Waitiri Creek co-owner Paula Ramage, of Arrowtown, raises a glass of pinot noir to the second lease of life her Gibbston winery gave the former Wangaloa Presbyterian Church (behind) as a tasting room and eatery. Photos by James Beech. : Cellar door opens on to hallowed ground

Many visitors to Waitiri Creek assume the former church turned tasting room has always been on the site. : Cellar door opens on to hallowed ground

The church was built from rimu for £240 in 1894. : Cellar door opens on to hallowed ground

Only the original pews tell of the tasting room's previous incarnation. : Cellar door opens on to hallowed ground

Attractive window frames indicate its church heritage. : Cellar door opens on to hallowed ground

The deconsecrated church is nestled in about 6ha of well-kept gardens, complete with cricket pitch, and the vineyard of Waitiri Creek, Gibbston. : Cellar door opens on to hallowed ground

The Wangaloa Presbyterian Church, pictured soon after it was built in 1894. Note the adornments and chimney, which are absent from the building today. Photo supplied. : Cellar door opens on to hallowed ground