Escape the chilly streets of Sydney and step into a world of warmth, intimacy, and exquisite wines with Sydney’s new wave of wine bars, joining the likes of whisky clubs, 1920s-themed underground haunts, and sky-high cocktail bars. The new league of by-the-glass establishments champion wine, and food is secondary.
These wine bars exhibit a diverse nature, drawing inspiration from local small-batch wineries and exploring various grape varieties. Some remain hidden gems, while others cleverly disguise themselves as bustling Italian restaurants. Despite their differences, they all share one common trait: an impressive selection of wines that tantalise the palate. These spaces provide a relaxed and minimalist ambience, and they have only just begun to make their mark.
When the desire for a glass or two of wine strikes, step into one of Sydney’s cosiest wine bars and immerse yourself in the experience.
Lil Sis
Chippendale
Indulge in the cozy atmosphere of this late-night wine bar and shop, drawing inspiration from the charming ‘cave à vins’ of Paris. With a DJ spinning French-inspired lounge disco tunes until 2 am, it offers a unique and lively experience. Enter through the inviting terraces on Abercrombie Street, where you can either purchase a bottle to take away or enjoy a seat at the communal tasting table to savour your chosen wine.
Upstairs, you’ll find a dimly lit wine bar where you can settle into a booth or a stool at the bar. Head sommelier Zoe Brunton has carefully curated a selection of wines for you to enjoy. To complement your drinks, the bar menu features a variety of grazing options, including local cheeses, freshly sliced cured meats from Pino’s and LP’s, Gildas, and delectable Ortiz anchovies and mussels escabeche. For a nostalgic treat, try one of the jaffles, such as the triple cheese, Heinz spaghetti with cheddar, or pastrami on rye with Swiss cheese, pickles, and Russian dressing.
Bar Copains
Surry Hills
With an impressive background that includes renowned venues such as Adelaide’s Leigh Street Wine Room, Belle’s Hot Chicken, and NOMAD, chefs Nathan Sasi and Morgan McGlone join forces to bring their expertise to the forefront. The wine selection at Bar Copains is a delightful blend of natural and unconventional choices, complemented by a curated assortment of more traditional options.
The menu consists of small plates showcasing the chefs’ culinary prowess while remaining approachable and enticing for repeat visits. Picture a whiting sandwich and fluffy gnudi bathed in nutty brown butter with hints of sage and pine nuts. A striking deep green slab marble bar takes centre stage, while carefully crafted ceramics, handmade by McGlone himself, add a personal touch to the overall aesthetic.
Inna Lounge
CBD
Inna Lounge occupies the second floor of the Republic Hotel, though its atmosphere is a far cry from that of the pub’s downstairs. The drinks menu here focuses on cocktails, but it has around 20 wines to choose from, including white, red, rosé, sparkling and dessert.
In addition to cocktails and wine, the bar also serves snacks, like caviar served with potato chips, crème fraiche and chives, forest mushroom arancini with basil cream, and Davidson plum-cured kingfish on a squid ink cracker. Be sure to try the Moreton Bay Bug roll with horseradish, garlic, chives and sriracha mayo.
Bar Messenger
Circular Quay
Located next to the renowned InterContinental Sydney, Bar Messenger provides an elegant setting for both intimate gatherings and lively celebrations, accommodating up to 120 guests. The establishment takes pride in its carefully curated collection of wines, including the notable Mulpha Hospitality Group wines, Bimbadgen and Alter from the Hunter Valley.
Whether you’re a discerning connoisseur in search of rare vintages or a casual wine lover seeking delightful options, the friendly and knowledgeable staff at Bar Messenger are on hand to assist you.
Bar Lucia
Potts Point
For a romantic date night, Bar Lucia is the alluring Spanish wine bar that brings a touch of Madrid to the charming streets of Potts Point. With its elegant decor inspired by the architecture of Madrid, the bar exudes a feminine ambience, featuring delicate ornamental accents, romantic flower arrangements, candelabras, and captivating art. Step into the Spanish courtyard at the back, adorned with a glass roof and an atrium-style design.
Bar Lucia’s menu includes Jamon Iberico Bellota Pura, roast sea scallops with saffron butter served on the half shell, and mouthwatering croquetas. The wine list showcases Australian wine regions, with an emphasis on high-quality selections from New South Wales. With over 50 wines to choose from, the options range from classic choices to more adventurous ones. The cocktail list also sparks curiosity, featuring whimsical creations like Lucia’s Cheesecake cocktail—a delightful liquid rendition of her favourite dessert infused with cheesecake vodka, homemade jam, and a blueberry shrub.
Mille Vini
Surry Hills
Located on the sought-after Crown Street in Surry Hills, Mille Vini is a luxurious Italian restaurant and wine bar that offers an impressive selection of Italian delicacies and wines. With a team of experts, they have carefully curated one of the largest ranges of Italian wine varieties, sourcing from renowned regions such as Puglia, Tuscany, Abruzzo, Sardegna, and more.
The ambience of Mille Vini is undeniably romantic in the evening, with candlelit tables, dim lighting, and sparkling crystal chandeliers. However, during the day, it exudes a casual and lively atmosphere. Ando, the knowledgeable sommelier and general manager, is always ready to provide recommendations on wines by the glass based on your taste and preferences.
La Salut
Redfern
Transformed from a former sports bar, this wine nook draws its inspiration from La Salut, a suburb in Barcelona. The owners, fueled by their memories and flavours experienced during a summer in Barcelona, sought to bring a taste of the city to Sydney. The wine list impressively features over 200 bottles from Spain, showcasing both renowned favourites and highlighting the talents of contemporary winemakers in the region.
