Overview
It has been more than two years since City Winery opened its doors in Fortitude Valley, giving Brisbanites something they didn't know they were missing. Wineries and the inner city don't traditionally go hand in hand, but this vino-loving venue found a way. A vineyard was never going to pop up just a stone's throw from the CBD, of course, so it sources its grapes elsewhere, then does the barrelling, bottling and serving in Wandoo Street.
The concept has clearly been a hit, because City Winery keeps expanding — first with an initial cellar door on Edward Street, and now with a new site at Eagle Street Pier. Open since early May, the latter also includes a second cellar door, but combines it with a wine bar and bistro.
So, you can now drop by the riverside spot to pick up a bottle, have a drink or sit down for a meal. If you're opting for the latter, the venue's menu changes seasonally, has been designed with sharing in mind and heroes sustainably farmed local produce. At the moment, think: beetroot scotch eggs, dagwood dogs made out of carrots, charcuterie, a selection of cheeses and, from the small list of mains, mushrooms with polenta, fish paired with a kiwifruit sauce and miso beef short rib.
Drinks-wise, City Winery's Gerler wines all feature on the beverage list, naturally. If you're after something other than vino, local craft brews are also on the menu, alongside spirits and cocktails.
Located opposite the Coffee Club, the Eagle Street spot also offers wine tastings, wine-blending workshops and food-and-wine pairings. For parties, you can book out the private dining space for you and 17 of your mates as well.
And if the decor looks familiar, that's because you've clearly been to City Winery's original digs — with the Eagle Street bar and bistro designed to ape the OG site's layout and atmosphere.
Find City Winery Eagle Street at Eagle Street Pier, 45 Eagle Street, Brisbane — with bookings available from 12–8pm Tuesday–Saturday.