Billy Cohen settles in at Essie Wine Bar

According to Marketing & Campaigns Manager Billy Cohen, a great wine bar starts with atmosphere. And few places deliver it quite like Essie Wine Bar.

Intimate and effortlessly stylish, Essie is a community favourite bar and bottle shop in the backstreets of Malvern.

The wine list is exceptional, with a selection of local and international wines. The food never misses, either. And when Melbourne’s weather turns chilly, the fireplace becomes one of the most coveted seats in the neighbourhood.

Just ask Billy: ‘I love the fireplace. And they have a great selection of wines, too.’

Honestly, that’s reason enough for us.

 

 

Amanda Davenport keeps it local at Toorak Cellars

Some wine bars feel like destinations. Others feel like part of the neighbourhood.

For Executive Assistant & Office Manager Amanda Davenport, Toorak Cellars is firmly in the second category.

Tucked beside Toorak Station, it combines indoor and outdoor seating with a relaxed village atmosphere that’s becoming harder and harder to find. The wine list is extensive, particularly if you’re partial to a good pinot noir. And with local favourite Neighbourhood Pizza right next door, dinner practically takes care of itself.

‘I love the pizza and wine range,’ Amanda praises. ‘But my favourite part about it is that it’s within walking distance from my place!’

We’re certainly not arguing with that logic.

 

 

Mia Gualano finds herself at Gracie’s Wine Room

Some venues just have that thing.

And if you asked Assistant Property Manager Mia Gualano, Gracie’s Wine Room in South Yarra is one of those places.

Equal parts elegant and energetic, it’s the kind of wine bar that manages to feel sophisticated without taking itself too seriously. It’s the perfect spot to spend time with great company, perfectly curated playlists, excellent snacks and a spritz that tastes even better after a long week.

Mia’s assessment is short and sweet: ‘It’s got such a good vibe. Not to mention the nibbles!’

 

 

Liam Elbaum heads to Ripponlea Food and Wine

When a venue nails the food, the drinks and the atmosphere, you’ve obviously got a winning formula.

That’s exactly why Sales Consultant Liam Elbaum keeps finding himself at Ripponlea Food and Wine.

This neighbourhood favourite has built a loyal following thanks to its welcoming energy and menu that comfortable punches above its weight. Whether you’re stopping by for a casual glass or settling in for dinner, it never disappoints.

Liam’s highlights? ‘Great vibes in this location. It’s got elite steak and great entrée platters.’

Elite steak and wine. We’re listening.

 

 

Joel Ser loves the feel at Milton Wine Shop

Partner and Licensed Estate Agent Joel Ser appreciates a venue that captures the spirit of its community.

For him, that’s Milton Wine Shop in Malvern.

It’s the kind of place where one glass often becomes two. Then three. Then suddenly you’re checking the time and wondering where the evening went.

Joel describes it best.

‘Milton has that perfect neighbourhood wine bar energy – relaxed, stylish and genuinely local,’ he says. ‘I can meet friends for a quick glass of wine and somehow still be there two hours later.’

 

 

Sonya Vashevnik enjoys the mystery at State of Grace

Melbourne’s State of Grace, and hidden cellar Fall From Grace, have become quite the institution in this city. As has the top-hat-wearing giraffe that peers over the balcony in the main dining room.

But for Receptionist Sonya Vashevnik, State of Grace is all about atmosphere. Tucked beneath Melbourne’s CBD streets, it feels worlds away from the rush above.

Its dim lighting, intimate corners and literary-inspired cocktail menu and decor offer just the right amount of intrigue to make it a place that rewards discovery.

Sonya sums it up perfectly: ‘It just has this irresistible cosy and mysterious vibe.’

 

 

Zanthea Zanas makes a night of it at City Wine Shop and Siglo Bar

Why stop at one venue when two exceptional neighbours sit side by side?

For Property & New Business Manager Zanthea Zanas, a trip between City Wine Shop and Siglo Bar make for the perfect Melbourne evening.

Nestled opposite Parliament House, this pocket of the city feels uniquely us. Start downstairs with natural wines and the city’s best schnitzels. Then, when the mood strikes, wander upstairs to Siglo’s rooftop terrace for cocktails and city views.

According to Zanthea, ‘That part of the city just has a certain feel.’

We know exactly what she means.

 

 

Anthony Lee may as well be Mayor of Murrumbeena (Wine Bar)

At this point, we’re starting to wonder whether Branch Manager of the Property Management Division, Anthony Lee, invented Murrumbeena.

At the very least, we’re sure he’d be happy making the Murrumbeena Wine Bar his second office.

Located conveniently close to our Murrumbeena team, the venue delivers a distinctly European feel, with a carefully curated wine selection, quality French cheeses and an atmosphere that encourages conversation long after the first glass is finished.

Anthony loves that it brings ‘a little bit of Paris.’

 

 

Ben Rothschild descends into Beneath Driver Lane

Every list needs a wildcard.

For Senior Sales Consultant Ben Rothschild, that honour belongs to Beneath Driver Lane.

Hidden below street level in Melbourne’s CBD, it feels less like a bar and more like stumbling across a secret underground hideaway. Descending the staircase is like entering another world – one filled with candlelight, blues music, expertly crafted cocktails and serious old-world charm.

Ben paints quite the picture: ‘Staircase down to what feels like a subterranean vault at Hogwarts.’

Add live jazz, bartenders who treat cocktail-making as performance art and multiple takes on a whiskey sour, and you’ve got a venue that’s impossible to forget.

Just don’t be surprised if everyone else has had the same idea.

 

 

Keen to discover more of the people behind Gary Peer – and the places they love? Explore more recommendations on The Peer Blog.