing with a stunning (and now sold out) rosé from Vilmart, every wine brought something unique to the conversation. An Extraordinary Beginning – Dom Pérignon 2017 There could hardly have been a better way to begin the evening than with Dom Pérignon 2017. This is the smallest volume release in Dom Pérignon's modern history, composed of 61% Chardonnay and 39% Pinot Noir, with seven years on lees and a dosage of 5g/L. The 2017 vintage produced exceptionally ripe Chardonnay, the ripest seen since 2002, giving the wine an immediate generosity while retaining the precision and elegance expected of Dom Pérignon. Already wonderfully approachable, it captivated the room from the very first pour. Vilmart Rosé – Rich, Bold and Beautiful The transition to Vilmart Rosé provided a striking contrast. Often affectionately described as offering a style reminiscent of Krug, it displayed generous richness, spice, toasted notes and vibrant red fruits with impressive breadth across the palate Grower Champagne at Its Best André Clouet Chalky, presented in its distinctive white bottle, surprised many. While André Clouet is best known for Pinot Noir from Bouzy, Chalky is an entirely different expression, crafted from 100% Chardonnay, offering remarkable purity and freshness. Alongside it was Pascal Agrapart Le 7, a blend drawn from seven vineyards with Chardonnay making up around 90% of the wine. Agrapart continues to justify its cult status, producing wines of precision, energy and remarkable complexity that captivated many around the table. The Classic 2013 Vintage Our first vintage comparison focused on 2013, a year now recognised as one of Champagne's great modern classics. A cool growing season and late harvest produced wines with exceptional acidity, balance and longevity. Many believe 2013 has the potential to outlive the celebrated 2012 vintage. We began with Billecart-Salmon Vintage 2013, a classically crafted Pinot Noir-dominant Champagne showing elegance, restraint and beautiful structure. It was followed by what many considered one of the wines of the evening: André Jacquart Blanc de Blancs Millésimé 2013. Produced entirely from old-vine Chardonnay in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, the wine spent ten years on lees, underwent no malolactic fermentation, and was matured exclusively in three- to four-year-old Burgundian oak barrels before receiving just 4g/L dosage. The result was a Champagne of remarkable purity, precision and length—truly exceptional. Why 2018 Is a Vintage to Buy The evening concluded with two outstanding examples from 2018, a vintage we believe deserves serious attention from collectors. Louis Roederer Vintage 2018 and Philipponnat Blanc de Blancs 2018 both displayed immense quality while also reminding us why patience is often rewarded in Champagne. These are wines built for the cellar, with concentration, structure and balance that promise even greater complexity over the coming years. If there is one recent Champagne vintage worth buying in quantity, 2018 is certainly high on that list. Champagne, Art and Great Company Exceptional wines are always memorable, but sharing them with a full room of enthusiastic guests amongst one of New Zealand's finest private art collections made this tasting something truly special. Thank you to everyone who joined us for an unforgettable evening. We're already looking forward to our next Champagne tastings in Auckland and Wellington this September. We hope to see you there.
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Vintage vs Non-Vintage Champagne
One of the questions we're asked most often is: what's the difference between Vintage and Non-Vintage Champagne? While many people focus on ageing or when to drink each style, the real difference begins in the vineyard and winery. Understanding how each is made helps explain why they taste different and why both have an important place in the world of Champagne. What is Vintage Champagne? A Vintage Champagne is made entirely from grapes harvested in a single year. Champagne houses only declare a vintage when they believe the growing season has produced fruit of exceptional quality. Unlike Non-Vintage wines, Vintage Champagne captures the unique conditions of that particular harvest. Weather patterns, ripeness and growing conditions all influence the final wine, making each vintage a snapshot of that year in Champagne. What is Non-Vintage Champagne? A Non-Vintage Champagne (NV Champagne) is produced by blending wines from multiple years. The winemaker combines a base wine from a recent harvest with carefully selected reserve wines from previous vintages. The purpose of this approach is consistency. Reserve wines add depth, complexity and balance, allowing the Champagne house to produce a wine that faithfully reflects its signature house style year after year. How Louis Roederer Redefined Non-Vintage Champagne Louis Roederer has taken the traditional Non-Vintage concept a step further with its acclaimed Collection series. Rather than simply calling the wine Non-Vintage, every release is identified by a Collection number displayed prominently on the label. The current release, Collection 246, represents the 246th blend created by the house since its founding. This numbering system offers greater transparency while celebrating the individuality of each harvest. Instead of aiming to produce an identical wine every year, Roederer allows each Collection to express the character of the season on which it is built. Carefully selected reserve wines and the house's remarkable oak-aged perpetual reserve ensure every release still carries the unmistakable Louis Roederer style. Collection 246: Built Around the 2021 Harvest Collection 246 is built around the 2021 harvest and beautifully demonstrates the freshness, precision and balance that have become hallmarks of Louis Roederer. It is an excellent example of how a modern Non-Vintage Champagne can combine the personality of a specific vintage with the consistency and complexity that reserve wines provide. A Great Time to Buy Louis Roederer With a Louis Roederer price increase taking effect in August 2026, now is an excellent opportunity to add to your cellar. Whether you're discovering Collection 246 for the first time or looking to secure one of the house's celebrated prestige cuvées, now is an ideal time to explore the range before the new pricing comes into effect.
