The Story

Cahn's Wines & Spirits was opened in July 2019.  Martin 'Cahn' Cahnbley has been in the alcoholic beverage business for over 35 years and his endeavours have included long stints in senior marketing roles, 3.5 years as a restaurant-owner and also a previous foray into alcohol retailing at 'Toast Wines & Spirits' in Ponsonby.

Martin started in the wine trade in 1987 in South Africa at Gilbey's Distillers and Vintners.  Thereafter he joined Penfolds/Southcorp in Australia in 1993 before crossing the ditch to join Corbans Wines in 1998.  In 2003 he launched Planet Wine which imports and distributes over 700 products from 15 countries.

In late 2022 he was joined at Cahn’s by Tristan Hemi Colenso, a musician (Clap Clap Riot) and well-seasoned barman (cocktail shaker) impressing at Golden Dawn in its heyday, who has also worked in wine retail for a number of years.   Their main principle is to create a hub where interested wine and spirit consumers can meet and be regaled with stories and facts about the products and producers.

Between them they have a broad and deep knowledge and love of alcoholic beverages from around the world.

They are very positive about the potential of their character-filled premises in the heart of Auckland and love being a part of the community that they are building.