We dropped in to visit our pals at Hello Stranger on a recent Auckland jaunt.
Mesita Wine Bar – 14C Ohio St, Martinborough

Mesita Winebar is tucked away in a quiet little corner of Martinborough, in the Wairarapa. Mesita (Spanish for “small table”) serves local and international drinks accompanied by a Latin American inspired menu.
This cool little spot opened around a year ago, and originally chose Six Barrel Soda Co. for their menu because they didn’t click with other options available, and of course, as Alice from Mesita says: “also because it tastes amazing, comes in glass bottles and is made locally!”.
Their most popular choice? Six Barrel Soda Co. Ginger Ale, which pairs prefectly with tequila, like in their super popular Mexican Mule cocktail, along with Fresh Lime and El Espolon Tequila.
Alice tells us that she finds: “the basic sodas (Cola, Lemonade & Ginger Ale) are perfectly balanced and most importantly not too sweet to ruin a cocktail or mixed drink and all hold up deliciously on their own as non-alcoholic options.”
Next time you’re in the ‘hood, make sure you pay them a visit (and grab some Fried Chicken while you’re there!). Check Mesita out online (www.mesita.net) or on Instagram (@mesita.winebar).