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Wineism

Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Albion Fine Trades, 97 Sandgate Road, Albion, QLD, 4010
Phone
(07) 3556 3886
Website
wineism.com.au
Instagram
@wine_ism

Read time 4 Mins

Posted 15 Dec 2022

By
Fiona Donnelly

A specialist bar and bottle shop wrangled by the best wine gurus in the business along with tasty snacks served in beautifully designed digs – welcome to Wineism.

The bar section at Wineism
Why you goIs Wineism a swish wine store or a sleek, beautifully designed wine bar? Actually, it’s both – and it’s a cracking example of each genre. If you’re keen to explore and discover, you’ve come to the right place – there’s plenty here for aficionados and novices alike, and sommeliers are on hand to discuss your vinous possibilities. Or, if you prefer to let your taste buds lead the way, take a seat, order snacks, and try a few drops by the half-pour from a list that changes weekly. If you arrive knowing exactly what you want to drink, that’s fine, too. Choose a bottle from the dramatically lit shelves to take home or drink here – you’re welcome to for $20 corkage. There are many ways to experience Wineism, and all have merit. The mission is straightforward: to help more of us drink great wines – “the serious and the smashable; the classics and the cults”. That’s a praiseworthy undertaking. The owners include wine-guy-about-town Ian Trinkle, former head sommelier at Aria restaurant and Arc Dining, so you know the range will be top-notch.
Why you stayThere’s something special about stumbling across somewhere like Wineism in such an unexpected location. Home base is Albion Fine Trades, an upmarket mixed precinct that sits a little incongruously among the warehouses, gyms and car-repair workshops of ever-evolving inner-city suburb Albion. Wineism puts to good use the wares of next-door neighbour The Cheeseboard and the handiwork of its owner, cheesemonger Wendy Downes, in some of its snacks (we’re looking at you, mortadella and cheese toastie). Interiors are sharp and nicely detailed, glossy terrazzo floors, oversized windows screened by gauzy drapes, handsome black cabinetry and dramatic lighting. There’s a good choice of places to sit, from a high bar at a window to comfy leather chairs in the corner and a spot up at the cool white-tiled bar. A well-chosen playlist helps set the mood to cruisy. It all feels very sophisticated and chic, yet the staff are so knowledgeable, professional and friendly, it never feels pretentious.
Seating at Wineism
A dish served at Wineism
What drink to orderThe “sips for today” list is a snug edit of 11 choices that represents the depth of what you might plunge into here should the mood take you to venture further. There’s always something a bit different and it will arrive in beautiful glassware. Among the whites by the glass you might find the Eastern Peake Intrinsic Chardonnay by natural-wine ace Owen Latta from Victoria, or Testalonga’s Baby Bandito Stay Brave, a singular take on a South African chenin blanc. For something red, try Frank Cornelissen’s Sicilian Munjebel Rosso FM, or stick closer to home with the likes of De La Roche Shiraz from Victoria’s Bannockburn. What is for sure, the list will have morphed by week’s end, bringing a fresh selection.
What to pair it withWineism’s snack list is as short and deftly put together as its by-the-glass wines. Cured meats from top Fortitude Valley maker Saison Salumi is a solid choice – perhaps the smoked pork-cheek pepperoni, or the striking black-truffle and squid-ink salami, the thin slices resembling stained-glass windows. Cured and shredded pork rillettes here are properly accessorised with a covetable Dinosaur Design knife, tiny tart gherkins and slices of good sourdough baguette. But it’s hard to resist the charms of a comforting grilled cheese sanga – the toastie of lightly smoky mortadella and Gruyère cheese arrives crisp and buttery, the richness cut with zingy balsamic onions and a scattering of snowy salt flakes.
A glass of wine at Wineism
A glass of wine being served at Wineism
Regular's tipStay up to date with Wineism’s socials. That way you won’t miss the venue’s regular tasting events and workshops or takeovers – like the evening Essa Restaurant’s chef Phil Marchant joined forces with specialist wine importer Andrew Guard for a laneway shindig featuring salt-beef sandos, barra wings and more matched with a clutch of lo-fi magnums.
Don’t leave withoutTry at least a half-glass of something you haven’t had before – an unfiltered red from Tenerife in Spain for $8, perhaps, or a Tuscan trebbiano blend for $7. There’s always something you should consider giving a swirl here.         
Make it fancyCredit card at the ready? Ask what’s in the backroom where the rare wines are stored and splash out on a bottle of something crazy. Or you could enjoy a 120ml pour of Louis Roederer NV for a reasonable $25 a glass. That’s quite enough fanciness for most of us.
Authour image
Fiona DonnellyFood writer Fiona Donnelly turned her love of bars and restaurants into a career – and she’s still pinching herself.
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