Maybe it's my age or maybe it's the times, but it feels like a Friday or Saturday night in Sydney is no longer best spent at the club, but at your local wine bar. We've taken cues from Melbourne and New York, and have seen the concept of the itty-bitty wine bar boom across the city.
But where to try first? And, more importantly, where to try next after that? The city is your oyster (of which there are many on the menus), so we thought we'd do the hard and unenviable work of testing out the spots ourselves to report back on which carry the RUSSH Editor stamp of approval. Of course, we're judging on the quality of the wine list, the lineup on the menu, and even more importantly, the VIBES. We want the lighting low, the spirits high, and the cocktails a little silly.
Whether perched on an alfresco dining stool or nestled into a dimly-lit booth; no matter if your style is to order by the glass or by the magnum – these venues are arguably our favourite places to waste away a weekend afternoon or evening with loved ones.
1. bar DEMO (Newtown)
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If you haven't yet spent an evening at bar DEMO then I'd highly encourage you to. It's relatively new to the Newtown bar scene, but has already picked up a tight community of regulars. It's unpretentious in that typically Newtown-way, but not without substance. There's a killer HiFi sound system broadcasting vinyl from their shelves (think Le Tigre, Jamiroquai, Parquet Courts), as well as a great list of wines (think natty, Italian and orange). To help knock it back is an appetising menu of small bites – and there's the occasional chef takeover from spots like Cafe Paci and Bentley too.
2. Vermeturia (Potts Point)
The sister venue to Piccolo, Vermeturia is a little off further off the beaten path compared to some of the other Potts Point wine bars, but no less enticing a destination for a drink. You'll find it's neon-lit interiors draw you in like a moth to a flame on a balmy evening – the kind of venue that you find yourself regularly losing track of time in. While it's got a more Spanish / Italian flare (amaro cocktails, small plates of briny anchovies and salted meats), the wine list is not to be overlooked. They even have a whole week dedicated to the Spanish national treasure that is Sherry.
3. Fred’s Providore (Cronulla)
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If you're a Shire native and didn't already know – Fred's is open for 'After Hours' wines from Thursday through Sunday, 6pm till late. They're serving up plates small (like lobster rolls and caviar crumpets) and large (like Wagyu MB9+ Intercostal Skewer), alongside a menu of 16 wines by the glass. It's the perfect date-night spot or after-beach drinks venue, with low-lit leather banquettes and a distinctly European feel.
4. Paski Vineria Popolare (Darlinghurst)
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I don't see enough people talking about this spot, but it's perfectly situated on Oxford street, just up from the old Cafe Freda's spot on Taylors Square. It's street frontage is unassuming, but it's actually a two-level restaurant, bar and bottle shop slinging handmade pastas and about a dozen meats and cheeses too. There's no shortage of choice here, with 450 wines by small-scale producers. Rather than being organised by grape variety or colour, the bottles are arranged according to their makers. You can opt for something by the glass, or you have the option to choose a bottle from the shelf to either enjoy in-house for a modest corkage fee or to take home.
5. Effie's (Balgowlah)
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Effie's is now open most nights for wining and dining, with a winelineup (wineup?) curated by the inimitable group at Winona in Manly. Walk-ins are usually available, and snacks are made in house (a coupee of olives and a bag of truffle chips are our salty snacks of choice).
6. The Shop and Wine Bar (Bondi)
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I was taken to this wine bar by some friends earlier this year and couldn't believe I hadn't been before. If you live in the Bondi area you've probably already got your finger on the pulse, but this spot is still somewhat of a hidden gem to those outside the suburb's confines. It's teeny-weeny but in that cosy, never-want-to-leave way. And you can make a booking in advance to secure yourself a table (which I would recommend if you're coming with a group). Happy hour is from 4-6pm (with $9 select drinks), and Sunday and Tuesday nights offer a pasta and wine special for $25.
7. Lokal (Surry Hills)
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This pint-sized wine bar seats only 20 but serves a fairly extensive list of natural wines by the glass or bottle (there's also a Salt and Vinegar Martini, made with salt harvested from Bondi Beach). A menu of share plates pairs nicely here, particularly the morrocan spiced beetroot hummus and spiced crispy chickpeas. The design of the place is also quite beautiful and fitting for an IG snap or two. And if you're looking to kick on, the Cricketer's Arms is just across the street for a beer garden sesh.
8. Letra House (CBD)
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From the team behind Fabbrica, this underground restaurant and late-night wine bar is tucked beneath Palazzo Salato in the CBD, and boasts a changing wine list of over 50 bottles (ALL of which are available by the glass). The menu is Spanish-leaning and share-able, and includes specials like prawn tostadas and Spanish tortillas. For the night owls in the city – this spot is open till 1am slinging oysters, bikinis, tins, conservas and more.
