Well in the works before COVID-19 restrictions came into play, City Winery’s new 50-seat cellar door on Edward Street has arrived at the perfect post-pandemic time. Following the success of Gerler Wines’ Fortitude Valley homebase and Carl’s in Newstead, City Winery’s head winemaker and co-founder Dave Cush decided that a move to The City was a natural next step. When the team was presented with the opportunity to take over the short-term lease of a vacant shopfront on the high-end fashion strip, plans were set in motion for a pop-up expansion. Similar to the Wandoo Street micro-winery, the space combines the characteristics of a bar, cellar door and tasting room all in one. The laid-back venue, which is surrounded by stark white walls adorned with colourful eye-catching artwork, is lined by a long timber bar and decorated with a scattering of comfortable seating. 

Luring in city-dwellers with the promise of top-notch grape juice, cheese and a guaranteed good time, the pop-up cellar door is the perfect pit stop for an after-work tipple. After stepping inside, you’ll be greeted with racks of bottles – think riesling, grüner veltliner, grenache and pinot noir concoctions – that can be enjoyed in-store or purchased to take away. Although the pop-up doesn’t possess the beloved City Winery food menu, it offers a selection of cheeses and charcuterie to tuck into with your drop of choice. The wine experience centre will also provide a selection of the much-loved City Winery activities including structured wine-tasting sessions, wine-blending workshops, cheese-and-wine pairing workshops and much more. The venue boasts a private area suitable for up to 14–16 vino lovers, which will be used for events and corporate team-building wine sessions. 

City Winery’s pop-up cellar door and wine experience centre officially opens today at 162 Edward Street, Brisbane City and will be trade from Monday to Saturday from 12:00 pm.