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Wellington Opening
On Tuesday night, we opened Normanby Wellington, our newest store—a retail space and wine bar within the Gallery at Webb’s on Marion Street. Guests enjoyed a selection of wines including Domaine de la Bretauche, Whispering Angel Rosé poured from magnums, Domaine Jean Dauvissat Chablis 2023, and Château Haut-Roc 2016 from Saint-Émilion. Hennessy XO was also served from a three-litre bottle, poured using a fussière, the traditional pipette used in Cognac. Alongside the wines, we shared a selection from our menu, featuring bread from Shelly Bay Bakery and our much-loved cheesecake, with many of the fine ingredients sourced from Sabato.
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Normanby Wellington: A New Chapter in Wine & Retail
We’re excited to share that Normanby is heading to Wellington. Our second store opens on 30 March 2026, bringing our take on wine and retail to the capital. It’s a big moment for us, and one we’ve been looking forward to for a while. At its core, Normanby Wellington will feel familiar — a focus on fine wine and spirits, thoughtful service, and a carefully considered retail experience. But as always, we believe good retail should offer more than just a product and a price. It should be a place you want to spend time in. That’s where the Wellington space comes into its own. Alongside the retail offering, we’ll be opening our wine bar from the middle of the day, easing from lunch into the evening. Whether you’re stopping in for a quick glass or settling in a little longer, the idea is simple — good wine, good food, and a space that feels easy to be in. We’ll be open Monday through Saturday to start. You’ll find us inside Webb’s Gallery on Marion Street, which brings a completely different energy to anything we’ve done before. While the Normanby identity carries through, each site is shaped by its surroundings, and Wellington called for something distinct. It was never about recreating Mt Eden — it was about responding to the gallery and the city around it. To do that, we partnered with Studio 11:11 and Wellington-based designer Nathan Varga, who knows the space well from his involvement in the original gallery design. Together, the goal was to introduce a wine and spirits retail environment into a working gallery without disrupting what makes it special. The result is something we’re really proud of. The fit-out sits comfortably within the gallery, with shelving and storage designed to feel almost sculptural — part of the space rather than imposed on it. There’s a quiet balance between warmth and restraint, allowing both the art and the wine to speak for themselves. As with Mt Eden, the details matter. You’ll see familiar partnerships throughout — from coffee and glassware to food — alongside locally sourced bread from Shelly Bay Bakery. The wine and spirits selection will closely reflect Auckland, with the same focus on quality and discovery. The team will also feel like an extension of what we’ve built already. Tom Mapplebeck will lead the Wellington space alongside his role with Webb’s, supported by a great group including Macy, Edith, Sacha and Philip. Many of you may have already met some of them. This is more than just a new business opening for us. It’s a chance to bring what we’ve been building into a new city, and to continue shaping what wine retail in Wellington can look like. We’re looking forward to opening the doors and welcoming you in. From 30 March — see you there. 23 Marion Street, Te Aro, Wellington Monday – Wednesday: 9am – 8pmThursday - Saturday: 9am - 9pm
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Wine & Temperature Matters: Why How You Serve Wine Makes All the Difference
As the heat wave soars across New Zealand, we’re reminded that wine temperature matters. It’s surprisingly common to see bottles of wine sitting at ambient temperatures in restaurants, bars and homes — temperatures that are currently far too high for wine to be stored at, let alone served. When it comes to wine, temperature matters more than many people realise. So why does temperature matter, what temperature is right, and how does it impact the wine in your glass? Liz, our Director of Wine, explains why serving wine at the correct temperature is essential to enjoying wine as the producer intended. At Normanby, our store is fully air conditioned, La Cave is kept at a constant 16°C, and our storage facility is chilled and temperature monitored. Every wine is shipped to us in temperature-controlled containers — all so you can enjoy wine in perfect condition. Why Temperature Matters for Wine Wine is about balance. When wine is served at the wrong temperature, that balance is lost. Serve a wine too cold and its aromatics are muted. Low temperatures amplify