The Rose Family of Wairau River wish to announce that changes are underway at the iconic Wairau River restaurant on Rapaura Road. The decision has been made to close the restaurant & cellar door for now, effective 16 December, due to a sudden medical event experienced by head chef Tāne Malcolm. For almost 20 years Tāne and his partner Caroline Rose, along with their team, have created exceptional food for Marlborough locals and visitors. Restaurant manager Pip Rose said “at this time Caroline’s focus needs to be on Tāne and our wider family is committed to supporting them. We know this is going to come as a disappointment to our wonderful, loyal customers, especially in the lead up to Christmas and another brilliant Marlborough summer ahead. We can’t emphasise enough how much we appreciate your loyalty and we thank you for your understanding at this time. This has been a hugely difficult decision because it obviously impacts our amazing team who we value so highly”.
Wairau River chief executive, Lindsay Parkinson said, “We’re immensely proud of the reputation for quality associated with the Wairau River restaurant and cellar door. It’s critical we uphold that reputation, hence this frankly heart-wrenching decision this week. We’ll take some time now, to consider how to shape the future of this space.”
The restaurant is open up to and including 16 December. Wairau River wishes to reassure everyone that current gift vouchers will be honoured. Vouchers are redeemable for Wairau River wine and merchandise or full refunds are available. Anyone with a restaurant booking will be personally notified.
Rose Family Estate remains focussed on making award winning wine, including Marlborough’s champion Wairau River 2023 Sauvignon Blanc. The highly regarded Wairau River wines are available at all good supermarkets and liquor stores and the Wairau River Reserve range is available exclusively online at www.wairauriverwines.com
