Sydney boasts an impressive variety of boutique wine bars to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a sweet little ambient joint or a trendy buzzing bar, there are certainly some gems for you to take your pick.
Of course, there are always exciting new wine bars popping up, but here are some of our favourites at the moment - where you can find the smoothest, most highly regarded and alluring wines from Australia and throughout the world.
1. Love, Tilly Devine
Address: 91 Crown Ln, Darlinghurst NSW 2010
Founded in 2010, Love, Tilly Devine was created from the dank depths of the old Best Cellars stockroom and named after notorious 20th century crime boss and brothel madam Matilda Devine.
The wine bar is a long-standing classic, with a small but intimate vibe and decor that features hanging ferns, exposed brick and plenty of character. The perfect bar for an intimate date, Love, Tilly Devine has a hideaway feel that radiates a sense of romantic nostalgia.
Not to forget the actual wine list, this Darlinghurst treasure features an impressive array of 300 wines, with the majority being Australian made and with a strong leaning towards low-intervention, natural drops. This is truly an edgy little wine bar that the iconic badass Tilly Devine would be sure to have given her approval.
2. The Dolphin Hotel Wine Room
Address: 412 Crown Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010
Many have heard of Surry Hills’ Dolphin Hotel, with their downstairs bistro and upper courtyard being a go-to spot for a lovely meal or a few rooftop drinks, but what many don’t know is that the place features an impressive wine room.
This intimate room is the perfect spot for a romantic dinner date with the wines to match, showcasing the tastiest drops from some of the world’s most eclectic wine producers. Boasting its very own kitchen, the wine bar’s restaurant consists of a spectacular selection of starters, charcuterie and desserts.
3. Where’s Nick
Address: 236 Marrickville Rd, Marrickville NSW 2204
Located in Sydney’s Inner West, Where’s Nick wine bar will make you feel instantly comfortable and at home as soon as you step into the joint. Like a warm embrace from an old friend, this Marrickville establishment is welcoming, cozy and unpretentious.
Featuring a hodgepodge collection of decor and furniture, including repaired and reclaimed chairs and tables from the side of the road, Where’s Nick encapsulates all the charm that the Inner West has to offer. The wine list features many minimal intervention wines, which showcase and highlight the growing interest in natural and biodynamic viticulture.
4. Black Bottle
Address: Shop 2/118-116 Darlinghurst Rd, Darlinghurst NSW 2010
Believe us when we say this wine bar and restaurant situated in Darlinghurst is top tier. Boasting Mediterranean share plates, meticulously selected wines and craft cocktails at prices that aren’t going to break the bank, Black Bottle is one you have to check out.
From Wednesday-Saturday you can even grab yourself a beautiful carafe of wine for just $15! The wine list is constantly rotating, incorporating both the excitingly new and classic old-world drops. Perfect for a casual after work drop in.
So, there you have it wine lovers! Certainly not all, but a few of our favourite boutique wine bars that are a must for anyone living in Sydney or planning to visit. These establishments are sure to have a little something for everyone.
5. Wine Library
Address: 18 Oxford St, Woollahra NSW 2025
One of our favourite wine bars in Sydney is defiantly Wine Library in Woollahra, one of Sydney's original wine bars.
With an award winning wine list; focusing on the eclectic with a lean towards natural wine including orange, skin contact, organic and biodynamic wine, there is something for everyone with rare, aged and old vintage wines averaging 500 wines by the bottle and 65 by the glass.
Ask our friend sommelier Tim Pearlstone to surprise you with something, he is an expert and award winning sommelier with great experience in wine.
