Overview
Chances are that you've sipped a few brews within the historic Pentridge Prison precinct since Scotland's BrewDog opened the doors to its first Melbourne venue there in November. Well, now you've got an excuse to return to the heritage Coburg site for a spot of wine appreciation, with the launch of its newest drinking destination Olivine.
Opening on Friday, April 14, this elegant wine bar marks the latest phase of the precinct's multimillion-dollar redevelopment, having carved out a chic home within the one-time cells of the prison's B Division.
Boasting room for 100, Olivine is a dapper affair, complete with its own walk-in cellar door. The iconic bluestone walls lend a moodiness to the space, while a plush fitout by CHADA pulls together pops of turquoise and gold with deep green marble and a splash of velvet.
Primed to be a serious wine-sipping destination, it's pouring a lineup of more than 500 bottles assembled by celebrated sommelier Liinaa Berry. The hard-copy list, dubbed The Book of Wine, is a hefty tome that's split handily into chapters, broken up by watercolour illustrations by local artist Elizabeth Nicholls.
Olivine's vinous curation spans old-world and new-world styles alike, paying equal respect to emerging talent and established legends, and tripping right across the globe in the process.
You'll find small-batch gems, unearth unsung heroes and get acquainted with some stellar international drops. And you'd best be prepared to walk away with some fresh knowledge and a few stories, too. Meanwhile, the bar's pouring a strong crop of craft spirits and a range of signature cocktails to round out the boozy fun.
Olivine's food menu ensures some high-quality grazing to match your tipple of choice, running to plates like chicken liver parfait with brown butter tuille, pork fritters sided with a ravigote dressing, and tins of caviar served with smoked cream cheese. Scallop tarts are finished with dried tomato and dotted with a yuzu emulsion, while taramasalata and salmon roe accompany the potato rosti. And of course, you can bank on plenty of expert guidance when it comes to nailing that food and wine pairing.
Find Olivine at 1 Pentridge Boulevard, Coburg, from Friday April 14. It'll open daily from 4pm–late.