Milton Wine Bar sits in the heart of Malvern in Melbourne’s south-east and for 10 years the team has been serving independent wines made by forward-thinking producers from across the globe.
The bar is well-known for its ‘wall of wine’, as well as its knowledgeable staff and its European-leaning wine list, which is ever-changing.
Obviously Melbourne’s hospitality landscape has changed in the 10 years since Milton opened its door, but Director Lyndon Kubis says the bar’s mission remains as true today as it was in 2014.
“We opened Milton Wine Shop as an answer to the frustration we felt in not being able to drink the wines of the producers we loved without travelling to Fitzroy,” he said.
“Melbourne’s south and eastern suburbs are now awash with wine bars and restaurants selling wines from innovative, independent producers such as Tom Shobbrook, Elisabetta Foradori, and Ariana Occhipinti but 10 years ago this wasn’t the case – the landscape played into the stereotype of the suburbs.
“We opened with hope and optimism and to our great surprise people loved it.
“It is still with great pride that I remember looking across a full venue of 70-year-old ladies drinking Lucy Margaux Merlot. They were so hot for the nattys back then, I really do look so fondly upon those times.”
To celebrate its first decade in operation, the Milton Wine Bar team has unveiled a new look which sees the front bar retain its original time and the addition of a private dining room and a new open kitchen with a wood-fired oven as a focus.
The updated space now boasts sophisticated lighting, linen-dressed tables and new timber panelling throughout the courtyard dining room.
Lydon says the team is thrilled to welcome regulars and newcomers alike to their updated “neighbourhood pizza and wine bar”.
“After 10 years we felt it was time for a refresh and we’re thrilled with Milton’s updated look. We kept the front bar so people still see the Milton they know but now they’ll experience our new, elevated but relaxed version of Milton in the PDR and courtyard,” he said.
“We are still the local community centre people know and love, but Milton now comes with more reasons to linger for longer.”
To celebrate its 10 years, across the weekend of 2-4 August Milton will pay homage to the vintage that started it all – 2014.
The 2014 takeover will showcase the vintage through an extensive by-the-glass offering, top 2104 drops from the Milton cellar and the opportunity for people to BYO 2014 bottles without corkage.
Milton venue manager Harrison Young says what better way to honour Milton’s 10-year milestone than by raising a glass – or two – of wine bottled back at the beginning.
“We’re throwing a party going all weekend long to celebrate how far we have come and all the people that made Milton great along the way. We can’t wait to crack open some cracking bottles from 2014 and toast 10 great years so far – and years of good times to come.”
