Sydney's Top Ten Wine Bars
Myffy Rigby uncorks Sydney's ten best bars for ordering a bottle
Best for: Wine nerds
While a lot of people know the Bentley for Brent Savage's crazy-arse take on tapas, equally talented is sommelier Nick Hildebrandt whose wine list changes as often as Liberace at showtime.
Best for: Sneaky tête-à-têtes
The deep dark rabbit warren that is the GPO now holds a fantastic little wine bar with an exceptional cheese selection. Order a half bottle of Sancerre and some cheese-of-the-moment, Holy Goat, or a charcuterie plate.
Best for: Lip-sinking tastings
‘Milli Vanilli' is beautifully designed and they have an impressive wine list. You can get away with drinking a few different drops by the glass without breaking the bank and it's a great place to meet mates before you head out for dinner.
Best for: Boozy afternoons
Timing is everything at this Italian trattoria where lines snake down the road. And yes, it's worth it - the all-Italian wine selection is the diggity.
Best for: A friendly local
Big ups to sommeliers as sharp as Clint Hillery - Sydney needs more of them. Downstairs, everyone crowds into the room for something off the intelligent, concise and in no-way scary wine list while upstairs people settle in for dinner.
Best for: A taste of Europe
There are only a handful of seats available and if it's raining there are even fewer. A great daily selection of wines by the glass as well as half bottles and a little snack on arrival means plenty of choice and good value for money. Take a punt and try their ‘mystery wine'.
Best for: France in Sydney
The wine list is affordable (there are carafes for $30) and it's all highly drinkable. There are three size offerings: half-glass tastings, glass and carafe - or, of course, bottle. Try a flight (a series of wines by the glass that are all different but in some way related), giving you the chance to sample three of whatever they choose to pour.
Best for: Wine and tapas
Inside or out, this traditional tapas/wine bar is a dark little treasure trove, including a bottle shop where you can buy then try on premises. Sommelier Ben Moechtar also heads up the Australian Sommeliers Association, so you can rest assured you're in safe hands.
Best for: Celeb spotting
A huge range of international and Australian drops catering to most price points. There are regular tastings. The next one is Tuesday, September 16 where you get to chat to the head winemaker of Cape Mentelle while sitting down for a five-course dinner.
Best for: Wine before the show
Restaurant by day, tapas and wine bar by night, the selection ranges from mid-price Aussie varietals to lofty frog drops and busty Spanish reds. Dimly lit and well padded, better to find yourself a table in the colder winter months rather than shiver outside.
