UPDATE: MAY 14, 2020 — Handpicked Wines is reopening to dine-in customers from Friday, May 15. Bookings are recommended — you can make a reservation over here — and guests are required to order both wine and cheese.

In 1955, J.R.R. Tolkien claimed that 'cellar door' was one of the most phonically beautiful phrases in the English language. We really have to agree, but it's mostly because of what's behind the cellar door: wine and cheese. And hidden away in Chippendale is a cellar that we're really keen to explore.

Handpicked Cellar Door sits on the corner of Kensington and Outram Streets, much to the delight of Sydney wine enthusiasts. It's the project of Handpicked Wines, a young but celebrated winery, with vineyards operating across Australia, Italy, Chile and New Zealand. Their cellar door project aims to bring wines from across their vineyards together in one place — along with charcuterie, of course.

Handpicked Cellar Door is pushing the whole 'cellar' vibe, decorating with exposed brick and littering the venue with fermenting wine tanks. Guests can also be educated by interactive iPad experience or go deep with 30-minute tutorials and tastings.

Even better (if possible) is the fact that HCD will also operate as your new off-license and booze delivery service. Take away wine by the bottle or order online and have it delivered straight to you. Oh, and the cheese! The selection's being curated (along with other charcuterie staples) by Formaggi Ocello, cheese specialists from Surry Hills.