Whether you’re enjoying the summer heat or wandering through a winter wonderland, a good glass of vino is satisfaction for both the tastebuds and the mind. What better way is there to satiate your love for wine than with a relaxing holiday to the world’s most livable city?
That’s right – Melbourne is not only fantastic for culture enthusiasts and shopaholics, it also provides plenty of opportunities to indulge your senses. Here are three of the best spots to sip on some grape juice.
1. The Alps
With a collection of around 400 bottles – 20 of which you can order by the glass – this stunner offers an incredibly diverse range of wines from the foothills of the European Alps. Whether you choose to sample a gem from the Jura, Burgundy or Savoie region, this bar’s focus is on providing wines that taste exactly like where they’re from. As you explore their vibrant spectrum of alcohol, you’ll be engulfed by the hip yet chic style of exposed brickwork, fireplaces and gorgeous cypress pine and steel furniture.
If you’re looking to feast on some delicious snacks while tasting a good drop, you’re also in luck. The Alps has a scrumptious menu offering cheese, gravlax and charcuterie. If you time your holiday right, you could even enjoy their monthly, informal masterclass on premium pours of vintage wines.
2. Underwood Wine Bar
No, it’s not run by Claire from House of Cards; the Underwood Wine Bar is the brainchild of sommelier Michael Underwood, who’s compiled vintages from boutique winemakers and brewers across Victoria.
Intimate and minimalist, the venue itself boasts bare brick and wood features, which perfectly complement the powerfully-flavoured wines. While The Alps focuses mainly on their alcohol, the Underwood Wine Bar’s offerings encompass great food too. As a nod to Melbourne’s inner-city gourmands, you can treat yourself to a selection of antipasti such as olives, hummus and cheeses – yum!
3. Yarra Valley Wineries
If you truly want to make the most of your visit to Melbourne, take a day trip to the Yarra Valley. The slightly cooler climate makes this region the ultimate spot for wineries, which have produced amazing chardonnay, pinot noir and sparkling wines over the years.
To make things as easy as possible, book a guided tour that covers the best wineries around, passes panoramic mountain views and lets you gorge on tasty snacks. Many companies offer pick-up options from Melbourne’s CBD, so you won’t need to worry about transportation.
Final but essential touches
Once you know exactly where to go to satisfy your tastebuds, another essential decision you need to make is where to stay. We recommend Wyndham Hotel Melbourne’s fantastic central location, which lets you make the most of Melbourne’s most popular experiences.
With studio rooms to one- and two-bedroom apartments, Wyndham Hotel Melbourne gives you easy access to the city’s best attractions. Theatres, restaurants, boutique shops and galleries – you’ve got it all at your fingertips.
