Mother Vine

A shared passion for the East End and quality wine ultimately gave birth to the chic venue named Mother Vine. Situated in the old East End Cellars space, the venue offers punters a sophisticated wine bar experience.

You’d expect nothing less given the industry dream team behind it: Michael Andrewartha and Pablo Theodoros of the adjacent East End Cellars, Amalfi’s Frank Hannon-Tan and Shaw + Smith’s David LeMire.

Initially operating as a wine bar with just small bites, the crew quickly realised their customers were keen for a more substantial menu. Nowadays Mother Vine offers an array of tapas, cheeses, small and large plates as well as desserts to complement the impressive wine list.

At any one time there are some 20 wines available by the tasting pour, glass or bottle. Drawn mainly from Australia, France, Spain and Italy, the selections frequently offer an interesting or unusual take on each style, be it Grenache, chardonnay or Champagne. If you trust your palate, order a tasting flight of three masked, 50-millilitre pours. If you can answer the accompanying multiple-choice quiz, the flight is free.

If wine isn’t your thing, the bar also offers a selection of local craft and imported beers, spirits and classic cocktails. Welcoming and knowledgeable staff members are on hand and eager to help you navigate the choices.

Keeping things modern with hard floors and dark finishings, the ambience is cosy and warm. Pick a table close to the wine cellar to eyeball the beautiful wines on offer.