The Life of Schmitt 289

Choose a boutique label to enjoy in the store, or grab a bottle to go. Local wines, cheese toasties and hyper-local beers are trademarks of this seductive, wine bar championing all-Australian wines in the inner north. It’s a brave thing to open a wine bar across the street from Neighbourhood Wine, and a couple of blocks from Gerald’s Bar.
The tram stops right out front, casually ushering you into a library of wines from Australia and Europe . The cafe-to-wine-bar category has been growing strong over the last few years, but the one to beat everyone to the punch is Napier Quarter. Their any-time-of-day anchovy and egg toast bridges the gap between breakfast CBD fine dinning Melbourne and light, drinking snack. Wines of the day are scrawled along the wall, and if you're after a particular something, just speak to any of the well-versed staff. This former vintage clothing shop has big open windows and a capacity of just 30. There's a broad selection of local and Eurocentric wines here.

All areas of the striking three-level concept champion the true essence of Gippsland, celebrating the diversity and richness of produce from the region. Perched high on the third floor, the Rooftop at Farmer’s Daughters has been designed to bring a little piece of the oasis that is regional Victoria to the city. The rooftop bar offers house-made cocktails, curated beers including the Stringer’s Creek Pilsner; a collaboration between Farmer’s Daughters and Stomping Ground, as well as Gippsland brewer Sailor’s Grave and select wines by the glass. This dark, wood-lined CBD wine bar is as sophisticated as it is laid-back, abuzz every night of the week with colleagues, friends and lovers enjoying thought-provoking wines and A-grade plates out of the wood-fired oven. Their self-described “slightly weird” list leans natural and small producer, while their famed roast chicken with whole garlic cloves is worth the visit alone.
RACV Club Members can also choose to personalise their experience by investing in a secure and exclusive whisky locker to house rare or premium whisky, cognac, rum or gin purchased at Wine Bar. Life's too short for bad cocktails, leave it to the experts to fix you a drink. It's safe to say that the CBD's newest knockoff destination is one of the finer things to come out of 2020. With Ben Luzz, Managing Director of Gin Palace at the wheel, this pint-size bar come bottle store naturally knows a thing or two about gin. Taking inspiration from the century-old dwelling in which it resides, Bijou's rich interiors ooze sophisticated old-world charm well beyond its size. Where the drinks are concerned, look no further than their signature Bijou Cocktail.

A six week celebration of winemaking, wine drinking, food and music. We’re out to demystify the winemaking process by bringing good people together over great wine, food and music to learn about, taste and create wine in the big smoke. You have your own private, self contained space, with the added bonus of access to the downstairs cocktail bar .
At this intimate, cultured Thornbury bar, you can practise your Italian in the bathrooms, where language lessons are piped through the speakers. Drinks are sourced solely from the Boot, and snacks of fritto misto (golden-fried seafood) arrive quick-smart on the table. For the most up-to-date information, please check directly with the venue. Atlas Vinifera has invested money in its compelling and incredibly well-stocked shelves, it has invested time in staff training, and it has a highly functional space while remaining entirely independent.
Neptune Food and Wine, as its name might suggest, has the latter. It also has a fairly impressive collection of empty wine bottles lining the window ledges down the back of the restaurant and a fireplace. Nab a spot on the leather sofa downstairs to reap its warmth, otherwise huddle nearby next to the wine wall or in one or the atrium-style bo