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The Cloudy Bay Shed, located on Northburn Vineyard, is more than just a wine tasting venue; it’s a celebration of the unique stories behind Cloudy Bay’s wines.
“Northburn Vineyard is the home of Te Wahi Pinot Noir, Cloudy Bay officially added this wine to the core range from the 2014 vintage and we’re so proud to share the stories of Te Wahi and the full Cloudy Bay wines range at our boutique cellar door and restaurant in Central Otago,” says Cloudy Bay Vineyards customer experience manager Meg Soper
The location only enhances the experience.
“With the close proximity to Queenstown, we can welcome many guests both international and domestic that might not be able to make it to our Marlborough location,” says Meg.
At The Cloudy Bay Shed, the focus is on creating intimate and unique experiences for guests.
“We aim to be creating unique and intimate experiences for our visitors; our tasting room, offering seated tastings, is small and cosy to ensure our guests get the best of knowledge from our team.”
Central Otago Experience
Operating in the Central Otago region offers a special kind of charm that reflects in what The Cloudy Bay Shed offers.
“The raw beauty of Central Otago shines through in every season,” says Meg.
Summer attracts locals and holidaymakers alike, drawn to the stunning views over Lake Dunstan and the Pisa range. “At this time of year, with the end of harvest this week, autumn colors are abundant, evoking a cozy vibe.”
Cuisine
The Shed adapts its menu to the seasons, providing guests with an authentic taste of the South Island.
“This flows into winter, when there are snow-capped peaks and lots of skiers around.
“At that time, we have the opportunity to connect with winter holiday goers who may be taking a day off the slopes.” says Meg.
Visitor Diversity
The Cloudy Bay Shed receives a range of visitors, drawn in by the magnificent setting. “Our visitors always comment on our beautiful view,” Meg says, highlighting the special mix of clientele that frequents the venue.
Approximately one third of guests are Kiwis, and Meg says that many locals are regulars at the restaurant.
“We have lots of Australian visitors; direct flights to Queenstown from many of the main Australian centres means it’s an easy trip.”
Long-haul guests travel from all over the world, often appreciating the connection with the staff and the history of Cloudy Bay, headed towards its 40th birthday this year.
Future
Since opening July 2018, the Shed has experienced significant growth, even through challenging times like lockdowns and border closures.
“We’re close to launching our new private room, where we can enhance our experiences creating more private and personalised offerings, as well as accommodating group bookings,” says Meg.
Recently, the vineyard also achieved organic certification, with plans for continued development: “Our vineyard team are working on more developments in the coming years.” she says
“The Cloudy Bay Shed has an exciting future.”
