Top 5 Wine Bars to Discover in Queensland

Singlefile likes wine bars – maybe you’ve noticed? We're heading all over the country to find the most intriguing and varied pickings. When it comes to Queensland, ‘wine bar’ isn’t the first tourism activity that springs to mind, but of late we’ve discovered many distinctively Queensland premises popping up. So given we’re all dreaming of warmer weather, why not head north to see what’s happening in Queensland? Take an armchair tour of Queensland’s top wine bars and plan your next escape.

Rickys River Bar & Restaurant, Noosa

River breezes and the chilled Noosa vibe make a visit to this Sunshine Coast stalwart a must when you’re in town. The wine list is a cracker and covers every international region worth visiting, including our very own Singlefile wines from the Great Southern. Sip on a chilled chardonnay while enjoying a few freshly shucked Coffin Bay oysters and everything is alright with the world. You’d be hard pressed to match this experience anywhere else. The view. The service. The location. Oh, and the food is up there with the best in town.

Web: www.rickys.com.au Facebook: Rickys Instagram: @rickys_noosa

Gerard’s Bar, Brisbane

Let’s travel south from to the busy inner-city vibe of Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley, where Gerard’s Bar, the little sister to Gerard’s Bistro, welcomes patrons with cuts of cured meats dangling in its front window. Anyone say charcuterie? This is Spanish tapas in a Brisbane laneway. Salumi, chorizo, olives with sheep’s milk ricotta, housemade relish and pickles – you get the idea. Gerard’s drink offerings span the full gamut – interesting wines, Champagnes and sparklings sit side-by-side with apéritifs, digestifs, sherries, ports and beers. The lighting is low and the fit-out is minimal yet elegant, so pull up a pew and order something new.

Web: www.gerardsbar.com.au Facebook: Gerard's Bistro Instagram: @gerardsbistro

Solace Bar & Restaurant, Paradise Point

Surfers Paradise is no longer the daggy schoolies-only destination it used to be. But if you’re keen to escape the hustle, head north of Southport to Paradise Point where newly opened Solace Bar offers uninterrupted views of Broadwater. The chefs have great relationships with local produce suppliers so expect only the freshest seasonal ingredients, matched to a superb wine list. Watch the sun set over the magnificent glimmering water with a wine in hand while your locally caught prawns are chargrilling. Yes please.

Web: www.solace.net.au/#welcome Facebook: Solace Bar and Restaurant Instagram: @solacebarandrestaurant

Cru Bar & Cellar, Fortitude Valley

This is Brissie’s landing spot for avid wine lovers. Why? Cru is a wine bar attached to a comprehensively curated retail cellar, so the wine list reads like a who’s who of top local and international wine producers, including rare and aged drops by the half bottle. Fancy a crisp German Pfalz Riesling? A Pinot Grigio from Veneto? Or a Foster e Rocco Rosé from Heathcote in Victoria? Done. Enjoy it with a crisp-skin pork belly shared plate or hazelnut ricotta gnocchi in this sophisticated setting. You might even find a Singlefile wine on the list if you look hard enough.

Web: http://www.crubar.com Facebook: CRU bar + cellar Instagram: @crubar

The Gresham, Brisbane

Step back in time at The Gresham, which boasts the only heritage bar license in Queensland. Designed by Francis Drummond Greville and built as the Queensland National Bank in the 1880s, this imposing Brisbane CBD building is steeped in history through its limestone and sandstone walls, local cedar door, Palladian details and marble fireplaces. Fancy a top shelf rum? A whiskey? This is where The Gresham comes into its own – the mind boggles at how an establishment can store so many liquor options, but it does. The bartenders will guide you, and take a look through the fabulous wine choices as well. Just watch the nuts – patrons are encouraged to discard nut shells on the floor. Old school.

Web: http://www.thegresham.com.au Facebook: The Gresham Instagram: @thegresham