Wine a Little, Laugh a Lot at these 5 Wine Bars

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 five of our fave wine bars to imbibe, eat and socialise when the mood strikes…

Indulge in a unique dining experience with a taste for every palate at Wined Bar @ The National Wine Centre on the corner of Hackney and Botanic Roads in the heart of Adelaide’s CBD. Step into a sleek vibe of white subway-tiled counters, blond wood table settings, wine barrels and racks groaning with bottles sure to tempt all tastes; on balmy SA days head outside under market umbrellas to sip and savour from a menu of paired plates.

 

Start with chicken liver parfait, red wine quandong jelly and brioche with a glass of Pinot Noir, or crispy pork belly, shallot caramel, pickled daikon and gingered apple, enjoyed with a Riesling; larger plates of lamb ragu, pappardelle, grana Padano and chives, are best paired with a glass of Shiraz or Tempranillo.

Uncover a breath of fresh air on the Beechworth food and wine scene at Vino Bar on Ford Street. Find a French bistro feel with a warm and relaxed vibe, along with a selection of local Beechworth GI wines, Champagne and beer, while the kitchen is always open for all-day dining on a selection of seasonal share plates.

 

With indoor and outdoor garden tables there is a place for everyone to chill out while sipping a glass of Holden Estate Chardonnay; pair your drop with tapas plates such as beef carpaccio or baked brie to start, moving onto plump lamb chops or garlic chilli prawns, with a pumpkin salad of mint, pepitas, rocket and feta on the side.

Drop by Clapham Junction Wine Bar on Royal Parade in Banyo, for cheese and charcuterie and ever-changing tapas plates, enjoyed in vintage surrounds. This chic wine bar, reminiscent of railway refreshment rooms, welcomes guests through the bright and cheery red door to perch at the bar on rustic stools and sip from a boutique list of international and regional wines, as well as killer cocktails.

 

Choose to graze on pork belly tacos with chilli BBQ sauce and apple slaw, or barramundi croquettes, tartar and black caviar, paired with a glass of Witches Falls Sauvignon Blanc; perhaps share a charcuterie board of classic Italian salami with pickles, Dijon and baguette croutons, enjoyed with a bottle of Yarra Valley Pinot Noir.

Offering contemporary Australian cuisine paired with local wines, head to Enjoywine Chargrill And Bar on Eighth Street in Mildura to enjoy food, wine and life. Chill out in stylish surrounds of leather chairs, a wall of greenery and wine barrels along with racks overflowing with bottles to tempt all palates; elevate your dining experience with mouth-watering dishes such as seared scallops with herbed brown butter, cauliflower purée and corn hash to start.

 

For the main, opt for char-grill choices such as Reef and Beef – King prawns, cooked Cajun-style, tossed in white wine butter sauce, served on top of Porterhouse steak and stir-fried seasoned vegetables – paired with a glass of Malbec; or pasta plates of fettuccine, smoked salmon, shallots, cherry tomato, baby capers and shaved pecorino.

Dine from a fabulous selection of ethically sourced local seafood at Tidal Restaurant and Wine Bar on Beach Street in Merimbula. This new restaurant pairs great food and drinks with friendly, detailed service in comfortable and relaxing surrounds; unwind in the lounge where comfy chairs and informal dining spaces await, or if you prefer a more formal setting, head to the restaurant area where beautifully set tables beckon.

 

From a menu celebrating the ‘merroir’ of the Sapphire Coast, Executive Chef Gavin Swalwell produces stunning dishes showcasing local and regional farmers and producers, from small sharing plates to 7-course tasting menus. Sample plates of succulent seafood, pork, duck or beef, paired expertly with wine, beer or your choice of spirits.