Bardeaux

About Bardeaux

Bardeaux is an intimate, premium wine and cocktail haven tucked into Eureka Arcade off The Mall in central Queenstown. Known for its crackling open fire, warm hospitality, and moody, sophisticated ambience, it serves as a cozy retreat for unwinding after a day on the mountains or settling in for an evening of fine drinks with friends.

The bar places a strong emphasis on knowledgeable service and regional heritage, paying tribute to both the early Scottish settlers who brought an enduring appreciation for whisky and the pioneering vintners who shaped Central Otago into the southernmost commercial wine region on Earth. Its cellar showcases an eclectic selection of local Pinot Noirs alongside vintage wines, champagnes, and one of Queenstown’s most comprehensive whisky collections.

Alongside an extensive wine list, Bardeaux offers an imaginative lineup of house craft cocktails and bartending classics. With plush seating arranged around the roaring central fireplace, it delivers a classic Queenstown fireside experience paired with top-tier drinks.

Bardeaux: Queenstown’s Fireside Sanctuary for Fine Wine, Whisky, and Cocktails

Hidden away in Eureka Arcade just off The Mall, Bardeaux has long stood as one of Queenstown’s quintessential late-afternoon and evening gathering spots. At the centre of the experience is an imposing, roaring open stone fireplace, casting a warm glow across a refined, dimly lit room designed for relaxation and conversation. Whether settling in after a full day exploring the Southern Alps or gathering for a night out in town, guests find an environment built entirely around comfort, great music, and exceptional service.

The philosophy behind Bardeaux draws directly on the heritage of the region. The bar pays deliberate homage to the Scottish settlers who brought their love of whisky to southern New Zealand, as well as the bold winemakers who proved that world-class vines could flourish along the 45th parallel south. Today, that heritage comes alive through an extensive cellar and backbar that cater to both seasoned connoisseurs and casual cocktail enthusiasts.

A Cellar Rooted in Central Otago

Central Otago is internationally celebrated for Pinot Noir, sharing its latitude with the Burgundy region of the Northern Hemisphere. Bardeaux leans into this geographical privilege by presenting an eclectic range of local vintages alongside international bottles. The wine list charts the distinct terroirs of the district, featuring renowned vineyards across Bannockburn, Gibbston, Bendigo, Cromwell, Lowburn, and Wanaka. From accessible pours to rare cellar reserves, guests can compare sub-regional expressions or branch out into aged Cabernet blends, Hawke’s Bay Syrah, and vintage Champagnes.

Complementing the wine list is one of the largest whisky collections in Queenstown. Scottish single malts, peat-forward Islay expressions, rye whiskies, and international spirits line the shelves, curating an impressive showcase for collectors and curious drinkers alike.

Handcrafted Cocktails and Classic Mixology

The cocktail program at Bardeaux matches the sophistication of its wine program, blending house creativity with classic bartending history. House original creations include inventive libations like the Bloody Old Fashioned—incorporating clarified Bloody Mary mix, fire tincture, and a savory blue cheese and tomato skewer—and the smoky, herbaceous Bay of Fires made with Solera rye, allspice, pepper, and smoke. For lighter palates, options like the matcha-infused Apothecary’s Garden or the berry-rich Indigo Julep provide refreshing counterpoints.

Purists will also appreciate the dedicated classic cocktail selection, which highlights storied drinks and their historical origins. Recipes such as the 1909 Clover Club, the 1921 Hemingway Daiquiri, and the contemporary 2008 Paper Plane are prepared according to precise specs by knowledgeable bartenders eager to tailor drinks to individual palates.

Intimate Gatherings by the Hearth

Beyond regular evening service, Bardeaux serves as an intimate venue for private celebrations, cocktail gatherings, birthdays, and engagements. Its cozy footprint, sophisticated decor, and striking hearth create an effortless backdrop for private functions. Recognized by Restaurant Guru with accolades for recommendation and excellent service, the bar remains a benchmark of Queenstown’s hospitality scene, offering a warm fireside respite every day of the week.

