Wining and dining is our kind of kryptonite. So, if you’re a wine enthusiast looking for the perfect drop and the perfect place to devour it, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re looking for somewhere laid-back and coastal or a trendy haunt among the hustle and bustle of the city lights, here’s our Top Ten Guide to Perth’s best wine bars.
Cherubino City Cellar — Subiaco
If you’re somewhat of a wine aficionado then you’ll be familiar with the name Larry Cherubino. Located in Subiaco’s heart, Cherubino City Cellar is full to the brim with sensational drops from the award-winning winemaker. Here, you’ll find a very extensive list of Italian, French, and Australian bottles and, naturally, Cherubino’s own expert creations. Food-wise, expect the likes of lamb ragu pappardelle, burrata and heirloom tomato, and antipasto of cured meats, cheeses and olives.
Pep’s Wine Bar — Peppermint Grove
Perched in Peppermint Grove, Pep’s is a small neighbourhood wine bar and the product of a decade-old dream. The atmosphere of the 100-person bar is charming and relaxed, complete with exposed brick and timber finishes. While the impressive — approximately 160 bottle — wine list is dominated by Australian labels which pair eloquently with the plates of antipasti on rotation. You can thank Sal’s Pasta Deli for lip-smacking Italian eats in the form of cheese, salumi, and olives. We can guarantee you’ll have no complaints.
Vin Populi — Fremantle
From the ever-evolving menu etched on a central chalkboard to the excellent wine list and seasonal produce peppered across plates, Vin Populi is a shining light in the Fremantle food scene. There are 17,000 reasons to visit the brand new establishment which has quickly become a cult favourite for its dreamy aesthetic and legendary dishes. Pick a spritz or glass from the wine list which revolves around Italian varietals and small, family-run WA producers. Then pair it with olives and salumi while soaking up the bustling High Street atmosphere of the kerbside alfresco area. Or settle for the equally romantic mosaic-tiled interior, which conjures visions of traditional Italian trattorias, while remaining modern and stylish.
Wine Merchant — Perth
Nestled in the heart of the State Buildings, Wine Merchant is an intimate city bar steeped in history. Starring an extensive wine list curated by Director of Wine Emma Farrelly, the walls are lined with a thoughtful collection of boutique labels for those new to the game and the more seasoned alike. It’s a fabulous place to linger over an after-work drink, or journey through the encyclopaedic wall of wine to take home. Pick a perch at one of the cosy leather booths and get comfy as you tuck into the best of Western Australia’s local and seasonal produce.
Bar Vino — Mount Lawley
Born from a love of fine wine and Italian fare, Bar Vino is a neighbourhood café and wine bar inspired by years of travel and the Italian way of life. The meticulously curated wine list features more than 150 wines from regions and producers across Italy, France, and Australia, alongside a simple yet considered menu of seasonal flavours and Italian classics. The predominantly Italian wine list champions Sangiovese, the native red grape of Tuscany and the hero of some of the world’s best wines. Here, you’ll also find Chianti Classico, Montalcino, and a peppering of Super Tuscans. With more than one hundred wines by the glass, you know you’ll be in for a treat.
Vincent Wine — Perth
Housed on the edge of Northbridge, Vincent Wine is a chic new Parisian-inspired wine bar. With a street-facing courtyard, gold bar, and intimate dining hall, it’s where you’ll want to be well into the evening. Here, the wine list revolves around French and Italian winemakers who make up about 80%. As for food, the menu delivers elevated offerings like stracciatella with figs, grilled Fremantle octopus, kingfish crudo, and oysters.
Nieuw Ruin — Fremantle
Wrapped by the breezy verandah of a charming cottage with nearly 150 years of history, the award-winning small wine bar and eatery, Nieuw Ruin has quickly cemented itself as a Fremantle favourite. Brought to you from the team behind Foxtrot Unicorn, you can expect dreamy high ceilings, three tonnes of reclaimed jarrah, two charcoal grills, and more independent, small-batch booze than you can poke a stick at. The impressive wall of wine features more than 300 bottles from boutique producers near and far — many of which won’t be found on standard wine menus. While the seasonal cocktails draw from native produce and small-batch spirits.
Wines of While — Perth
When it comes to Wines of While, you’ll rarely find an empty seat — and for good reason. This casual little bar brings you a stellar menu of Mediterranean-inspired fare delightfully paired with natural, handmade wines. Sourced primarily from France, Spain, Italy, and Australia, each bottle is a product of organic and biodynamic vineyards, made without the use of chemicals or preservatives. To pair, you’ve got crowd pleasers like nduja mussels, Rottnest Island scallops, and duck ragu. Delicioso!
Powells Fromagerie & Wine Bar — Leederville
Run by a mother-daughter duo, wine and cheese is what this local Leederville bar does best. The rotating wine list of whites, reds, and sparkling is heavy on Australian labels and beautifully complements the food menu. At Powells Fromagerie & Wine Bar, you can expect plates of Sicillian olives, arancini, Swan Valley figs and burrata. But you’d be crazy to look past the cheesemongers choice board where you can have up to five cheeses, accompanied by prosciutto, salumi or mortadella fresh from the slicer.
The Heritage Wine Bar — Perth
Set in the beautifully restored, almost century-old Royal Insurance Building, The Heritage Wine Bar is known for its iconic 1920s sandstone arches, gorgeous high ceilings, marble floors, and wine-lined walls. The city gem features one of the country’s best wine lists, with more than 50 wines poured by the glass. If you’re craving a little sustenance, you’ll find the perfect match on Executive Chef Guillaume Groult’s flavour-packed, modern European menu.
If you’re still thirsty…
Vinotto — Swanbourne
When it comes to Perth’s best wine bars, this Swanbourne hard hitter is up there. Once a café, bookstore and bank, Vinotto is an Italian-style wine bar owned by the guys behind Community Coffee Co. The wine list features labels from Greece, Spain, Italy, and France, alongside a range of sherries and vermouths. Not to mention the extensive collection of non-alcoholic options for non-drinkers and designated drivers. Food-wise, think swordfish crudo, blue swimmer crab linguine, veal polpette, burrata with heirloom tomatoes, and Wagyu beef tartare.
Shadow Wine Bar — Perth
Set behind a classic 1950s façade, Shadow Wine Bar is one of the Perth greats. With a show-stopping wine list, gorgeous aesthetic and mouth-watering eats, the bar offers an escape from the flurry of Northbridge. A place where you can lean into the evening with classic Italian fare, cocktails, and a cleverly assembled wine list. From snacks to share plates, Shadow’s modern Italian and European menu showcases the state’s best local and seasonal produce. Expect pesto gnocchi, beef cotoletta, and veal ragu pappardelle.
