Already a popular spot for locals to perch for a pinot or two, City Winery’s newest concept Ardo’s is sprouting up in suburban pockets all over Brisbane, with Graceville being its most recent target. For those who are yet to peruse our article on Ardo’s Newstead (it’s ok, we forgive you) let us introduce you to the concept. In the broadest terms, Ardo’s is a hybrid – a micro cellar door and bar that’s suitable for drink-in customers and takeaway sales. Dig a tiny bit deeper, though, and some European influences become evident, giving Ardo’s a distinct character that sets it apart from City Winery. The pocket-sized venue (seating 35 sitting and 50 cocktail-style) remains true to its Australian and minimal intervention-focused wine list, along with the signature pink feature stone and beloved wine tap also present in its Newstead sister venue. “We couldn’t be more excited to continue to bring Ardo’s to more people in Brisbane after the reception our first location in Newstead received,” says Ardo’s general manager Doug Gilmour. “We always wanted to build small hubs and communities of wine lovers throughout the City, and when the opportunity to open a new location in Graceville presented itself, it was too good to pass up.”

While Ardo’s offering remains consistent across both venues, the Graceville location stands out with its open and green-hued ambiance, an atmosphere that Doug believes perfectly reflects the vibe of the suburb. “We took special care in designing the space, with a particular focus on highlighting the stunning tree that now serves as the centrepiece of our dining area,” says Doug. Sticking to City Winery’s ethos of championing local produces who prioritise minimal intervention practices, Ardo’s Graceville is continuing to showcase the nation’s most esteemed wine-makers alongside City Winery’s core collection, as well as a rotation of carefully curated high-end drops – the perfect sip to mark a special occasion.  Despite expanding its menu slightly to include the likes of sumptuous snacks such as prosciutto-wrapped scallop in harissa butter, when it comes to the eats Ardo’s Graceville remains committed to its original concept. An array of pintxos-style snacks that you can order by the piece and enjoy with your wine are available, as well as a bunch of provisions (cheeses, charcuterie and assorted accoutrements) that can be bought and assembled into a palate-pleasing platter. Eager to learn about more about wine? Alongside the popular Wineslam events, the Ardo’s crew are also launching cheese and wine, and food and wine pairing masterclasses at the Graceville location. “We’ve always envisioned Ardo’s being a community hub where people can learn about wine without any pretentiousness,” says Doug. “We believe in keeping things down-to-earth and accessible, and our masterclasses are a key part of that vision.”

Ardo’s Graceville is now open (head to our Stumble Guide for more details), but the City Winery team have more pinot-related plans in the pipeline. We hear whispers that a third Ardo’s location is under construction with an opening date planned for the end of financial year. Stay tuned for more info on these plans in the near future.

Image credit: Shirley Lam

This article was written by Bryanna Rossow from The Weekend Edition.