Caro’s Wines began on Ponsonby Road 21 years ago, and despite moving all the way to Parnell, they remain a most loved and frequented wine shop for many locals - winning Metro Auckland’s Best Wine Store eleven times.
Caro’s Wines began on Ponsonby Road 21 years ago, and despite moving all the way to Parnell, they remain a most loved and frequented wine shop for many locals - winning Metro Auckland’s Best Wine Store eleven times.
Now John and Richard Caro have finally come home to the Ponsonby/Grey Lynn area. In addition to Parnell they’ve opened a gorgeous new store in Grey Lynn. The new spot boasts the full range and the usual great service. What keeps Caro’s on top is its leading import and distribution portfolio - with in-house prices on select wine producers from New Zealand, Europe, Australia and South America.
Now the second store is open, it’s clear - the Caro’s experience isn’t just about knowledge and passionate staff, it’s also about stylish retail spaces. The whole property at 14 Mackelvie Street has been stunningly refurbished by architects Peddle Thorp - with concrete and raw wood inside, an impressive charred larch frontage, and a spacious vaulted-ceiling tasting room upstairs.
It’s so eye-poppingly modern you’d hardly believe the building is actually a slice of family history: it was bought by their parents 60 years earlier - for £6000 (yes, pounds) - and their father worked there every day till his retirement last year.
True to the spirit of Ponsonby/Grey Lynn, the new local store is something of a showcase. While Parnell serves as warehouse and administrative base, Grey Lynn is the flagship for fun tastings and corporate events - with 64 seats and a full commercial kitchen, all accessed via a staircase that climbs through a custom-built, temperature-controlled cellar with a thousand rare, premium wines on display. Wow!
The Caro’s boys have been recommending delicious wines since before the internet. It’s nice to see that while some things change, others don’t. Welcome back John and Richard!
CARO’S WINES, 14 Mackelvie Street, T: 09 377 9974, wine@caros.co.nz
www.caros.co.nz