Overview
Since launching in 2019 as Brisbane's first inner-city winery, City Winery has always valued accessibility. For a vino experience here, no one needs to leave Brissie. So it should come as no surprise that the team behind the Fortitude Valley wine haven have not only opened a cellar door on Edward Street in the CBD, but also a number of neighbourhood wine bars that double as the same thing in the River City's suburbs. And, it shouldn't astonish anyone that the chain just keeps growing.
Ardo's initially arrived in Carl's Bar and Bistro's old Newstead digs to start off 2023. Then, it hit Graceville midyear. Hawthorne followed, and now it's Milton's turn to kick off autumn 2024. The McDougall Street newcomer will begin welcoming in patrons from Saturday, March 9 — and tempting them to swap Milton mangoes for its tipples.
"The concept is really that Ardo's becomes your City Winery cellar door, on your doorstep," explains General Manager Doug Gilmour. "At City Winery, we maintain a focus on supporting local communities as well as independent vineyard owners in our winemaking, so it's a natural extension to bring that philosophy to Ardo's."
"The concept of a cellar door is so communal, and really embodies what we believe Ardo's Wine to be — a social hub where
we can support the community and they can support us."
At every Ardo's location, the setup follows the same pattern, giving its new neighbourhood a go-to vino joint that's compact but inviting, sports a highly curated vino list and boasts plenty of folks who know what they're talking about while you're getting sipping. So, at each — including in the beer-centric suburb of Milton — wine fans can enjoy the plonk-slinging chain's carefully selected range of tipples, including over pintxos, cheese and charcuterie to snack on while you're settling in.
As well as getting cosy, patrons can pick up their favourite drops — or a new discovery — to take home. Offering a selection that you wouldn't just find at any bottle-o is a big source of pride, with Ardo's staff on-hand to chat you through its options, help you make a choice and impart their expert knowledge. City Winery's vino, which is indeed made in Brisbane, obviously scores pride of place.
Whether you're indulging in a drink by the glass or the bottle, the lineup rotates, but everything you see on the shelf is able to be drunk on the premises or taken away. As you're getting cosy, you'll also be surrounded by vino all across the walls — and a wine tap that looks like an altar is usually a big feature. And, you'll be tucking into seasonal snacks.
Find Ardo's Wine Bar at 19 McDougall Street, Milton, from Saturday, March 9. Head to the venue's website for more details.