We all seek the perfect spot for an intimate and romantic glass of wine with someone special, or simply a great place to relax after a tough work week and enjoy a chilled-out drink with friends.
We’ve rounded up six of our fave wine bars to imbibe, eat and socialise when the mood strikes…
Indulge Your Wine Palate
Brother duo, Mark and Tony Pendreich are the brains behind The Valley Cellardoor, a popular wine bar and bottle shop on Hall Street in Moonee Ponds. A picket fence borders a front beer garden, penning in a crowd of lively locals enjoying time spent unwinding in good company while further in, an earthy and rustic style abounds around a small-scale open plan kitchen and shelves stacked to the roof with wine.
Indulge your palate with 50 different bottles available by the glass each week or choose from more than 140 craft beers and a range of ciders. Delve into gourmet pizzas, charcuterie platters and cheese boards, or order from any of the local restaurants and have it delivered. For those unable to decide, ask Mark, previously a Sommelier for Marco Pierre White.
Secret Garden to Escape Hustle & Bustle
Discover a secret garden in the middle of Milton’s beautiful countryside at Altar Wine Bar on Croobyar Road. Set within the grounds of the historical Old Church, this dining destination boasts three separate and unique gardens, a sunlit marquee and a shearing shed repurposed into an outdoor bar, making this the ideal venue to get away from hustle and bustle.
From a modern menu focusing on fresh and local produce, pair fresh oysters with a pick from a curated selection of Australian and international wine, cocktails and beer; graze on plates like Peking duck spring rolls and sweet chilli sauce, or devour a bavette steak with red wine and beef sauce, washed down with a glass of Yarra Valley Yarrawood Pinot Noir.
Trendy Laneway Bar
Unwind and immerse yourself in one of Melbourne’s trendiest laneway bars, Lane’s Edge on Bourke Street in the heart of the city. Boasting an array of boutique wines, independent beers and fabulous cocktails, embrace the atmosphere of the open courtyard with good tunes, all the while enjoying the company of friends; bamboo and blossoms line this modern café and bar, while indoors exudes a moody vibe of sultry lighting and intimate tables.
Perch on a stool at the bar with a Shimmer Lane Elixir cocktail of vodka, cranberry, lime and glitter to graze on small plates of house-spiced peanuts, cashews and almonds, or chilli-marinated Tuscan olives. Perhaps pair vegetarian spring rolls and sweet chilli sauce with a Margaret River Sauvignon Blanc, or devour housemade Basque terrine with apple, turnip and broad bean shoots with a glass of Lucky Cat Rosé from King Valley.
A Touch of European Sophistication
Find an exquisite wine bar experience with a touch of European sophistication at Fiorita Wine Bar & Restaurant on Sharpe Avenue in Karratha. From the moment you arrive, welcoming staff and a stylish setting make you feel at home while the menu and international wines make Fiorita a top choice for anyone looking for a fine dining restaurant in the Pilbara; glowing neon signage, a fully stocked bar, wall murals and moody lighting set the scene for lingering over a signature cucumber and basil Gimlet cocktail.
Perhaps graze on plates like smoked salmon and avocado with cucumber, tomato, capers, citrus and tortilla chips; before memorable mains of roasted pork belly, pumpkin and potato mash, baby carrots, broccolini and apple, while pasta lovers opt for linguine with crab, cherry tomato, rocket, garlic and chilli.
Bringing the Country to the City
The city’s first true urban winery awaits discerning foodies and wine lovers at Urban Winery Sydney in The Entertainment Quarter in Moore Park. With a fully functioning open winery, cellar door, wine bar and event space, it’s a place to enjoy the very best of NSW wine and produce, including house label A.Retief wines hand-crafted onsite.
It’s all about bringing the country to the city with a full winery experience of the best wines, spirits, craft beer and charcuterie from around the state; whether it’s a midweek wine down or a weekend catchup, there’s a perfect drop for every occasion. Sip a glass of Chardonnay with a cheeseboard of Hunter Valley Blue Moon, triple cream Brie and smoked cheddar; or graze on a charcuterie board of salami, prosciutto and bresaola with a glass of Shiraz.
Book & Wine Lovers’ Heaven
Discover one of Sydney’s favourite second-hand bookstores, cafés and bars at Sappho Books, Café & Wine Bar on Glebe Point Road in Glebe. With more than 30,000 titles available over three floors, this is a book lovers’ heaven, along with a courtyard oasis for catching up with family, sharing a coffee with friends or just treating yourself to a nice glass of wine.
Recognised as a coffee specialist, the menu is simple, carefully selected and fresh; think plates like The Hobbit for breakfast – sautéed field mushrooms with thyme, spinach and crumbled feta, served on sourdough – or eggs Benny with baby spinach, smoked salmon and Hollandaise. All-day fare such as chicken poached in white wine and oregano is sure to impress, served with Swiss cheese, sun-dried tomato, spinach and garlic dip.
