When it comes to wine, I know a thing or two about finding a good wine bar with some well know and not so well known wines. I am a lover of a good spicy Shiraz, but I sometimes like to go outside my comfort zone and see what else is out there. What better way to do this than with a well put together wine list from some of the top rated sommeliers in Melbourne.
I’ve put together the below list based on what I think are some of the top wine bars in Melbourne. Don’t get me wrong the list is endless, but these 5 have captured a place in my heart (in no particular order).
1. Punch Lane Wine Bar and Restaurant
If you’re looking for somewhere that is the true definition of Melbourne, this is your go to place. Situated in an iconic & historical building, accent features include exposed natural wood furnishings, dim lighting, high ceilings stacked with wine bottles and large leather banquets. What more could you want from a true wine bar setting!
With 20 years under their belt, they must be doing something right, which is probably how they have made their way onto my top 5 favs. The food is delicious and the wine list is a stand out.
Wines from notorious wine regions, indigenous grapes and all the classics have been brought together to create an impeccable wine list, definitely worth checking out.
2. City Wine Shop
Located at the top end of Bourke Street, this bar, bistro, bottle shop offers an outstanding wine list, beautiful views of the Parliament building and a tasty menu. If you’re on the run, grab a bottle from their wine wall, or if you have the time, take a seat and enjoy a glass or two from a well put together wine list.
This isn’t your fancy Melbourne bar, but they do know how to do ‘simple/classic’ quite well. There isn’t anything complex about the menu or the layout, however owners Con Christopoulos and Joshua Brisbane seem to understand the clientele they have driven here.
With more premium wines on the list, this is your chance to take a seat at that bar, try a glass of premium wine and if you love it, bring it home with you! However it’s not hard to love their current list of fine European wines.
This place has won awards, and it’s really no surprise. The space is small, cosy perfect for those looking to sit back, enjoy a glass of wine in good company.
3. Gertrude St Enoteca
Leaving the CBD we have the little stylish wine bar, Gertrude Street Enoteca. Offering a selection of antipasto dishes, cured meats, oils, etc. this bistro like restaurant offers a beautiful wine list with a carefully selected wines by the glass list to match their menu, or purchase by the bottle for a long lunch.
The space is tiny, so if you have Enoteca on the brain, it’s best to get there early as it does pack out. The interior walls are lined with bottles and bottles of wine, which is a true definition of a good wine bar! Walking through the front door is like walking into a little place in Italy. The staff are friendly and the wine is some of the best you will find in Melbourne.
This is definitely in my top 3 wine bars in Melbourne without a doubt. The rustic, old school ambiance is what drives me here every time (and of course their amazing wine list).
4. Gerald’s Bar
This is your non-flash old school type of place, where you walk into a warn lit, relaxed space and feel right at home (or Southern Europe). Pop yourself up on the bar and enjoy a glass of one of the 6 bottles of wine open (3 red & 3 whites, or is it 5 & 5, hard to remember after so much good wine!). If you happen to finish the bottle and are the next to order, the choice is yours on what will be opened next to be poured by the glass. The ‘first come, first serve’ policy leaves the bar open to be a bit spontaneous and try something new.
With a list of awards under their belt, it’s no wonder their limited seating is always jam packed. Keep in mind, this isn’t the place you would want to be coming for a full on extensive meal. The know their wines and have put together an immaculate wine list for their customers.
5. Toorak Cellars & Wine Bar
Last but certainly not least is this little gem in Armadale. Pop in to purchase your favourite bottle, or sit back and enjoy one of the 20 wines by the glass that change frequently. If you’re looking to spend a bit more time, choose from any of the wines straight off the shelf and sit back and enjoy in good company.
Wines are available at every price point, which keeps their clientele quite large. There isn’t a kitchen sort of speak, however they have creative ways to get you something to enjoy with your wine.
The space itself is quite rustic with hardwood floors, brick feature walls and wine bottles stacked to the ceiling. Small wooden bar tables fill the space to sit back and enjoy a glass of your favourite wine.
