There are more than a dozen wine regions dotted around NSW. But if you don’t have time to leave the city, you can taste the best of them right here in Sydney.
- 2 min read
Handpicked Cellar Door
Where: CBD
Handpicked Cellar Door started in the Capella Valley of the Mornington Peninsula in 2013. They now operate vineyards all over Australia and work with boutique growers to create a range of regionally expressive wines. Taste them all at the cellar door, set on the ground floor of the historic Porter House Hotel. A wine flight can be customised to your preferences and you’ll be guided by one of the expert staff.
Wine tasting at Handpicked Cellar Door, Chippendale
Cittavino
Where: Enmore
Imagine that your favourite bottle shop set up a table where you could take a seat, talk about wine, taste a few styles and then take a bottle home. That’s exactly the vibe at Cittavino. The sommelier has worked at some of Sydney’s best restaurants, curating top-notch wine lists from around the world, and brings their expertise to this tiny wine bar. Everything is available by the glass, giving you the opportunity to taste wines you won’t see anywhere else in Australia.
Take your pick of wine at Cittavino, Enmore
P&V Wine + Liquor Merchants
Where: Paddington
Owned by wine writer Mike Bennie and hospo heavyweight Lou Dowling, P&V Paddington is the second outpost of their successful bar/bottle shop combination. Specialising in natural and organic wines, there are free in store tastings available every day and the bar staff will open different bottles, so you’ll get the chance to taste something unique every time. There’s even a courtyard out the back if you want to buy a bottle to enjoy right away. P&V also runs regular wine-tasting events and masterclasses both here and at the Newtown store, focusing on different style (like skin contact wines) or regions.
P&V Wine + Liquor Merchants, Paddington
Sydney Wine Centre
Where: Pyrmont
If you want to take your wine tasting a little more seriously, book in to the Sydney Wine Centre. This is serious wine appreciation. You’ll taste between nine and 12 wines at the one-off classes, each themed around a country or wine variety. Wine courses run over two or four nights and there are options for absolute beginners or wine buffs wanting to increase their knowledge. There are also useful classes in things like ‘how to read a wine list’, so you’ll be able to impress your friends at your next dinner.
Wine tasting at Sydney Wine Centre, Pyrmont
Château Tanunda Sydney Cellar Door
Where: The Rocks
Housed in an atmospheric 1860s original sandstone building in The Rocks, Château Tanunda's wine-tasting room gives visitors the chance to explore some of Barossa's most distinctive wines in the heart of Sydney. Offering privately hosted tastings, this makes a great activity for wine clubs, special occasions and corporate groups. Looking for a more casual visit? Wines are available by the glass, alongside a selection of tasty treats.
Château Tanunda Sydney Cellar Door - Credit: Anna Kucera
Mille Vini
Where: Surry Hills
A beloved Surry Hills institution, Mille Vini serves up classic Italian dishes, handcrafted pasta and boutique Italian wines six nights a week. But if you want to delve further into the world of Italian wine, sign up for one of their Wine Master Classes. Each explores a specific region of Italy with a renowned winemaker, taking you through the regional varietals and sharing wine tasting tips. There’s also a grazing table of charcuterie and Italian cheese to snack on during the tasting, and a light dinner served afterwards. An exceptional night out for wine lovers.
Mille Vini, Surry Hills - Credit: Kitti Gould