Suppose you’re uncertain about which glass to indulge in; fear not, as the sommelier can provide expert recommendations and guide you through the selection. Additionally, the bar offers a selection of cocktails, including the enticing Madeira Spritz and other Spanish-inspired creations.
When it comes to culinary offerings, the food is designed for sharing, creating an interactive and convivial dining experience. Be warned, though, as the coveted croqueta is known to spark friendly fights over who gets the last bite.
Knird
Crows Nest
Nestled discreetly down an alleyway, Knird is an unpretentious wine bar that thrives on quality wine and community values. This welcoming establishment does not require reservations; walk-ins are encouraged—step inside for a glass of wine and a bite to eat.
The wine list at Knird is a testament to their passion for variety, offering an extensive selection that spans organic, biodynamic, commercial, small batch, single-site, orange, and indigenous wines. Whether you’re a connoisseur or an enthusiast, this is the perfect destination to explore and savour exceptional wines.
Complementing the impressive wine selection is a menu that combines the best of Australian and European cuisine. From classic dishes like patatas bravas and Sydney rock oysters to Prosciutto and burrata, the food offerings promise a delightful fusion of flavours.
Gildas
Surry Hills
When it comes to combining mouthwatering food with an exceptional wine list, trust Lennox Hastie to deliver. Gildas, the sister venue of Firedoor, takes inspiration from the lively pintxos bars in northern Spain. Reflecting its Basque roots, the menu showcases Gildas skewers, Jamon Iberico, grilled squid, charred leeks in romesco sauce, and crispy school prawns. While locally sourced ingredients form the foundation of the dishes, the flavours draw influences from international cuisines.
The wine list at Gildas is an impressive six pages long and focuses on Sherry, a versatile wine known for its affinity with food. The list is thoughtfully organised by region and encompasses a range of whites, sparkling wines, and reds, as well as a selection of rosés, skin contact wines, dessert wines, and digestives.
Wyno x Bodega
Surry Hills
Bodega, a renowned tapas destination, has transformed and joined forces with the adjacent bottle shop to create Wyno X Bodega, a captivating wine bar. This dynamic collaboration brings together the beloved flavours of Bodega with the exceptional libations of Wyno, resulting in an irresistible haven of hospitality.
Delve into the extensive 17-page wine list, spanning the globe with selections from Australia, New Zealand, Italy, France, and Spain. This impressive array ensures wine enthusiasts can explore various flavours and regions, creating an enriching and delightful experience.
Love, Tilly Devine
Darlinghurst
Love, Tilly Devine welcomes everyone with its extensive wine list boasting over 300 selections. The bar focuses on the talents of emerging Australian winemakers, curating a diverse range that includes everything from Lo-Fi to Pét Nat and other approachable wines. Although the bar is small, it has a buzzing atmosphere.
Guests can expect a memorable culinary experience at Love, Tilly Devine, highlighted by kingfish ceviche, pork and fennel sausage ragu, and delectable sourdough from Fabbrica.
De Vine Food and Wine
CBD
This European-influenced wine bar offers divine food and a wide selection of wines. Despite its small size, its central location in the CBD ensures a consistently busy atmosphere. Alongside delicious Italian cuisine, patrons visit to explore the extensive collection of over 400 bottles from European and Australian winemakers. To navigate this impressive list, it is recommended to seek guidance from a knowledgeable sommelier who can suggest the perfect bottle for your preferences or the occasion. While enjoying the experience, don’t miss the opportunity to try their appetising arancini balls or indulge in a comforting bowl of beef ragu pappardelle to satisfy your appetite.
Beau Bar
Surry Hills
Beau Bar, the more intimate sibling of Nomad, is tucked away at the back of the casual eatery Beau & Dough. This 40-seat establishment has a discreet entrance through a secret laneway. Its ambience is moody and intimate, with stylish black decor and a glass-fronted wine wall behind the bar.
The cocktail menu ventures into exciting and experimental territory. One standout option is the Garibaldi Gazoz, which pays homage to Nomad’s Middle Eastern influences. This delightful concoction combines Campari with orange Uludag Gazoz, a popular Turkish soft drink similar to Orangina.
The wine list is a diverse collection of several hundred bottles from small producers. These bottles are stored in temperature-controlled cabinets, ensuring optimal quality. If that’s not evidence enough that Beau is a serious wine bar, we’re not sure what is.
Sofia Cocktail Lounge
Surry Hills
Sofia Cocktail Lounge, created by Con and Sophie Bousgas, is a stylish new drinking destination in Redfern and Surry Hills. Located below the popular Sofia restaurant, the lounge combines the charm of a warehouse-style space with elegant touches like plush velvet sofas, contemporary rattan armchairs, and marble-topped tables.
The drinks menu features classic and signature cocktails and a curated wine selection. One noteworthy cocktail is the “Liquid Gold,” which includes Malfy Gin Originale, Massenez Poire Williams Eau-de-Vie, Green Chartreuse, lemon juice, lavender bitters, and a dash of Sofia’s own extra virgin olive oil, made from olives grown in the family’s chemical-free grove in the Peloponnese region.
Related: 33 of the Best New Bars and Restaurants in Sydney
Related: Slurp Down Some Noodles at These Six Top Sydney Ramen Joints
Read more stories from The Latch and subscribe to our email newsletter.
