For the second year in a row, Albany fine wine and gourmet food store Vinotica has taken star spot in the annual Retail
Merchants Association of New Zealand, Auckland Top Shop Awards.
Vinotica was voted as the Overall Top Shop, up against other category winners such as Foodtown, Freedom Furniture,
Vision X and Pack ‘n Pedal. The shop initially won the Food and Beverage (Small Format) section.
Vinotica chairman, Graeme Avery says this sort of endorsement has helped position the business as one of New Zealand’s
finest retail outlets, despite some early scepticism about its location.
“When we opened Vinotica in 1998, the doomsayers said our format would never work in Albany. Time has shown that
Aucklanders are prepared to travel to a destination store with a difference to find the quality, products and service
they demand.”
Anyhow, Graeme points out, with the new motorway completed, Vinotica is only 10 minutes from the Auckland Harbour
Bridge, and is easily accessed from all areas of the North Shore and even West Auckland.
“Shoppers are now looking for, and are growing to expect, a total shopping experience, particularly when it comes to a
lifestyle store. Excellence and quality service are central to everything we do and this award acknowledges the high
standards we have adopted.
The judges commented that Vinotica staff displayed ‘extensive product knowledge’, the shop design displayed a ‘classic
touch with a modern twist’, and the business overall was ‘maturing well’.
Judges included architects, shop fitters, retail trainers and consumers. Each nominated store was visited a number of
times to select finalists and then category winners. The grand prize was selected from the 11 category awards.
With the exception of the winners, the judges voiced their disappointment about the lack of service.
“With these competitive times we expected more attention,” they said. “The Point of Difference” is excellent service!”
Graeme Avery said that as well as focussing on providing excellent service from informed, experienced and friendly
staff; Vinotica was designed carefully to appeal to all senses of the ‘foodies’ who visit the store.
“Fittings like jarrah wood and brass shelving, racks and display cases are intended to offer visitors an atmosphere
filled with warmth, calm and luxury in which to shop or to simply explore the reference library that contains more than
1000 titles on wine, food, and cuisine ingredients.
Vinotica showcases the best of fine wines, gourmet foods and luxury confectionery in a truly unique environment. It
contains a temperature and humidity controlled vintage wine cellar, featuring over 30,000 bottles of wine from around
the world. Some 100 kilos of cheese is imported each month, and stored in New Zealand’s first temperature and humidity
controlled cheese larder. Other exclusive products on offer at Vinotica include renowned Belgian chocolates Godiva the
Galantino range of olive oils from Italy. Vinotica is also the sole New Zealand supplier of renowned Fauchon products
from the Paris based gourmet food supplier of foie gras, terrines, teas, coffees, herbs and spices and more.
Graeme Avery, who formerly owned medical publishers Adis International, has applied his considerable business expertise
to his passion for wine and food.
“We believe we are offering our customers the best range of fine wines, gourmet foods and cuisine ingredients in New
Zealand, and we are 100 percent committed to providing the best shopping experience
“Certainly we are not located in the middle of Auckland’s CBD – but as the Top Shop Award, and our ever- growing
customer base suggests – we are well worth the trip.”
ends
For further information, please contact:
Scott Wilson
Marketing Manager
Vinotica
tel 09 415 5942
email scott@excel.co.nz