Australia’s wine culture is more than just big-name vineyards and boutique cellars—our cities and regions are home to some of the most stylish and immersive wine bars in the world. Whether you're after a deep dive into Mediterranean flavours, a taste of small-batch spirits, or a perfectly curated food-and-wine pairing experience, these top wine bars offer something truly special.
Wine Bank on View – Bendigo, VIC
Step into history at Wine Bank on View, housed in a heritage-listed bank building in the heart of Bendigo. This Mediterranean-influenced gem is more than just a wine merchant—it’s a refined all-day destination. By day, it’s the go-to spot for a stellar coffee and housemade cake, but as the sun sets, it transforms into a buzzing wine hub. With an extensive selection of wines and a stylishly restored interior, it’s the perfect place to sip and socialise.
To accompany your glass, the menu offers an array of thoughtfully curated dishes. The pork, pistachio and fig terrine wrapped in prosciutto is a standout, served with housemade bread and tangy pickles. For something indulgent, the lobster rolls—featuring fresh lobster, celery, chives and Kewpie mayonnaise on buttery brioche sliders, served with Kettle chips—are the perfect luxurious pairing for a crisp glass of Chardonnay. And with over 1,000 wines in stock, you’ll always find the perfect drop.
Milledge’s Distillery Cellar Door & Venue – Port Adelaide, SA
For those who love their wine bars with a side of artisanal spirits, Milledge’s Distillery is a must-visit. Nestled in a converted warehouse in historic Port Adelaide, this dynamic venue is a distillery, bar and event space rolled into one. Master distiller Adrian brings a passion for craft spirits, producing gin, vodka, whisky and coffee liqueur, all available for tasting. The laid-back, industrial-chic setting—complete with live music on weekends—makes it a local favourite.
Beyond its exceptional spirits, Milledge’s also offers a solid selection of South Australian beers and wines. It’s the ideal place to explore small-batch spirits, whether you're in the mood for a perfectly balanced gin and tonic or a bold, complex whisky. With its community-focused approach, including weekly art classes, this venue is as much about culture as it is about craft.
Hold Bar & Eatery – Essendon, VIC
A seamless blend of café, wine bar and modern Australian eatery, Hold Bar & Eatery is a stylish and inclusive spot in Essendon. With walls adorned in eclectic artwork, lush greenery and a cosy wood-burning fire, it’s a space designed for lingering. Whether you're stopping by for brunch or settling in for an evening of fine wine, this venue delivers a carefully curated experience.
The food is as much of a draw as the drinks, with an emphasis on rich, slow-cooked dishes that pair beautifully with bold reds. The 12-hour slow-cooked lamb shoulder, served with carrot, red vein sorrel and twice-cooked crunchy potatoes, is a perfect example—comforting, flavourful and effortlessly elegant. Pair it with a glass of Barossa Shiraz or a cool-climate Pinot Noir and you're in for a seriously indulgent evening.
Killarney Pizza Tapas Wine Bar – Killarney Heights, NSW
If you love the idea of Middle Eastern flavours paired with fine wine, Killarney Pizza Tapas Wine Bar is the place to be. Tucked away in Killarney Heights, this vibrant eatery serves a fusion of authentic Italian pizza and Middle Eastern-inspired tapas. With arched windows, colourful banquette seating and live music on weekends, it offers an intimate yet lively atmosphere.
The menu is an adventure in flavour and the Middle Eastern pizza is a must-try. Think minced beef, cheese, sumac, chilli, tomato, olives, labneh, mint and mozzarella, all coming together in a harmonious balance of spice, creaminess and crunch. Whether you pair it with a bold Lebanese red or a crisp Australian white, this is a wine bar that brings something unique to Sydney’s dining scene.
A hidden gem in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Spill Wine is all about bringing people together over exceptional wine. Whether you're a casual sipper or a full-fledged oenophile, this Maleny wine bar offers a space to explore, taste and learn. Their team curates an ever-changing selection, from aromatic Spanish Albariños to Australian natural Grenaches, making every visit a new discovery.
What sets Spill Wine apart is its weekly Wednesday night feast, where the team pairs a carefully crafted meal with a standout wine selection. The menu changes with the seasons and the mood of the chefs, but expect dishes like rich Cassoulet with wines from southern France, or a classic Risotto Milanese alongside Piedmontese vintages. And for an unexpected yet genius pairing? Tonkotsu ramen matched with a sharp Australian Riesling—a bold, modern take on wine pairings that proves just how innovative this spot is.
Whether you're after a historic bank-turned-wine-bar, a distillery with a soul, or a fusion-fuelled tapas experience, Australia’s wine bar scene has never been more exciting. Each of these venues brings something unique to the table—exceptional wine, unforgettable food and an atmosphere that keeps you coming back for more. So grab a glass, savour the moment and discover a new favourite drop.
