Based in Blenheim since 2025
In the heart of Marlborough lies The WineShed, a hidden gem eager to showcase the region’s finest wines and offer you an unforgettable tasting experience. Lara, Huw, and Alain welcome you to The WineShed’s tasting room, where you can enjoy exceptional wines from 15 boutique wineries!
From The Kitchen, To The Shed!
The WineKitchen has long been a staple in Blenheim, known for its dedication to exceptional food and wine. Now, owner Alain Hauswirth brings that same passion to The WineShed, a tasting room showcasing a carefully curated selection of Marlborough’s finest wines.
Alain Hauswirth | Owner
Swiss born Alain Hauswirth from Bern, the man who lights the fire. Some say he’s always been ahead of his time.. Alain arrived in New Zealand in 1988 with a backpack on a one way ticket.
After meeting his wife Wendy on the Kapiti Coast, still his favourite spot in NZ, they moved to Marlborough in 1995. The creator of Le Cafe in Picton, the infamous Burleigh Pie, Figaros Café & many years of catering for some of New Zealand’s best wineries has now found his nirvana at The WineKitchen, next door to the Wine Shed.
Alain is known for his classic Franco-Asian inspired food, no fuss, it’s widely known amongst foodies that he’s one of NZ best old school Chefs. Now he’s also the man behind the Wine Shed & although he’s a humble man who does not enjoy the limelight he’s proud of having built relationships with some of Marlborough’s premier wineries which has now led to the creation of The Wine Shed.
Santé 🍷
Lara Boers | General Manager
Lara is a dedicated wine professional, passionate connoisseur, and the face of The WineShed. A young woman with charisma and a captivating personality, she has always had a deep love for wine and food.
Her journey began in her home country the Netherlands, where she started working in wine buying and procurement while completing her WSET Level 3 certification. Her curiosity about what happens before the bottle, grape growing and winemaking, led her to explore beyond the retail side of the industry.
Travel and a thirst for knowledge brought her to Marlborough, where she found her place at The WineKitchen alongside Alain. She calls him her matching hungry caterpillar: Let's do more and grow! Their shared vision and ambition inspired the next step: The WineShed. With this new venture, Lara continues to deepen her connection to Marlborough’s winemaking community while celebrating the region’s beauty and exceptional wines.
Proost 🍷
Huw Williams | Supervisor
Taking the courageous move from the ‘Land of Song’ to the ‘Land of the Long White Cloud’, with his partner Sarah in 2023. Huw quickly settled into the world of opportunity that life in Marlborough has to offer. Inside just one year in the Marlborough community he went from a cellar door host to Cellar Door Manager.
With a strong, long standing experience of restaurant and hospitality management, Huw was quick to bring his skills to the world of wine. Eager to learn, embracing knowledge and experience. His commitment to wine shows through his capability to sit both Wine Spirits Education Trust Level 2 and Level 3 exams within one year of his arrival.
Huw’s larger than life character is one that is becoming well known to those who are fortunate to encounter him. Huw is grateful for the many friendships he has made and is proud to represent their establishments.
He will surely create a memorable experience at the WineShed, one that you won’t forget and without compromise of the excellence that Marlborough’s premium wineries have to offer.
Why be a raisin when you can be a grape? 🍷