The place for great wine lovers.
More than just a wine bar.
Cellar 495 combines neighbourly warmth and hospitality with world-class wine expertise at Hastings’ newest wine bar, bistro, tasting room, and wine shop – all led by the world’s 495th Master of Wine, Michael Henley.
Our wine selection represents the finest from around the globe, served alongside seasonal cuisine that captures the spirit of New Zealand.
Open Tuesday to Saturday for lunch and dinner.
Closed Public Holidays
Explore the menu.
Wine might be the star of the show, but Head Chef Carlita Campbell offers a casual, relaxed dining experience with a menu perfect for mixing and grazing with your wines of choice.
The dishes have a bistro feel, emphasising fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Start with a few selections and let the flavours guide your afternoon or evening as you savour the best of the region in a warm, inviting setting.
Events at Cellar 495
Join us for amazing wine and food experiences, rub shoulders with great winemakers and chefs and hear their stories in a relaxed setting.
Bookings to [email protected] or 06 870 6308. Don’t miss out!
Truffle Season at Cellar 495
Wednesday, July 30th
We’re celebrating the arrival of new season truffles with a one-off dinner showcasing the incredible Black Perigords from George’s Truffles in Riwaka, NZ.
Enjoy four truffle-filled courses, each paired with a matching wine – the perfect way to warm up this winter.
$220 per person
Limited spots available – book now.
Beef and Bordeaux
Thursday, August 21st
A night of bold reds and serious flavour.
We’re serving up multiple courses of Matangi Beef – rich, tender and full of character – alongside some of the best Bordeaux-style wines from both France and Hawke’s Bay.
Big reds, hearty food, great winter vibes.
$195 per person
Limited spots available – book now.
Pigs and Pinot
Thursday, September 25th
We’re bringing together two things that just work – Pinot Noir and the freshest NZ pork.
Enjoy four courses from another fantastic duo, Chef Carlita and our friends at Holly Bacon, paired with Pinot Noirs from all over – local favourites to international classics. A relaxed, flavour-packed dinner for wine lovers and foodies alike.
$195 per person
Seats are limited – don’t miss it.
Backroom Sessions
Join us for Backroom Sessions, a monthly series of intimate, themed tastings hosted by our incredible sommeliers Katie Woodhead and Victoria Birsen. Each session dives deep into a different corner of the wine world — from Spanish adventures to sparkling finales. Expect a curated lineup of off-list wines, paired canapés, great chat, and the chance to discover something new.
July 16th | Winter Warmers
August 20th | Indigenous Varieties of the World
September 17th | The Americas
October 15th | Homegrown Heroes
November 19th | Sparkling Wines of the World – SOLD OUT!
$85 per ticket
Monthly, Wednesdays, 5.30pm
Hosted at Cellar 495, Hastings
Limited to 14 seats maximum. Bookings required.
Cellar 495 Winemaker Dinner Series
Once a month, our Winemaker Dinner Series brings together celebrated winemakers, vignerons, and wine merchants from around the country to share the wines they love and the stories behind them. Each dinner features a four-course set menu, thoughtfully matched with wines handpicked by our guest host. It’s a chance to get behind the label, ask questions, and enjoy a truly memorable night at the table.
August 6th | Coal Pit – SOLD OUT!
Sep 3rd | South St Whisky & Bourbon – Details below
October 1st | Maison Vauron
November 5th | Bilancia
Monthly, Wednesdays, 6pm onwards
Hosted at Cellar 495, Hastings
Limited to 20 seats maximum. Bookings required.
4-course set menu with matching wines $150 pp
*No dietary exceptions for these set menus without prior arrangement
**There will be no à la carte options available on these evenings
South Street Imports – Bourbon Dinner
6pm | Wednesday, September 3rd
Join us for a one-of-a-kind evening with Dan Brennan (Decibel Wines), celebrating the story behind South Street Imports, a bold new venture bringing world-class Bourbon to New Zealand.
Founded in Hawke’s Bay by two Philly natives, South Street Imports was born from a conversation about the lack of quality Bourbon in NZ and a desire to change how Kiwis experience and understand this uniquely American spirit. Through deep connections in the US, the team has sourced small production, batch-bottled Bourbons with serious pedigree.
On the night, you’ll taste two exceptional releases: The Copper Still, a richly layered Bourbon that more than holds its own against top-tier names, and The DOC, a barrel-strength standout already earning rave reviews from aficionados around the country.
You’ll also get an exclusive sneak peek at Nowhere Bourbon — an experimental new release currently aging in Dan’s own Pinot Noir and Syrah barrels. This Kiwi-finished Bourbon adds a hint of fruit, spice and roundness to the palate and will be unlike anything else in the world.
This is not just a tasting, it’s a glimpse into the next chapter of Bourbon in New Zealand.