Martinborough’s wine scene welcomed a fresh and slightly unexpected addition earlier this month, with the opening of Rabbit by Coney – a relaxed, offbeat cellar door concept from Coney Wines, led by winemaker Lisa Coney and her husband Rusty Hight, who helps run the business and manages the vineyard. The cellar door opened to the public on Saturday 7 March 2026.
Tucked away at 23 Huangarua Road, Rabbit by Coney invited visitors to step “through the garden and down the burrow” into a hidden space among the vines – part cellar door, part gathering spot, and entirely reflective of the Coney approach to wine and hospitality.
Designed to feel more like a festival than a traditional tasting room, the space breaks away from convention. Guests can settle in, look out across the vineyard, enjoy casual tastings with the winemaker, and share small bites from local food partners, 3 Little Words. The emphasis is on connection, discovery, and creating a welcoming environment for both locals and visitors.
“Rabbit by Coney has been a real labour of love,” said Lisa. “It’s a space that represents who we are – relaxed, a little bit playful, and deeply connected to the wines we make. Being able to share tastings in such an intimate setting, and talk directly with people about the stories behind each wine, made it incredibly special.”
The space itself was shaped with the same care and personality.
“I’ve always loved gardening and being surrounded by green spaces, so creating this felt very natural,” said Rusty. “We wanted it to feel intimate and slightly hidden – like stepping through the hedge and into the burrow. It’s a unique little spot that’s grown out of a real passion for the land and for bringing people together.”
Now open Saturdays and Sundays from 11am to 4pm, the cellar door operates as a fair-weather venue, encouraging a spontaneous, come-as-you-are experience. No bookings required.
Rabbit by Coney marks a natural extension of the Coney Wines story – creative, unpretentious, and grounded in place. The new cellar door has already given visitors another reason to explore Martinborough and experience the region’s wine culture in a more relaxed, intimate way.
Location: 23 Huangarua Road, Martinborough
Hours: Saturdays & Sundays, 11am – 4pm
Bookings: Not required
