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Murrumbeena’s New Wine Bar Is the First the Suburb Has Ever Seen

Some favourite Australian wines. Photo: provided.

You’ve probably heard of Murrumbeena. You’ve most likely never been there. You’ve definitely never been to a wine bar there.

Murrumbeena Wine Bar is the first ever wine bar in the area, and the brainchild of Ericka Argiris, a woman with a strong passion for
local Australian producers and community values.

Having worked at Crown in her teenage years, and then in bars and restaurants in London, Argiris has both a passion and extensive experience in hospitality.

Covid-19 shattered Argiris’ long term dream of owning and operating a wine bar, but she’s back on her feet and ready to showcase her
newly renovated venue.

The team are excited to finally re-welcome Murrumbeena locals and
the wider Melbourne community alike to enjoy a corner cafe turned bustling bar. The venue features an incredible outdoor laneway, filled with live music, great food and an even better, all-Australian, wine and beer selection.

Set in a 100-year-old building, built between 1920 and 1921 as an investment for George Wardrop, a proprietor of a successful chain of tailors, Murrumbeena Wine Bar is already a location for the history books. The venue has become a local flagship for great food, beverages and entertainment located on the busy intersection of Murrumbeena
Road and Railway Parade.

Complete with dark and moody interiors, historic photographs lining the walls, a rustic timber bar and a modern city-centric courtyard, with street art, lush greenery and a stage for live music, Murrumbeena Wine Bar has it all.

The Courtyard. Photo: provided.

As all wine lovers know, no wine bar is complete without an extensive wine list, a few cheeky cocktails and of course, cheese. Murrumbeena Wine Bar does not disappoint. Wine pairing food including the likes of charcuterie boards and a tapas menu featuring salt and pepper calamari, jalapeno poppers, and baked cheese (a must!).

The bar also keeps things fresh, by offering set days of the week to host collaborations with other local restaurant owners. Community vibes all round.

The wine list is even more enticing. With a strong focus on small, boutique Australian wineries and independent breweries and distilleries saw Argiris handpick her beverage offering, ensuring “every label has a story worth talking about.” You’ll find a unique sparkling like the Australian Women in Wine Award winner Sarah Collingwood’s Four Winds Sparkling Riesling or
bold reds such as a 2019 Sorrenberg Cabernet Sauvignon, a drop from a family with over 500 years of winemaking experience.

If you’re more of a cocktail lover, Murrumbeena Wine Bar covers the classics such as espresso martinis, amaretto sours and spicy margaritas. A crowd favourite, however, is the original Spring Fling, a gin based cocktail featuring mandarin liqueur, lemon juice and organic rhubarb syrup sourced from a small local business.

Being the only bar in the suburb, Ericka Argiris knew she had an opportunity to showcase small and local wine producers, whilst encouraging a sense of community at her venue. Murrumbeena Wine Bar allows customers the chance to try some of the best wines, brews and spirits Australia has to offer, all while creating a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere for the community and wine-lovers across Melbourne to enjoy.

Whether you fancy a Friday knock-off wine with friends,
a few beers and live music on a Saturday night or perhaps you’re on the hunt to find love, Murrumbeena Wine Bar is South East Melbourne’s newest and most exciting venue with personality and heart, ready and waiting for you to come and say hi.

You can find all their opening hours, address and upcoming events here.

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