acidity, phenolics and tannins. For example, chilling a bold, tannic Cabernet Sauvignon will restrain the fruit and exaggerate the tannins. Serve wine too warm and alcohol becomes dominant. A full-bodied red served warm can feel hot and unbalanced. With sparkling wine, temperature is critical — served too warm, it becomes frothy and dull as carbon dioxide is released too quickly. Simply put, temperature matters because it determines how a wine tastes, smells and feels. Tip 1: Aromatic Dry White Wines Aromatic dry white wines are best served between 8–12°C. This is typically achieved with around two hours in the fridge. If they’ve been chilled longer, allow 10–20 minutes on the bench before serving. In warmer weather, it’s often best to take the bottle straight from the fridge, open and serve — the wine will naturally warm in the glass.Tip 2: Sparkling Wine Temperature Sparkling wines shine at 6–10°C. Four hours in the fridge is ideal, followed by serving from an ice bucket to maintain freshness and finesse. Tip 3: Light Red Wines Served Chilled Light, fruit-driven red wines without heavy oak influence are excellent slightly chilled. Wines like Tenuta Garetto Rosina, Domaine Combier IGP Syrah and Amoise Gamay Noir are perfect examples. Serve at 10–12°C, achieved with one to two hours in the fridge.Tip 4: Rosé Wine Temperature Rosé wine temperature depends on style. Crisp, aromatic rosé suits cooler temperatures similar to aromatic whites, while richer, fuller styles can be served closer to Chardonnay temperatures. Tip 5: Chardonnay Temperature Chardonnay benefits from being served a little warmer, around 12–16°C. Approximately one hour in the fridge allows the body, texture and complexity to shine.Tip 6: Fuller Bodied Red Wines Full-bodied red wines are best at 15–18°C, far cooler than current summer temperatures. Around 20 minutes in the fridge or 10 minutes in an ice bucket will bring them into balance. When enjoying a bottle, smaller pours refreshed from an ice bucket will keep the wine at its ideal temperature throughout the evening.
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Buying Wine for Christmas: Expert Tips from Our Director of Wine
When it comes to buying wine for Christmas, there’s nothing more valuable than experience. With more than three decades spent buying wine, travelling the globe and tasting at the source, Liz — our Director of Wine — is the person we turn to for trusted advice, emerging styles and what’s truly worth pouring at the table. We asked Liz to share her tips for buying wine for Christmas Day, focusing on bottles that work beautifully from aperitif through to the main event. Choosing just six wasn’t easy, but after much thought, these are her standout new finds — a list to file away and return to whenever you need a confident recommendation. All six wines are available individually or as a mixed case, ready to ship. Tip 1: Start with a Red That Redefines ExpectationsPomona Chianti“This is the wine that changed perceptions,” says Liz. Tasted earlier this year in Castellina in Chianti, Pomona lifted the bar on what Chianti can be. Balanced, expressive and full of energy, it’s a modern classic that delivers freshness and depth in equal measure. Tip 2: Choose Whites from Cool, Elevated SitesDomaine Buisson Saint-Romain Sous la Velle 2023Liz has long loved Saint-Romain for its high, cool vineyards and crystalline wines. This 2023 captures everything she looks for — freshness, verve and clarity — and comes from a producer she was thrilled to secure after a memorable visit. Tip 3: Don’t Underestimate a “Third Wine”Château Haut Roc 2016Made from younger vines on the same exceptional site as Château Bélair-Monange and in the same winery, this is Bordeaux with real polish. Depth, charm and approachability make it a smart choice when buying wine to please a crowd. Tip 4: Look for Champagne with PersonalityLes Monts Fournois ChampagneFrom the team behind Domaine Bérêche, Les Fournois stood out immediately for Liz. Elegant, refined and genuinely fun to drink, this is Champagne with character — perfect for kicking things off in style. Tip 5: Seek Out Honest, Expressive Rhône WinesDomaine CombierA Northern Rhône discovery that continues to impress. These wines show freshness, balance and purity — immediate yet thoughtful, and a brilliant example of why careful buying wine at the source matters. Tip 6: Finish with a White That Can Age — or Shine NowDomaine Huet Vouvray Sec Le Haut-Lieu 2023Mineral-driven Chenin Blanc with precision and quiet complexity. Drinking beautifully now, with structure to age, this is a classic table wine Liz returns to time and again. Six Bottles, Expertly Chosen These six wines are just a glimpse into our wider range, but together they cover the Christmas table beautifully. If you’re looking for confidence when buying wine, this is a list worth saving — drawn from decades of expertise and a passion for finding wines that truly deliver.Mixed case of all six bottles available
