Melanie Brown is responsible for curating one of the most significant premium New Zealand wine collections to be seen outside New Zealand.  Born in New Zealand she brings an exciting, diverse and dynamic selection of New Zealand wine to a wider UK audience in her wine bar and shop in London.

 

Enamoured by the significance of provenance, flavour and quality as a trained chef, she was led create an online New Zealand offering in 2014. Soon after she launched a hugely successful crowdfunding campaign in 2015, in which Melanie raised £35k in 5 days, The New Zealand Cellar set up shop (and bar) at Pop Brixton. Alongside events and regular sell out tastings she features regularly on judging panels, including Decanter World Wine Awards and IWSC.  The New Zealand Cellar has also gained acclaim, having been nominated for and won 3 years running, prestigious industry titles including International Wine Challenge Specialist Merchant and Decanter Specialist Retailer.

 

Her narrative; to be driven by an ethos of quality and integrity. She is often found discovering and unearthing new wines and introducing these as she hosts corporate tastings and events across the UK. Educating tastebuds throughout the streets of Brixton whilst pedaling New Zealand winemakers to ‘pimp’ their wines to anyone who’ll listen - she is a force to be reckoned with and her vision and spirit to convey stories, philosophies and personality has given her a New World edge.

                                   

When drinking (and exploring) the vineyards of the New World, she can be found with her gorgeous daughter, who is often found casually packing the shelves of her Brixton wine bar and shop.