Over the last 3 to 4 years I’ve been visiting Sydney at least half a dozen times annually to visit our customers in the trade. After each visit, I’m always so impressed with the number of new and exciting venues that are constantly opening. The scene there is thriving and it’s really exciting to witness this shift from what I always once believed as Melbourne being the wine and dine hub of Australia to now, where I believe Sydney has become just that.
The inner city’s wining and dining options are bursting at the seams with the likes of the Barangaroo precinct opening its gates. This has given way to providing the surrounding suburbs a chance to attract the talented hospitality operators and restaurant groups to open their concepts in emerging locations. During my most recent visit, I discovered the following fantastic places that are a must for anyone looking to have a nice glass of wine or three!
An Italian style diner with a late-night bar underground. It’s one of the few places in Sydney that’s open late (2am or 3am, but I try not to stay out that late anymore!), which serves unreal wines by the glass with an Italian focus and a hearty food offering. My Sangiovese is served here.
Credit: @bigpoppas_syd (Instagram)
Need a view of one of the world’s prettiest skylines whilst having a glass of our Pinot Grigio? Well, this is by far the nicest place to drink wine if you want to soak up Sydney’s monumental sites such as the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. It’s usually busy with tourists and locals especially during the peak of summer.
Credit: operabar.com.au
Recently crowned by Gourmet Traveller Wine as having the best new wine list in Australia, this a must-drink destination. The food is a nice blend of humble flavours and is contemporary in presentation. There’s no shortage of Australian and international benchmark wines, which will keep a wine lover buried in the list.
Credit: smudgeeats.com
Outside of the CBD, this drinking hole comes with beautiful Aussie seaside views, a contemporary fit-out, and attracts some of Sydney’s coolest cats. An awesome place for a Sunday rosé session whilst enjoying DJ beats and feasting on generous portions of oysters and seafood platters. Look out for our Rosato here!
Credit: watsonsbayhotel.com.au