There’s no doubt about it – Sydney is now one of the definitive wine capitals of the world. Surrounded by premium quality vineyards and wineries, and populated by some of the most discerning and demanding oenophiles, Sydney is a wine lover’s paradise that knows how to turn up the drama and luxury when it comes to fine wine bars. Whether you’re looking for cosy and expansive, international or home-grown, Sydney has something for every dedicated fan of the vine. Check out this (by no means definitive) list of top wine bars in Australia’s number one city.
With its gold-dipped gilt mirrors and plethora of romantic wine paraphernalia, Bentley Restaurant and Bar certainly looks the part when it comes to luxury wine experiences. Thanks to the unique vision of celebrated designer Chen Lu, this bar is a dizzyingly gorgeous space in which to unwind with a glass from their fantastically kooky wine list. Artisan Beaujolais, some of the best Champagne in town and Gippsland red wines make this a winner in our eyes, and the food is among the finest found anywhere in the city.
Corner Pitt + Hunter Streets, Sydney NSW 2000
Louche, elegant and relaxed, Fix St James is a favourite haunt for those looking to unwind after a commanding day in the office. Its menu has a decidedly rustic French lilt to it, and the wine list is dominated by some extremely unusual – but utterly delicious – amphora wines, which have come out of Australia’s best and most innovative wineries.
111 Elizabeth St, Sydney NSW 2000
An inspired, global wine list and a beautifully constructed Mediterranean menu come together at Ash Street Cellar, a small, boutique operation in the Ivy complex which has had tongues wagging in recent months. Expect the unexpected here; award winning wines from Brazil, Austria and everywhere in between make an evening on Ash Street a voyage of viticultural discovery.
1 Ash Street Sydney, 2000
Buzzy and upmarket, Mille Vini has a fantastically addictive Italian swagger about it that keeps its fans coming back for more. Seeking out wines from around the Mediterranean and introducing lesser-known grape varietals to an eager Sydney audience is the name of the game here, and it’s a beautifully elegant, European hideaway for those dreaming of Old World romance.
397 Crown St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
No list of Sydney wine establishments would be complete without a mention of The Wine Library. This now iconic drinking hole is an offshoot of Buzo, arguably Sydney’s best Italian restaurant, and it’s the place to go for a bottle of the finest imported Champagne and aged Burgundy wine – a place for connoisseurs to lose themselves for a couple of hours.
8 Oxford St, Woollahra NSW 2025
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