Signature items

• Bay of Fires
• Bloody Old Fashioned
• Indigo Julep
• Apothecary’s Garden
• Central Otago Pinot Noir
• Paper Plane

Menu

Merlot

• Brookfields ‘Burnfoot’ 2019 — Hawke’s Bay
• Church Road ‘McDonald Series’ 2021 — Hawke’s Bay
• Elephant Hill 2019 — Hawke’s Bay
• Church Road ‘One’ 2019 — Hawke’s Bay

Shiraz & Syrah

• De La Terre Syrah 2022 — Hawke’s Bay
• Mitolo Jester 2022 — McLaren Vale, Australia
• Man O’ War ‘Dreadnought’ 2021 — Waiheke Island
• Church Road ‘Tom’ 2020 — Hawke’s Bay
• Frankland Estate 2021 — Frankland River, Australia
• Jacob’s Creek Double Barrel 2021 — Barossa Valley, Australia
• Kalleske ‘Moppa’ 2022 — Barossa Valley, Australia
• Craggy Range ‘Gimblett Gravels’ 2021 — Hawke’s Bay
• Two Hands ‘Angel Share’ 2022 — McLaren Vale, Australia

Classic Cocktails

• Clover Club (1909) — Beefeater Gin, raspberry syrup, dry vermouth, lemon, whites; fruity twist on a gin sour
• Final Ward (2007) — Rittenhouse Rye, Green Chartreuse, Maraschino liqueur, lemon; famous Last Word riff
• Paper Plane (2008) — Maker’s Mark, Aperol, Amaro Montenegro, lemon; balanced bitter, sweet, sour and herbal
• Bramble (1980) — Beefeater Gin, Crème de Mûre, lemon, sugar; tart, citrus, fruity classic
• Hemingway Daiquiri (1921) — Plantation 3 Star Rhum, Maraschino liqueur, lime, grapefruit; refreshing, tart Cuba classic
• Penicillin (2005) — Chivas 12yo Whisky, honey syrup, lemon, fresh ginger, Islay Scotch mist; spiced, smoky
• Aviation (1916) — Beefeater Gin, Maraschino liqueur, Crème de Violette, lemon juice; refreshing floral drink
• Charlie Chaplin (1920) — Sloe Gin, apricot brandy, lime juice; tangy and sweet Waldorf Astoria classic

Signature Cocktails

• Bloody Old Fashioned — Tito’s Handmade Vodka, clarified Bloody Mary mix, fire tincture, pickle, cherry tomato and blue cheese skewer; intriguing, complex, slightly spicy
• Apothecary’s Garden — Matcha-infused Roku Gin, lemon juice, ginger, honey syrup; herbal, velvety, refreshing
• Indigo Julep — Maker’s Mark Bourbon, blueberry & basil shrub, fresh basil, fresh blueberry, crushed ice, red wine float; fruity, thirst-quenching, fresh
• Sunset in Caracas — Diplomatico Mantuano, lemon juice, Demerara sugar syrup, cherry bitters, egg whites; rich, structured, fruity
• Ryesing Dead — Rittenhouse Rye Whisky, Scarabus Batch Strength Scotch, John D. Taylor’s Velvet Falernum, lime juice, Demerara sugar syrup, Angostura bitters, crushed ice; strong, bright, tropical
• Bay of Fires — Gospel Solera Rye Whisky, Antica Formula Sweet Vermouth, bay leaves, allspice, pepper, smoke; smoky, savoury, bold
• El Matador — Del Maguey ‘Chichicapa’ Mezcal, Cherry Heering, Antica Formula Sweet Vermouth, orange juice, thyme; smoky, balanced, fruity
• Orchard Spritz — Jameson Black Barrel, Christian Drouin Calvados, Highland Nectar, fresh apple; crisp, herbal, aromatic