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Wine Tasting the Best Champagne: The Best Champagne for Celebration and to Impress Your Guests
A Champagne wine tasting dedicated to the very best is always something special — and last week’s event truly lived up to its name. Hosted in the Gallery at Webb’s Auction House, the evening combined Champagne, art, classic cars and motorcycles for a truly memorable celebration. For anyone searching for the best Champagne for celebration, or even affordable Champagnes that taste luxurious, this tasting offered inspiration at every level. With a full house in attendance, Normanby Fine Wines Director of Wine, Liz Wheadon, was joined by T. Sorensen and Zane Winskill to guide guests through an exceptional line-up. The selection spanned styles, vintages, and production scales — showcasing Champagne that can both elevate a milestone moment and serve as Champagne to impress your guests. Tip 1: Start Your Wine Tasting with a Statement Champagne Choosing the opening wine of a Champagne tasting sets the tone — and Liz did not hold back. The first pour was Champagne Paul Bara L’Audacieuse 2016, a striking 100% Chardonnay from a house renowned for Pinot Noir. Sourced from Paul Bara’s tiny one-hectare Chardonnay parcel in Bouzy, this Champagne was chalky, mineral-driven, rare, and utterly compelling. A confident way to begin, and a reminder that the best Champagne for celebration doesn’t always come from the most obvious place. Tip 2: Discover New Producers to Impress Your Guests Next in the line-up was Domaine Les Monts Fournois Montagne Grand Cru Verzy Solera, a fascinating Champagne from the team behind Bérêche, alongside their cousin Juliette. This exciting new project captivated the room and highlighted why discovering emerging producers can be the perfect way to find Champagne to impress your guests. Wines like this deliver complexity, originality, and conversation-starting appeal — often at a more approachable price point than the biggest names. Tip 3: Balance Prestige and Style in a Champagne Wine Tasting From there, the tasting moved seamlessly through icons and insider favourites: Dom Pérignon Vintage 2015 – vivacious, lively, and refreshing Champagne Lassalle Spécial Club 2014 – a benchmark Spécial Club wine from a Club de Trésors grower Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame 2012, presented in its striking Yayoi Kusama label — a Champagne of breadth, depth, and elegance These wines demonstrated how prestige cuvées can anchor a Champagne tasting while still offering stylistic diversity. They also serve as reliable choices when searching for the best Champagne for celebration, especially when hosting a larger gathering. Tip 4: Powerful Styles for Champagne That Leaves a Lasting Impression A natural progression led to Bollinger PN VZ19 — PN denoting Pinot Noir, VZ referencing Verzenay, and 2019 the predominant base year. Powerful, rich, and unmistakably Bollinger, it showcased why Pinot-driven Champagne is often the go-to choice for guests who love structure and depth. This is Champagne to impress your guests — bold, confident, and unmistakably serious. Tip 5: Finish with Icons Side by Side The final pairing was a masterclass in multi-vintage excellence: Krug Grande Cuvée Edition 172, based around the 2016 vintage — a standout edition showing exceptional harmony Henri Giraud Ay Grand Cru “MV” 19, a star of the night, built on the 2019 vintage with its signature Argonne oak spice, vinous texture, and elegance Tasted side by side, these wines highlighted why Champagne remains unrivalled when it comes to complexity, ageing potential, and luxury — even when exploring affordable Champagnes that taste luxurious relative to their quality and craftsmanship. A Perfect Evening of Champagne Wine Tasting This Champagne wine tasting was unforgettable — not only for its extraordinary line-up, but also for the venue itself. Surrounded by art, classic cars, and motorcycles, guests experienced the finest Champagne in a setting that elevated every glass. For those seeking the best Champagne for celebration, Champagne to impress your guests, or simply inspiration for your next tasting, this evening captured everything we love about Champagne. All the wines tasted on the night can be found here
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How to start your wine collection
Starting a wine collection isn’t about having a huge cellar or chasing only rare bottles. It’s about building something personal—something that reflects your taste, your curiosity, and how you like to enjoy wine.
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