our October 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 diversity of places where you can discover our wines. We’re delighted to share their stories and celebrate what makes each venue special. So go on, check out this month’s featured venues.
LIMESTONE COAST – Beachport Hotel
If you find yourself exploring the stunning Limestone Coast between Robe and Mount Gambier, the Beachport Hotel is an absolute must-stop. This seaside gem has been pouring our wines for years, and they’ve become one of our most loyal supporters – stocking eight different Koonara drops from our Guardian Angel Sparkling to Angels Peak Shiraz.
Established way back in 1879, there’s something wonderfully unpretentious about this seaside classic. The bistro’s packed with locals (always a good sign), and if the weather’s playing nice, grab a spot in their sunny courtyard. We’ve heard their seafood chowder is ridiculously good, and honestly, with views of the ocean and a glass of our wine in hand, you’re living your best coastal life. Pop in and tell them we sent you.
FIND THEM AT: 15 Railway Terrace, Beachport SA 5280
SOUTH AUSTRALIA – POLK Restaurant & Bar
You can’t miss POLK – there’s a bold neon sign on Partridge Street that practically demands you come in. And you should, because this modern Asian fusion spot in Glenelg is seriously fun.
We’re talking handmade gyozas, sticky ribs, fresh Kingfish sashimi, and funky cocktails in an atmosphere that’s as vibrant as the food. They’ve recently taken on some of our wines (smart move), and we reckon our drops pair beautifully with their punchy, colourful flavours. Open Tuesday to Saturday evenings plus Saturday brunch – perfect for when you want something a bit different without the stuffiness. Glenelg’s beach vibe meets quality Asian fusion. What’s not to love?
FIND THEM AT: 114 Partridge Street, Glenelg South SA 5045
SOUTHWEST VICTORIA – Lady Bay Resort
Lady Bay Resort is one of those places that just gets it right. Perched right on the water at the end of the Great Ocean Road, they’ve recently jumped on board as Koonara stockists and have quickly become one of Simon’s top five customers – which tells you everything you need to know.
They’re pouring four of our wines including Flowers for Lucy Moscato and our Wanderlust Cabernet, and their restaurant focuses on fresh South-West Victorian produce. Think proper regional cooking with ocean views that’ll make you want to extend your stay (which you absolutely can – they’ve got 65 apartments). Whether you’re road-tripping the Great Ocean Road or just escaping Warrnambool for dinner, this beachfront spot pairs our wines with that “I never want to leave” kind of atmosphere.
FIND THEM AT: 2 Pertobe Road, Warrnambool VIC 3280
MELBOURNE AND SURROUNDS – Bennet’s Butchery
Seven generations. Since the mid 1800’s That’s the kind of staying power that makes you sit up and pay attention. But here’s what makes Bennet’s Butchery on Maling Road particularly brilliant for us wine lovers – they’ve thought about the whole picture. You’re not just grabbing premium cuts and their famous house-smoked hams; you can sort out your wine at the same time.
They’ve chosen our Cape Banks Chardonnay to sit alongside their gourmet offerings, which is honestly genius when you think about it. Planning a dinner party? Pick up your grass-fed beef, some fresh seafood, maybe one of their smoked hams, and grab a bottle (or three) of our Chardonnay while you’re there. One stop, everything sorted, and you know both the meat and the wine are quality. It’s the kind of thoughtful pairing that only comes from 170 years of family expertise and actually understanding what their customers want.
FIND THEM AT: 82 Maling Road, Canterbury VIC 3126
QUEENSLAND – Esk Grand Hotel
“For Lovers of Food” is their tagline, and honestly? They’re not wrong. Esk Grand Hotel is that rare pub that does both classic counter meals and proper restaurant-quality dishes. They’ve just added our Emily May Rosé, which means they now stock five Koonara wines, so clearly, they’ve got good taste.
Here’s the thing: their chefs are genuinely talented (the Moroccan lamb ribs have a cult following), and they’ve invested in the kind of beds that make you want to stay an extra night. It’s only 90 minutes from Brisbane but feels properly country. Great for exploring the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, or just as a pitstop where you know you’ll eat well and sleep even better. And yes, they pour our wines, which obviously makes them even more brilliant.
FIND THEM AT: 121 Ipswich Street, Esk QLD 4312
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
