Wine is a glorious thing. But it does have the ability to be quite mysterious and overwhelming. What should you order? Where should you go to enjoy a good drop? And once there, how should you go about exploring the list? We chat to Justin Dry co-founder of Vinomofo about all things wine and where to get the best drops in Melbourne.
When it comes to exploring a wine list and settling in for the night, Justin Dry tells us that by the glass orders leave room for more discovery and more exploration and not to be afraid to go against what most wine experts say.
Don’t be afraid to start with a big red, and finish with Champagne. So where does Justin go when he wants a wine or two? We find out:
City Wine Shop – For the wine buff
The City Wine Shop on Spring Street in the city is a wine lover’s dream. Justin sees it as a Melbourne institution with a great range of wines for the wine buffs among us. Their staff are also very knowledgeable so don’t be afraid to lean on them for a suggestion.
City Wine Shop
159 Spring Street, Melbourne VIC (03) 9654 6657
Gertrude St Enoteca – For the wine beginner
Gertrude St Enoteca on Gertrude Street in Fitzroy is a tiny space that makes you feel like you’ve stepped off the main drag in Europe. This is Justin’s go-to for wine beginners as it has a great wine list, welcoming staff and a relaxed atmosphere. Beginners are made to feel welcome and wines are displayed with prices making it easy to choose one that fits your budget.
Gertrude St Enoteca
229 Gertrude Street, Melbourne (03) 9415 8262
Toorak Cellars – For an Australian wine list
Toorak Cellars hidden away on Beatty Ave in Armadale opposite Toorak Station is a favourite for Justin. The wine list there has something for everyone, international drops as well as a great selection of interesting Australian wines from cult classics to tiny unknowns. Again the staff are very helpful and willing to share their knowledge.
Added bonus is it’s a wine shop too so you can pick a bottle from the rack to take home.
Toorak Cellars
18 Beatty Avenue, Armadale, VIC, (03) 9822 2070
Bellota Wine Bar – For an international wine list
Bellota Wine Bar in South Melbourne is a new comer to the wine bar scene. It’s also shaking up South Melbourne, offering it something like it’s never seen before. For Justin, this wine bar is where you go for an international drop. It offers the best of the best from around the globe. Cheers to that.
Bellota Wine Bar
181 Bank St, South Melbourne VIC (03) 9078 8381
Gertrude St Enoteca – For something different
While we’ve mentioned Gertrude St Enoteca already in this list, Justin also sees it as a place to branch out, to try something you’ve never considered. You’re guaranteed to find something you’ve never tasted before.
Gertrude St Enoteca
229 Gertrude Street, Melbourne (03) 9415 8262
