The Vintner's Drop, which opens in the former Kurow post office next week, is an initiative of Jim Jerram, from Ostler Wines, and Steve Hotton, from The Valley Cafe.
The art deco-style building was bought from the Waitaki Valley Community Society by Dr Jerram's father-in-law Paul Sinnott.
It previously housed the Kurow Community Centre.
Some "real gems" were discovered during the renovation, including the polished rimu floorboards, Mr Hotton said.
The pair said the new business would complement the recently-opened Kurow Winery and give the public an opportunity to taste, learn about and buy a range of local wines.
All local wineries have been invited to participate.
Dr Jerram was delighted the community wanted the building used for the venture and saw it as a vote of confidence in the industry.
It had been a "long, hard road" getting the industry off the ground in the valley.
Climatically, it was a challenge but that was also what produced the wonderful flavours, It was still a small and new industry and it was felt, at this stage in its development, there was a need for a focal point and for all the local wines to be presented to both visitors and locals, Dr Jerram, who is also chairman of the Waitaki Valley Winegrowers Association, said.
It was a "delight" to see the quality of the wines coming out of the valley and they were beginning to make their mark on the world stage.
New York-based wine critic Steven Tanzer recently rated several Waitaki Valley wines in his top 10 of New Zealand pinots, while United Kingdom-based critic Jancis Robinson had also commented on the quality of the Waitaki wines.
Dr Jerram was thrilled to have Mr Hotton, a former Otago rugby identity, involved in the venture, saying his energy and drive had brought much to Kurow.
Mr Hotton said he and Dr Jerram shared the same passion to help develop the valley.
It was easy to get "stuck in a rut" and worry about things like the recession but "sometimes you need to think outside the circle . . . and see what can be done, what can be added".
Ostler Wines office will be housed in the rear of the building.
