our February 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 – Beachport Tavern
At 3 Railway Terrace sits The Beachport Tavern (formerly Bompas), Beachport’s original hotel, built in 1878. Now operating as a cafe, restaurant, fully licensed bar and boutique accommodation, this historic venue has become a local favourite for showcasing the best of what the Limestone Coast has to offer.
Open Tuesday to Sunday from 9am for breakfast, lunch and dinner, The Beachport Tavern sources fresh local produce and pairs it with an extensive selection of local beers, wines and spirits. They’ve stocked three of our wines for guests and diners to enjoy: Flowers for Lucy Moscato and both sizes of our Guardian Angel Sparkling Chardonnay, in not one but two handy sizes
Whether you’re settling in at their cafe for a barista-made coffee, booking the courtyard for a function, or grabbing a bottle to take back to your ocean-view room, The Beachport Tavern delivers that relaxed coastal vibe with a touch of history.
FIND THEM AT:3 Railway Terrace, Beachport SA 5280
SOUTHWEST VICTORIA – Thomson’s Tavern
Tucked into Hamilton’s hub on Gray Street, Thomson’s Tavern has made quite a name for itself with locals and travellers alike. This family-owned pub serves lunch and dinner just about every day of the year, and their thoughtfully curated drinks selection includes eight of our wines.
Whether you’re after something crisp and fresh like our Angel’s Footprints Sauvignon Blanc or Lucy & Alice Pinot Gris, a glass of Emily May Rosé or the easy-drinking Flowers for Lucy Moscato, or bubbles in the form of Guardian Angel Sparkling Chardonnay or the Golden Orb Sparkling Shiraz Piccolo, they’ve got you sorted. And for those diving into their hearty pub meals, Cape Banks Pinot Noir and Wanderlust Cabernet Sauvignon are ready and waiting.
Passing through Hamilton on your way to the Grampians or Melbourne? Pop in. Local? Even better. Thomson’s delivers quality pub fare in a friendly atmosphere, and they’ve clearly got excellent taste in wine.
FIND THEM AT: The Hub, 138 Gray Street, Hamilton VIC 3300
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
QUEENSLAND –Thai Antique
In the Brisbane suburb of Carina Heights, Thai Antique has built a loyal following for their authentic Thai cuisine served Tuesday through Sunday.
The restaurant’s enchanting decor and warm ambiance make it a lovely spot for both dine-in and takeaway, and we’re thrilled they’ve recognised that our wines pair beautifully with bold Thai flavours.
Their wine selection includes four of our wines: Angel’s Footprints Sauvignon Blanc, Flowers for Lucy Moscato, Guardian Angel Sparkling Chardonnay, and Lucy & Alice Pinot Gris.
The crisp freshness of the Angel’s Footprints alongside pad thai or the gentle sweetness of Flowers for Lucy with a spicy curry? Yes, please.
FIND THEM AT: 141 Winstanley Street, Carina Heights QLD 4152
NEW SOUTH WALES – North Bondi RSL Club
Look, we could bang on about the uninterrupted Bondi Beach views, the TripAdvisor awards, or the fact they’ve chosen our Wanderlust Cab Sav and Lucy & Alice Pinot Gris as wine of the month. But really, North Bondi RSL is just one of those solid, honest places that locals have loved for years and tourists discover with delight.
The newly done-up Bistro opens at midday every day, the prices won’t make you wince, and whether you’re there for a post-surf lunch or sunset drinks on the terrace, it just works. Sometimes the best venues aren’t trying to be fancy – they’re just consistently good at what they do. Plus, that view. Seriously, that view with our wine is hard to beat.
FIND THEM AT: 118-120 Ramsgate Avenue, North Bondi NSW 2026
SOUTH AUSTRALIA – Jimmies Bar and Wood Oven
Some places just nail it, and Jimmies is one of them. Tucked into a century-old stone building at the foot of Mt Lofty, this Adelaide Hills favourite has been serving up what many reckon is some of the best wood-fired pizza in South Australia since 2002. The building itself has had quite the life, a former printing press, motor workshop, even a bowling alley before finding its true calling as a spot where locals gather around proper pizza and a good wine list.
They use organic flour for their bases and roast all their vegetables for maximum flavour (details we appreciate). In winter, grab a seat by the open fire. In summer, head for the outdoor area. Either way, you’re only about seven minutes from the bottom of the freeway, which means world-class pizza is closer than you think. The menu goes beyond pizza too, their rustic Italian dishes have developed quite the following. Pop in on your way to or from the Hills, and you’ll see why this place has been winning awards and hearts for over two decades.
FIND THEM AT: 6 Main St, Crafers SA 5152
