Wine o’clock Anyone? Sydney’s Top Wine Bars
Julia Gralberg
Because it’s always a good time for a great glass of wine
Fancy a velvety smooth Merlot, a crisp Chablis, a buttery Chardonnay or a creamy Cabernet Sauvignon? Whether you’re going on a date, celebrating with friends or rocking up solo, these awesome wine bars will deliver in the grape department and make you happy as Larry – guaranteed!
Whether you crack open a bottle with your colleagues after work, share it with your hubby at date night or enjoy it with your BFF during an afternoon wine session, it’s always the right time for a great glass of vino. Cheers to that!
So what makes a great wine bar?
First things first, it goes without saying that a good wine bar should have an interesting and extensive wine list presented by knowledgeable staff.
Secondly, the atmosphere is important too. Tables for two for intimate tête-à-têtes are favourable. So is dimmed low light (candlelit dates are cosy…come on) and comfortable leather booths are great for large groups of friends.
Fortunately, wine bars don’t have to be stuffy or pretentious, in fact, many are the opposite. Relaxed and chilled bars with a non-scary wine list and a feel-good factor seem to be the crack nowadays.
When you stay at Ovolo Hotel in Woolloomooloo, you may visit the top wine bars in Sydney that tick all the boxes.
The Dolphins Wine Room, Surry Hills
CR:The Dolphins Wine Room
Well-known restaurateur Maurice Terzini, is behind this unpretentious wine bar which opened its doors last year.
Conveniently located on Crown Street the core ethos here is an anti-elitism approach to wine. That’s not, however, to say that the wine list isn’t impressive or well-constructed. With 35 wines served by the glass and 150 by the bottle coupled with delicious cold cuts from the charcuterie this place is a real winner.
412 Crown St, Surry Hills
Ash Street Cellar, CBD
Referred to as a charming piece of Paris hidden in the heart of Sydney, this modern Euro-style bistro serves up wine from France, Italy and Spain together with yummy tapas from the same regions.
Located in the CBD this European wine bar offers a romantic and intimate atmosphere together with a world-class wine list that doesn’t disappoint.
Make sure to order the warmed Ligurian black olives together with your favourite wine.
1 Ash Street, Sydney
www.merivale.com.au/ashstcellar
121BC, Surry Hills
CR:121BC
This popular Surry Hills wine bar with its 24-seat big central table is perfect for anyone looking to rock up solo to savour a glass of wine on their own.
The impressive wine list is changing regularly as well as the ever-changing Italian-inspired food menu which is based on seasonal produce and is ridiculously delicious.
Make sure to take a stroll through the wine shop where the wines are arranged by region.
4/50 Holt Street, Surry Hills (entry via Gladstone Street)
Fix Wine Bar & Restaurant
CR:Fix Wine Bar & Restaurant
Fancy wines that are a little different to the masses? Owned by Stu Knox (Australian Sommelier of the Year 2012), Fix Wine Bar prides themselves on offering a hand-picked selection of local and global wines from small and often family-run vineyards.
The interesting wines from the seductive wine list are also available to order online from
the wine bar’s website. Heaven!
111 Elizabeth Street, Sydney
Monopole, Potts Point
CR:Monopole
Monopole was awarded the National ‘Wine List of the Year’ at the Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Guide Awards for 2014. The sexy wine bar serves up over 500 wines from around the world and the impressive wine list has been carefully compiled by Nick Hildebrandt, one of Australia’s most influential sommeliers with many exclusive to Monopole.
The atmosphere is dark and seductive and the perfect spot for a romantic date. The wines are served by glass or carafe paired with house cured meats.
71A Macleay St, Potts Point
Julia Gralberg is a freelance travel writer, editor of Hotel & Resort Guide, Lux Nomade and founder of Boutique Communications Consultancy, Lux Collective. When she isn’t busy jumping in hotel beds and eating her way through breakfast buffets you’ll find her on her yoga mat.