Winemaking is in our family’s blood. It was my Croatian great grandfather who planted our first grapes in Henderson almost a hundred years ago. At the heart of the business was a passion to grow the very best grapes, make the finest wine and share it with friends, family and visitors alongside traditional food from ‘the old country’ – cured meats, cheeses, olives and fresh bread.

This is something we continue today at The Larder offering traditional, honest and affordable vineyard fare from the deli counter.

You'll likely get change from $20pp for food, and wine prices aren't 'restaurant prices' at The Larder. Great Grandad would be proud!

In addition to the very best NZ and European cheeses & olives, we craft specialty cured meats, gourmet pies, salads, bread, pestos, terrines, pates, quiches, pastries, antipasto and a lot more in our very own kitchen using fresh local produce. We have no 'fixed' items - they change with the seasons.

Make your selection from The Larder shelves and deli counter along with Ascension's own wines at Cellar Door prices, pay at the till and take your bread board of food to one of our many covered tables to enjoy with friends. On nice sunny days you can sit at picnic tables or on rugs in the vineyard. You could even get your wine and food 'to go' for lunch at the beach! (Please note that only food and beverage purchased at The Larder can be consumed at Ascension).

The Larder is stylish casual and we have lots of tables, however if you want to be doubly sure to get a table and your party is less than 15 guests, make a reservation at [email protected] or 09-422-9601 ext 1. Please note that tables are held for only 15 minutes from the time booked, and then released.

Children are well catered for at Ascension, so you can relax with a glass of wine while they play on our 'big red tractor' or in the kids area.

Group lunches at The Larder (for 15 guests or more)

We cater for family and business groups of up to 40 guests looking for a casual lunch in a beautiful vineyard environment sharing pre-booked platters of bread, cheese, cured meat, antipasto french fries and bowls of salads, with a sweet treat and tea / coffee to finish. (If you are organizing a more 'formal' celebration, evening occasion or an event for more than 40 guests, use this link for more information.)

The cost for this is $29-$35 per person, payable in advance or on the day. Choose your beverages for the table on the day as well, with wine at Cellar Door prices (no restaurant mark ups), and away you go!

A downloadable version of information for group lunches is available here.

For groups of 15 or more, these shared platters are the only option we offer.

Contact us at [email protected] or on 09-422-9601 ext 3 with your date and guest numbers so we can reserve an area for you.