our April featured venues
Each month, we shine a spotlight on some of the exceptional venues across Australia that share our passion for Koonara wines. From your local regional bottle shop to city restaurants, cafes, and pubs, these featured friends represent the incredible range of places where you can discover our wines. We’re delighted to share them with you and celebrate what makes each one so special. So go on, check out this month’s featured venues.
LIMESTONE COAST, SA – Kincraig Hotel, Naracoorte
Built in 1934 by the well-known wine and spirit merchants A.E & F.C Tolley, the Kincraig Hotel has preserved the name of Naracoorte’s original township while maintaining the charm and character of days gone by. Recently refurbished, this centrally located hotel on Smith Street is open seven days and offers accommodation (opening soon), a Thirsty Camel Bottleshop, and dining.
They’re now stocking four Koonara wines: Lucy & Alice Pinot Gris, Flowers for Lucy Moscato, Angel’s Peak Shiraz, and Guardian Angel Sparkling Chardonnay Piccolos (which they place in guest rooms as a welcome touch). Their diverse menu exceeds typical pub food expectations, with Asian and Mexican options alongside classic bistro fare, all served with exceptional service.
Whether you’re passing through Naracoorte or staying a few nights, the Kincraig delivers generous portions, reasonable prices, and a relaxed atmosphere perfect for lunch with friends or family.
FIND THEM AT: 158 Smith Street, Naracoorte SA 5271
SOUTHWEST VICTORIA – Mickey Bourkes Koroit Hotel
Established in 1853 and owned by the Bourke family from 1920 to 2000, Mickey Bourkes Koroit Hotel has retained its Irish integrity and character across the decades. This spectacular Art Nouveau-styled building, once known as the “Menzies of the Bush,” sits on Commercial Road in the small township of Koroit.
They’ve recently stocked six Koonara wines: Wanderlust Cabernet Sauvignon, Angel’s Peak Shiraz, Guardian Angel Sparkling Chardonnay (both the full bottle and the piccolo), Lucy & Alice Pinot Gris, and Flowers for Lucy Moscato. The hotel features a unique home-style restaurant where Irish favourites are a specialty, plus you can enjoy live music on Fridays and a smooth Guinness on tap.
With bed and breakfast accommodation available, Mickey Bourkes offers the perfect blend of historic charm, good food, and genuine Irish hospitality. It’s a Koroit institution that’s well worth the visit.
FIND THEM AT: 101 Commercial Road, Koroit VIC 3282
QUEENSLAND –Alexandra Headland Surf Life Saving Club
Founded in 1924 and known locally as “Alex”, the Alexandra Headland Surf Life Saving Club celebrated its 100-year centenary in 2024. Perched right on the beach with ocean views that stretch for days, this iconic venue has become a coastal dining destination on the Sunshine Coast.
They’ve added a third Koonara wine to their list this year. Alongside Lucy & Alice Pinot Gris and Flowers for Lucy Moscato, they’re now pouring Wanderlust Cabernet Sauvignon. Whether you settle in at The Lookout Bistro, Bluff Bar, or the Beach Kiosk, you can enjoy our wines with their menu of locally grown Sunshine Coast produce at prices that won’t make you wince.
With over 1,700 members including volunteer lifesavers and community supporters, Alex Surf Club is more than just a place to eat. It’s a thriving community hub where good food, cold drinks, and that beachfront location come together exactly as they should.
FIND THEM AT: 167 Alexandra Parade, Alexandra Headland QLD 4572
MELBOURNE AND SURROUNDS – EKJ’s Bar & Bistro, Geelong
EKJ’s Bar & Bistro in Geelong has quickly become a local favourite since opening, offering a relaxed spot for after-work drinks and dinner seven days a week. They’ve just placed their first order with us, stocking up on six different wines plus both sizes of our sparkling piccolos.
Their initial order includes Angel’s Wings Cabernet Shiraz, Angel’s Footprints Sauvignon Blanc, Flowers for Lucy Moscato, Emily May Rosé, Lucy & Alice Pinot Gris, Golden Orb Sparkling Shiraz Piccolo, and Guardian Angel Sparkling Chardonnay Piccolo. Whether you’re there for a cold beer on tap, a glass of wine after work, or staying for dinner (meals served 5:30pm to 8:00pm), they’ve got you sorted.
The venue also hosts live music, runs a footy tipping competition, and offers catering packages and function space for private events. It’s the kind of neighbourhood bar and bistro that ticks all the boxes without trying too hard.
FIND THEM AT: 71 Malop Street, Geelong VIC 3220
SOUTH AUSTRALIA – Café Michael 2, Adelaide
Right in the heart of Rundle Street sits Café Michael 2, a family-owned Thai restaurant that’s been serving authentic, award-winning Thai cuisine since 1982. As one of Adelaide’s most popular Thai restaurants, combining traditional cooking techniques with fresh ingredients and a warm, inviting atmosphere.
They’ve recently added three Koonara wines to their list: Golden Orb Sparkling Shiraz, Flowers for Lucy Moscato, and Emily May Rosé. Whether you’re there for their famous Pad Thai, Green Curry, or Northern Thai Laksa, our wines pair beautifully with the vibrant Thai flavours.
Open for lunch Monday to Friday and all day on weekends, Café Michael 2 offers both dine-in and takeaway. The restaurant combines traditional Thai décor with contemporary touches, creating a lively atmosphere that’s perfect for everything from a quick lunch to dinner with friends.
FIND THEM AT: 204 Rundle Street, Adelaide SA 5000
NEW SOUTH WALES – North Bondi RSL Club
North Bondi RSL has those uninterrupted Bondi Beach views, the TripAdvisor awards, and they’ve got our Wanderlust Cabernet Sauvignon and Lucy & Alice Pinot Gris avalaible by the glass. The newly renovated Bistro opens at midday every day, the prices are reasonable, and whether you’re there for a post-surf lunch or sunset drinks on the terrace, it delivers.
It’s one of those solid, honest places that locals have loved for years and tourists discover with delight. Plus, our wine with that ocean view is pretty hard to beat.
FIND THEM AT: 118-120 Ramsgate Avenue, North Bondi NSW 2026
BALLARAT – Pipers by the Lake
Nestled amongst century old trees on the shores of Lake Wendouree and directly opposite Ballarat’s magnificent Botanical Gardens, Pipers by the Lake enjoys one of Ballarat’s most enviable restaurant locations. Open seven days for breakfast and lunch, this lakeside gem is as much about the view as it is about the food.
Settle in with a glass of one of the four Koonara wines they stock, Angel’s Footprints Sauvignon Blanc, Flowers for Lucy Moscato, Guardian Angel Sparkling Chardonnay, or Lucy & Alice Pinot Gris—and watch the swans glide past while the paddle steamer drifts across the lake. Their famous scones are worth the trip alone, but the lunch specials paired with that view? Even better.
Beyond daily dining, Pipers is also a sought-after wedding and function venue, with that lakeside setting making any celebration feel just a bit more special. Whether you’re popping in for a coffee or planning your big day, the combination of quality food, excellent service, and those views make it worth the visit.
FIND THEM AT: 403 Wendouree Parade, Ballarat VIC 3350
