Wine Wine Wine. Who doesn’t love to have a good whine about wine?
Whether you’re…
*an A-Grade enthusiast who hosts wine tastings at their house, can pin point the geographic coordinates of Bordeaux and claims they can smell what the wine maker had for breakfast the morning of harvest
*a B-Grade enthusiast who appreciates a nice chardonnay, but won’t put their lips to any glass that ‘s worth less than $50
*a C-Grade enthusiast who loves and live for all wine. Red wine, white wine, pink wine, blue wine…where there is wine, everything will be fine
*a cat piss…I mean, cask wine or Sav Blanc drinker (judgement high, you’re not an enthusiast)
… fret not, we are all in this together because wine is life.
Melbourne has after all been named the most liveable city AGAIN, and I think there is a direct correlation between this award and the number of wine bars that seem to be popping up around the city faster than you can yell SHIRAZ.
Here are our picks of the crop (or vine) that will have you feeling right at home, no matter what your preference, whether you love to love it, or love to hate it, these havens make the perfect destination for any occasion.
City Wine Shop
159 Spring Street, Melbourne CBD
Tucked away on Spring St is City Wine Shop, the wine bar that has gained huge popularity among city workers and dwellers alike. Reminiscient of cafes you’d find sprawled along the main streets in Europe, it’s small in size but ticks all the boxes. Head in after work and take a bottle home, or, enjoy one at the bar.
The Ugly Duckling
238 Swan St, Richmond
You might walk past its shop front by day, but come night, this intimate wine bar comes to life. With bar food second to none, a large light-filled area at the rear of the venue and custom cocktails set to impress, there ain’t nothing ugly about this place.
South Press
27 Toorak Rd, South Yarra
This Toorak Rd wine bar has quickly earnt its reputation since its fruition, offering a large rotating wine list, along with a changing seasonal menu that extends far beyond your average cheese and crackers ( the blue swimmer crab risotto is a must). Whether it’s a catch up with friends, a small get together or a lazy Sunday sitting in their sunny courtyard, South Press is perfect all year round.
Toorak Cellars
18 Beatty Ave, Armadale
With a constant changing wine list, a beautiful courtyard and a warm ambiance, there is a reason why ‘Cellars’ has become an institution. A hop, skip and a jump away from Toorak station, you’ll rarely just stay for one glass…
Milton Wine Shop
1427 Malvern Road, Malvern
Milton’s wine collection boasts wines from around the world. Takeaway or stay for a drink in their courtyard which is perfect for both summer and winter months! Oh, and you can even get pizza delivered from up the road – genius!
Host Brunswick
4 Saxon St, Brunswick
They are top contenders for not only taking out the coveted award of having possibly the nicest wine glasses in this list, but also offer inventive dishes, fabulous wines, and decor that oozes panachee and glamour but maintains its Brunswick cool.
Marion
53 Gertrude St, Fitzroy
The people behind some of Melbourne’s top restaurants (Cutler & Co, Supernormal and Cumulus) bring you a wine bar that covers all bases, showcasing the best of the best around Australia and beyond. No selling is needed for this one, just go!
The Townmouse
312 Drummond Street, Carlton
The Townmouse are all about helping you celebrate the everyday, surrounded by people you love, food that is great and of course, wine. Their aim is to be that small neighbourhood restaurant that everyone wants to call their local, and I think it’s working….
Cru Wine Bar
916 Glenferrie Road, Kew
Located in Kew, CRU Wine Bar, although just a stone’s throw away the clamour of busy Glenferrie Rd, gives you the feeling that you’re worlds away. Pull up a pew and enjoy a well deserved vino or Sailor’s Negroni after a long day at work, and rest easy knowing that CRU will take care of you!
Harry & Frankie
317 Bay St, Port Melbourne
You won’t find any noses in the air at Harry & Frankie’s. Here, wine is celebrated and the passion of the staff rubs off on everyone that steps foot inside! Harry & Frankie firmly believe that wine’s first job is to be delicious, and the bottles on their shelves sure do deliver. Next time you’re in the Port, pop past and pick up something from their extensive selection.
The Milton
134 Ormond Rd, Elwood
In the laid back suburb of Elwood you will find The Milton, a wine bar with a relaxed vibe. The beautiful tapas menu and intimate atmosphere makes it a great spot for date night.
Cheers!
By Bee Marffy
