In exciting news this week, Regional Wines & Spirits' owner, Geoff Henderson, has purchased his first slice of action in the Auckland wine, beer and spirits scene with an iconic store in Herne Bay. This week, Geoff secured the purchase of  Herne Bay Cellars, which is situated on one of Auckland's golden miles, Jervois Road in Herne Bay. 

Geoff also owns the newly refurbished Hamilton Beer & Wine Co, which is one of the country’s best designed purveyors of great wine, beer and spirits. His selective purchases are seeing him expand an independent group of stores in an age where independent wine, beer and spirit stores remain something of a rarity. 

He purchased Herne Bay Cellars from Michael Hudson, who began the store 30 years ago. 

Since its inception, Herne Bay Cellars has hosted legendary tastings, such as with Sir John Kirwan, and famously moved location – a whole two doors along the road from 182 to 184  Jervois Road, in 2014.

“Herne Bay Cellars will be my first store in Auckland and I intend to bring some of the extensive product range we offer at our current stores to this outstanding site,” says Geoff, who also owns beercellar.co.nz.

The extensive international range of wines, beers and spirits at his two specialist stores will supplement the existing range at the Auckland store.

“I know that Herne Bay Cellars’ customers are passionate and well-informed and we plan to keep regulars quenched, cultivating the store as a hub for those dedicated to the craft of fine liquor.”

Geoff has worked in drinks retail since 2007. He started with a store in the Central Plateau region and today manages 30 employees across two of New Zealand’s most extensively stocked and well respected liquor retail stores in Hamilton and Wellington. 

“Herne Bay Cellars has a special place in the hearts and minds of Aucklanders and was among the first to stock high profile New Zealand wines such as Rabbit Ranch and Tohu. It will be my privilege to lead this store onto an exciting new lease of life while retaining its independent status.

Outgoing storeowner Michael Hudson is moving to Whangamata in October to begin his retirement, where he plans to focus on surfing and other pursuits.

Geoff looks forward to honouring Michael’s legacy in taking over the reins, ensuring the store remains in family hands – from one family to a new one.  

“As new owner, I look forward to carrying on the store’s enthusiastic support of quality producers and meeting like minded customers in store at Alert levels 2 and 1.”