Central Otago Pinot Noir

• Aces & Arrows 2023 — Central Otago Pinot Noir
• ‘The Loner’ by Maude 2022 — Wanaka Pinot Noir
• Mount Rosa 2019 — Gibbston Pinot Noir
• Dicey 2021 — Bannockburn Pinot Noir
• Maude 2024 — Wanaka Pinot Noir
• Valli 2023 — Bendigo Pinot Noir
• Peregrine 2016 — Cromwell / Gibbston Pinot Noir
• Nanny Goat ‘Super Nanny’ 2022 — Bannockburn Pinot Noir
• Valli 2022 — Bannockburn Pinot Noir
• Two Paddocks 2023 — Bannockburn Pinot Noir
• Carrick 2021 — Bannockburn Pinot Noir
• Terra Sancta ‘Mysterious Diggings’ 2022 — Bannockburn Pinot Noir
• Rua 2023 — Bannockburn Pinot Noir
• Te Kano 2019 — Bannockburn Pinot Noir
• Felton Road 2022 — Bannockburn Pinot Noir
• Cloudy Bay ‘Te Wahi’ 2018 — Bannockburn Pinot Noir
• Mondillo 2023 — Bendigo Pinot Noir
• Misha’s Vineyard ‘Verismo’ 2016 — Bendigo Pinot Noir
• Mondillo ‘Bella’ 2021 — Bendigo Pinot Noir
• Wooing Tree ‘Sandstorm Reserve’ 2018 — Cromwell Pinot Noir
• Wooing Tree 2019 — Cromwell Pinot Noir
• Rockburn 2023 — Cromwell / Gibbston Pinot Noir
• Peregrine ‘Pinnacle’ 2016 — Cromwell / Gibbston Pinot Noir
• Gibbston Valley ‘Glenlee’ 2022 — Gibbston Pinot Noir
• Gibbston Valley Reserve 2020 — Gibbston Pinot Noir
• Coal Pit ‘Tiwha’ 2020 — Gibbston Pinot Noir
• Mount Edward 2022 — Gibbston Pinot Noir
• Valli 2022 — Gibbston Pinot Noir
• Surveyor Thomson 2022 — Lowburn Pinot Noir
• Chard Farm ‘Mata-Au’ 2021 — Parkburn Pinot Noir
• Chard Farm ‘Viper’ 2021 — Parkburn Pinot Noir
• Amisfield 2022 — Pisa Pinot Noir
• Mora ‘Vale’ 2022 — Pisa Pinot Noir
• Ata Rangi 2019 — Martinborough Pinot Noir
• Triplebank 2022 — Marlborough Pinot Noir
• Cloudy Bay 2020 — Marlborough Pinot Noir

Cabernet Sauvignon & Blends

• Knappstein 2021 — Clare Valley, South Australia
• Te Mata ‘Awatea’ 2023 — Hawke’s Bay
• Church Road ‘Tom’ 2015 — Hawke’s Bay
• Church Road ‘Grand Reserve’ 2023 — Hawke’s Bay
• St Hugo 2019 — Barossa Valley, South Australia
• Ata Rangi ‘Celebre’ 2021 — Martinborough

Frequently asked questions

Where is Bardeaux located in Queenstown?

Bardeaux is situated in Eureka Arcade just off The Mall in central Queenstown (Queenstown 9300).

What are Bardeaux's opening hours?

Bardeaux is open Monday through Thursday from 5:00 pm until late, and Friday through Sunday from 4:00 pm until late.

Does Bardeaux have a fireplace?

Yes, the bar is known for its large open indoor fire, providing a warm and atmospheric fireside setting.

What drinks is Bardeaux known for?

Bardeaux is recognized for its extensive Central Otago Pinot Noir wine list, one of Queenstown's largest whisky selections, and a curated menu of house and classic cocktails.

Can Bardeaux accommodate dietary requirements for cocktails?

Yes, staff request that guests notify bartenders of dietary requirements, as select cocktails include egg whites and other potential allergens.

Is Bardeaux available for private events?

Yes, the venue offers hire options for private events such as cocktail parties, birthdays, engagements, and special celebrations.

Tips

• {"body":"Arrive around opening time (4:00 pm weekends, 5:00 pm weekdays) to claim comfortable seating right by the central stone fireplace.","title":"Secure a spot near the open fire"}
• {"body":"Ask the bartenders to guide you through the wine list comparing Central Otago sub-regions like Bannockburn, Bendigo, and Gibbston.","title":"Explore local Pinot Noir terroirs"}
• {"body":"The bar team encourages guests to share their flavor preferences so they can recommend or tailor a cocktail to suit your palate.","title":"Consult the bartenders on custom flavours"}

Good to know

• {"dietary":"Staff can adjust drinks; note that select cocktails contain egg whites and allergens."}