The Wine Corner Store

You might’ve seen The Wine Corner Store. If you’ve ever been stuck in traffic on Princes Street, you’ve likely spotted the oasis-like wine bar and bottle-o. At the place you’d rather be, locals sip wine at shaded outdoor tables right opposite Canning Street’s lush median strip.

When you get around to joining them, this neighbourly watering hole will greet you with open arms. It has a casual and familiar feel, where locals catch up and regulars are greeted by name. It was all part of owner Steve Mifsud’s effort to recreate the corner stores of his childhood in suburban Sydney – where neighbours dropped by and everyone knew everyone. He opened the wine hub in 2016, swapping out the classic bread and milk combo for wine, beer and elegant bar snacks.

Mifsud-Ellul curates hundreds of complex and classic wines, predominantly sourced from family-run vineyards. Victorian labels such as Defialy, Little Frances and Minim share shelf space with Italian, Austrian and Georgian drops. For non-vino lovers, there are hard-to-find craft beers. You can buy anything to go, or hang around to try a glass, have a bite and meet the locals.

Food-wise, you might share kangaroo skewers with macadamia cream, hobz biz zejt (a traditional Maltese starter that translates to “bread with oil”), miso-spiked corn ribs or Korean fried chicken. For something more substantial, there might be casarecce served in a Napoli sauce with zalzett (a Maltese pork sausage) and broad beans; or a porterhouse steak with peppercorn sauce. The menu showcases local vendors from around Carlton, including Donati’s Fine Meats, The Fishmonger’s Son, Senserrick Green Grocer and other local staples.