Swan Street has undergone a facelift in recent years, and let's face it, it was overdue. Reliably busy on weekends with convivial pub-goers, for those who prefer their lubrication with a side of bangin' food, it's historically been wiser to head further north or south in search of greener pastures. But there's a sea change in the air, and Richmond has a re-awakened sense of excitement because Swan Street is, well, she's looking good. One of the most gratifying spots to rise from the COVID-ashes is Clover, a casual but sleek wine bar from the team behind The Alps, Milton Wine Bar and The Moon.
It’s no secret that Melbourne’s seriously got the hots for wine bars. Whether it’s the cool premise of slipping in for a non-committal glass or two, or the increasing rate at which they're popping up across new corners of the city, the sweet scent of vino is wafting through the streets – and like a pack of bloodhounds, we're hooked. Even the world recognises that we’ve got it down to a fine art. In 2019, The New York Times headlined an article: 'Melbourne's Best Restaurants are Wine Bars'.
This year, we were astonished at the quality and breadth of food pairings at our beloved maze of wine bars, both golden oldies and newborn babies to the scene. In 2023, the level of creativity is off the charts; lists that were once just red and white have bloomed into full spectrums of orange and pink, naked and funky. Music has also taken centre stage, with some wine bars boasting record collections and DJs, much like the famous listening lounges of Tokyo and London.
But we weren’t necessarily looking to be teleported to whimsical wonderlands in our hunt for Melbourne’s best wine bar. We simply wanted to sit somewhere irresistibly sexy, try interesting drops by the glass, ponder sophisticated food pairings with a friend, and stay long into the night waxing lyrical about varietals with a somm who knows their stuff but isn’t snooty about it.
This year’s nominees are the ones that stole our hearts. Make a booking and pull up a stool; you’ll be treated to long and luxuriant drinks lists, dishes that are just as impressive as what you’d taste in many a fine diner, and service so disarming and authentic it feels as if it was born of a friendship – or at least, a shared passion for great wine and those heroic, hard-working makers who bring it to our lips.