9. Coogee Wine Room (Coogee)
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Just a stone's throw from the beach itself, the Coogee Wine Room is a two-level wine bar with around 400 bottles of wine to choose from on their menu (with a considerable amount able to be poured by the glass or half-bottle). They have a seasonal, Mediterranean menu that ranges from the simple charcuterie board to a more substantial plate of pasta. And of course, their 4-6pm happy hour isn't to be missed.
10. Bar Freda's (Chippendale)
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Vale Cafe Fredas – but thank god for Bar Fredas, the newest locale of the once-Darlinghurst watering hole of choice. Bar Fredas takes all the energy of its old haunt and has transposed it into a multi-level DJ-soundtracked wine bar with plenty of ambience and energy. There are few spots in the city of Sydney where you can guarantee a good dance floor as well as a good drop of wine. But somehow, they've managed to do it. There are near-nightly events here throughout the week, and they're pretty accommodating for large groups.
12. 10 William Street (Paddington)
A classic for a reason. 10 William just had its 15th anniversary tucked into the terraces of Paddington, and there's a reason why it's still a neighbourhood favourite. Across two levels, the Italian restaurant and wine bar serves legendary pretzels, pillowy focaccia and house-made pasta dishes that rotate seasonally. The wine list you'll find chalked on a blackboard and changes seasonally. It's concise and European-leaning (mostly Italian and French but with a couple of Aussies too).
13. Gilda's (Surry Hills)
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Sister to the legendary Firedoor restaurant, Gilda's is "a slice of the Basque Country" in neighbourhood Surry. On the menu of course, you'll find plenty of chorizo and basque cheesecake, Tortilla de patatas and their namesake skewers, but they also have a great list of wines – some available by the magnum. It's the perfect spot for some sherry-fuelled late nights.
14. Famelia (Newtown)
Famelia's owner, Sommelier Amelia Birch, has a carefully curated selection of exclusively women-made wines in their wine bar and bottle shop. Whether from Australia and overseas, old world and new world, natural and traditional – the wine list changes monthly, but always spotlights female winemakers. You can also join Birch for her ‘Terroir Tuesdays’ series, which is a chance to open some bottles from the cellar, ally with our local wine-lovers, and taste and dissect the cuvées together.
15. De Vine Food & Wine (CBD)
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The perfect after-work spot in the city is De Vine's – a modern Italian wine bar serving pasta and a 400-strong wine list. There's a strong focus here on Italian and organic or biodynamic drops. As for the food, expect classical Italian dishes executed perfectly and generously portioned.
16. BART Jr. (Redfern)
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One of Redfern's most vibrant corners is the one occupied by BART Jr. Opt to sit alfresco on a nice day and enjoy the people watching, or sit inside on a chilly evening to be amongst the hubbub. The menu here is compact and changes every three weeks along with the wine and beer offerings (wines are mostly Australian with a few natty an bio drops).
17. Busta (Manly)
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Busta is the spot you'll want to hit up in Manly for a classic wine bar experience. It's only got about 10 table insides and serves mostly handmade pasta and natural wines (they also do pasta and wine specials on Wednesdays for only $30). Don't miss their weekend happy hour either, from 4-5pm ($5 snacks and $10 cocktails).
18. Emma's Snack Bar (Marrickville)
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Emma's always comes with rave reviews and is perfectly tucked into the back of Marrickville. They're a Lebanese restaurant going strong for nearly five decades, and with a menu centred on classics like hummus, kebabs and bottles of arak. There's a central communal table, an occasional late-night dancefloor and a backyard alfresco space perfect for larger groups. Technically, the place is entirely BYO wines – which maybe doesn't qualify them as a wine bar, but IMO qualifies then as one of the most wide-ranging (and cheapest). Simply hit up your favourite bottle-o on the way and drink your merry way through bottles of your favourite.
19. Bar Copains (Surry Hills)
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Bar Copains has a cult following for a reason. They've got Jamie Oliver and Nigella lining up for a feed (or a kitchen takeover), and plenty more locals ready to park themselves inside or under the leafy canopy of their alfresco, street-side tables. This spot is best enjoyed on a sunny, temperate Sunday afternoon. They accept walk ins, though you may have to wait a while if you have a group larger than three (bookings require a minimum spend per head). Naturally, the wine list is stellar, with a significant portion of the list coming from the personal wine collections of the owners (there are simply thousands to choose from, though not all are on site).
20. The Wine Bar at The International (CBD)
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Tucked between Seidler’s iconic modernist landmarks, The Wine Bar is bringing a cosmopolitan new energy to Martin Place with its dramatic staircase, moody interiors and a wine-first philosophy. This spot has 250 bottles, a sprawling bar and a menu built around bright, wine-loving flavours – it’s a rare CBD spot where the glass truly takes centre stage, perfect for date nights, schmoozing clients or impressing your in-laws.
