Australia’s best wine list is found at this charming European-style bar in Sydney

Have you heard of Apéritif & Co? It’s a European-style wine bar in Summer Hill, founded by three friends and hospo professionals: Valerie Deeks, Versha Gupta and Camille Bahier in September 2025. It recently won Australia’s Best Wine List (Max 50 Wines) at Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards – and took home three goblets, the highest you can get.

Speaking about Apéritif & Co, the judges said: “There are lots of interesting wines, including quirky Greek and Portuguese varieties. Naturally though, you need to start with an apéritif, of which there is a vast range of options, including a barrel-aged selection of cocktails and absinthe fountains.”

The vino list, curated by sommelier Kasia Sobiesiak, also features drops from France, Austria, Italy, Spain and Argentina, with tongue-in-cheek nods throughout, including a playful ‘F*ck the Patriarchy’ pinot noir – a 2024 vintage from Geelong. They also offer weekly wine flights showcasing female producers from Australia and Europe.

And, yes, you really can order an absinthe fountain – with water dripping over a sugar cube, turning the emerald-green liquor into a cloudy elixir.

Cocktails, created by Julien Perrimond, include riffs on the classics plus their own creations, like the Apple Pie Spritz (Pommeau de Normandy, house-made spice-infused vodka, vanilla syrup, lemon juice and finished with French sparkling).

The globe-trotting food menu, curated by executive chef Luca Melis, is made up of small share plates and more substantial offerings, with highlights including crostini topped with whipped ricotta, pickled onion, lemon shavings and Amalfi Coast anchovies; eye-fillet tartare with capers, onion, pickles, Dijon and a parmesan wafer; cheese soufflé with emmental, fourme d’Ambert and parmesan; and chargrilled octopus with potatoes and romesco sauce.

Inside is delightfully charming and mismatched, filled with eclectic art, flickering candles and antique treasures. “We’re proving that locals no longer need to venture into the CBD for an exceptional wine bar experience,” says Deeks.

Apéritif, here we come.

Find out more here.

Address: 25 Lackey St, Summer Hill NSW 2130

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