This week I wanted to share some exciting news with you all from my hometown Brisbane. We have a bit of a reputation here for not having cool restaurants and bars, I mean we couldn’t possibly compete with somewhere like Melbourne right? Well, I’m here to tell you that’s wrong! Because it is now home to the City Winery Brisbane which opened it’s doors this week to the public!
You can understand why I might be just a little bit excited about this latest addition to the foodie and wine lover scene. You see, in Brisbane, we are a little starved for winery experiences. The closest wine region is about three hours drive away in the Granite Belt, and so isn’t really viable for a day trip. The thing that has been missing from all our lives is somewhere we can go and get the winery experience without having to make a weekend of it. But the City Winery is changing all of this for us and you better believe I am ecstatic about it!
How did the City Winery come about
Image sourced from Grace Elizabeth Images
The City Winery is owned by acclaimed winemaker David Cush and business partner Adam Penberthy. I actually met David Cush for the first time at the Game of Rhones event a few years ago (I’ve even reviewed one of his wines). Even then he had a vision for bringing a winery to Brisbane and was operating out of Newstead. I loved his vision then, and it’s amazing to see where he’s ended up today. I spoke to him on Tuesday night about meeting him at the Game of Rhones event, and he actually said he was glad he went because that’s where he met Adam and the City Winery was born! So you see, if he hadn’t gone there we might not have this amazing new venue on the Brisbane food scene!
The City Winery Brisbane produces Gerler wines which are named after Carl Gerler. He was one of the first winemakers in Brisbane and had a 14-acre lot along the Brisbane River way back in the 1800s. I was amazed that Brisbane had a winemaking past (a little saddened that there are no longer wineries on the Brisbane river too), and this is what the team is hoping to draw attention to by paying homage to our little-known winemaking past!
What to expect from the City Winery
Image sourced from Grace Elizabeth Images
The city winery is in the heart of Fortitude Valley just off James Street. When you walk in you’ll see the barrels in the main barrel room which are full of wine of different vintages and varieties. Dave is all about sourcing the best grapes from around Australia for his wine, and so you’ll find a great selection that will make choosing one to try all too difficult. I also know from experience that these wine barrels are full of incredible wine!
You walk through to a beautiful restaurant where chef Travis Crane is cooking up amazing meals in an intimate dining setting. I can vouch for the food – it was absolutely incredible! I can’t wait to go back and try the menu, and it was such a great price for fresh, local produce. It goes perfectly with the wines too.
The best part about the City Winery is that it isn’t just another wine bar. It is an actual winery experience in the heart of Brisbane! Every day they run winery tours with free tastings (that’s what most of us go to wineries for right?). They also offer a variety of experiences that you can have. Personally, my heart is set on being a Vintage Member so I can get involved with picking and stomping the grapes! But if you aren’t into commitment, you can also take one of their workshops and learn more about wine, even taking your own bottle home. I love the idea of this hands-on experience.
If that isn’t enough, the City Winery is also offering great event spaces for whatever function you might be holding. I personally loved the private wine room which has an intimate dining setting surrounded by Gerler wines.
The Cheeky Vino picks
Image sourced from Grace Elizabeth Images
When I was there on Tuesday night I was lucky enough to try a few of the Gerler wines. This included some straight from the barrel that will be bottled soon!
What I love about the wines is that they are sourced from the best region for each variety. They are also a great price! You won’t be breaking the bank by trying a couple of glasses. All the wines also have artwork from Dave’s wife on them. This is both beautiful and a really nice personal touch. She’s a winemaker too – talk about a power couple!
Some of my favourites from the night included:
- The 2018 Grenache Rosé: this wine was fruity on the nose but a classic Provence style when you tasted it. Nice and dry and perfect with cured meats and cheeses
- 2018 Gerler Fiano: This wine is so interesting with a really golden colour. This came from extra skin contact in the fermentation process
- Gerler 2016 Grenache Mataro: This wine was nice and light and would go with most meals. I really enjoyed the back story behind the artwork too!
The final word
I have no doubt that the City Winery is going to be a raging success. It offers everything you could need: wine, food and experiences, all in a beautifully renovated building with an intimate feel. What I loved most about it though was how authentic the experience was. Dave and Adam are the loveliest people and so welcoming. You’ll feel right at home in the winery. I look forward to the many visits that I know are in store!
If you live in Brisbane or are visiting, make sure you check out the City Winery. Whether you’re after some great wine, a catch up with friends, and intimate and delicious dinner, or want to experience the winemaking process, there is something for everyone!
City Winery details
Website: https://www.citywinery.com.au/
Address: City Winery Brisbane, 11 Wandoo Street, Fortitude Valley
Opening hours: Monday to Wednesday from 10.30am to 10pm and Thursday to Sunday from 10.30am
to 11pm.
Note: images from this article were sourced from Grace Elizabeth Images