The best places to enjoy a glass of vino in WA

Fancy yourself a wine connoisseur? Know your Riesling from your Chardonnay and Merlot from your Pinot Noir? Then the Young Gun of Wine’s Wineslinger awards pose as the perfect excuse to put your palate to the test! Each year, the Young Gun of Wine assumes the noble task of nudging people towards the best places to enjoy a glass of wine while also encouraging creativity and excellence in the industry.

This year, six WA venues have been listed. Each are different in their own way, but all venues exude approachability, energy and adventure. We’ll toast to that!

Bille H., Claremont

With its namesake being the effortlessly cool Billie Holiday, Billie H. pays homage to the jazz singer through understated touches of whimsy. Keep your eyes peeled for the turntable, a shelf of records and musical notes on the wine glasses. Not quite a restaurant yet not quite a bar, owner Daniel Goodsell insists on Billie H. being a ‘supper club’, meaning the attention to detail in the decor is just as evident with careful European food and wine pairings.

Budburst Small Bar, Mount Hawthorn

If you’re looking for somewhere to cosy up this winter, look no further than Budburst Small Bar. Housed in a 100-year-old cottage, this venue maintains an old-world charm that marries with a largely traditional French menu. Budburst have also allowed plenty of room for surprises, with Sommelier Rachael Niall’s contemporary drinks program maintaining a focus on lesser known wines made locally and internationally.

Il Lido, Cottesloe

Once the seaside art-deco hall by the name ‘Lido Cabaret’, the building which sits on 88 Marine Parade is now home to Italian-inspired espresso bar and restaurant Il Lido. Here, the focus is simple ‘peasant’ food using only the best ingredients. Of course, high quality food calls for high quality wine, and the list is certainly not to be missed. You’re in safe hands here as Dan Wegener, one of Australia’s most acclaimed sommeliers, has included a selection of local and regional Australian wines as well as one of the most comprehensive Italian wine selections in WA.

Lalla Rookh, Perth

This highly celebrated bar and eating house is here to make you feel at home. Whether you’re dining alone, with that someone special or a larger cohort, Lalla Rookh wants to get to know you and become your much loved inner city local.

If you’re dining in, be treated to sommelier Jeremy Prus’ award winning Italian and Australian wine list to pair alongside the largely Italian menu. Alternatively, take a bottle for the road at the Wine Store, which stocks labels from around the globe.

Petition Wine Bar & Merchant, Perth

It’s hard not to feel like a million dollars when you step into the breathtaking State Buildings, and the service at Petition Wine Bar will ensure your overall experience is top notch. Wine-connoisseurs and newbies alike will feel welcomed at the Wine Bar and Merchant, with a selection of boutique wines curated to please a range of palates.

If you intend to stay a while, there is also a food-friendly selection of ready-to-drink artisan wines to complement a refined and tailored menu.

Settler’s Tavern, Margaret River

What would a trip down south be without a visit to the ‘Tav’? Earning a reputation as a quintessential Aussie watering hole that embodies the friendly atmosphere of the region, Settler’s Tavern is the perfect place to unwind with new friends and old. The vibe is unpretentious while also taking pride in keeping things local, sourcing wine from some of Australia’s best wine makers.

Want to have your say in who takes out this year’s Wineslinger People’s Choice Award? Be sure to vote for your favourite on the list.

Cover image courtesy of Petition.