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Acqua E Vino

places|vic|yarraville|acqua%20e%20vino
No longer do you have to travel all the way into the CBD, or Fitzroy, or heaven forbid, St Kilda, to find a sophisticated, unpretentious wine bar. Yarraville has its own Acqua E Vino – a wine bar for grown ups with a sense of humour.

Editorial


As I climbed the rickety staircase up one flight into Acqua E Vino, and entered the old ballroom space filled with overstuffed armchairs, Chesterfield couches, 'olde worlde' lamps and chandeliers, I had to pinch myself to remind myself that I was no longer in the inner city. Indeed, the Melbourne-style, salubrious European-themed bar culture, has now extended out west into Yarraville. Indeed it is a little scary to get on a train and go out of the comfort of your own two pages of the Melways, but Acqua E Vino is definitely worth it. And being only a short stroll from the Yarraville station, it's not really that much of a risky undertaking.

There is a divine attention to 'atmosphere' at Acqua E Vino with a cosy, warm vibe created by subdued warm lighting, an open fireplace and huge bay windows. This is the perfect place to gather with friends of all persuasions and enjoy a few wines on a rainy Melbourne winter weekend afternoon.

The drinks menu is akin to a bound leather novella - yes, they've gone all out to outdo their inner-city cousins. There's a massive selection of whiskies, wines and cocktails. Try the AV Margarita with vanilla-infused tequila, burnt lemon juice and Cointreau. Then take a seat by the fire with a nice big glass of pinot noir while discussing the merits of your favourite early 20th Century existentialist philosophers, or even how Collingwood is doing in the footy -whatever rocks your boat - you'll fit right into this eclectic and mixed crowd.

Just for the sheer fun of it, the waiters and bar staff are dressed up in 1950's Hollywood style, with white shirts and braces, serving martinis and daiquiris that are a tad pricey but so delicious you'll forget all about the price. For the peckish, there is a generously proportioned tapas menu with delicacies like Thai lime prawns or spaghetti puttanesca for those who need more substantial fare.

All this glamour rocks along to a cool soundtrack of smooth 1950's jazz and swing, tasteful reggae, funk, soul or Latin with regular live music events on the weekends. Check out their Facebook page for the latest gigs.

Meri Harli, May 2010

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4 User reviews (add yours)

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Jenny Marsh
April 07, 2009


Great atmosphere and excellent drinks list - such a welcome find for the inner west

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Lisa Robins
March 15, 2010


I’m not a wine aficionado, but I’m partial to a good drop. I had a run in at Yarraville’s Acqua e Vino (awarded Best Wine Bar in 2007) when I asked to see the vintage of the wine I’d been served. It was a 2008 Riesling when the menu said it was 2005. Instead of an apology I was told that the 2005 had just run out (unlikely), and that they were the same in any case. When I suggested that more was expected of a wine bar, I was told ‘bad luck’. If my interaction is anything to go by, I expect that Acqua e Vino might experience its own ‘bad luck’ in the 2010 awards.

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andrew
October 07, 2010


Top-class bar, and could be best/extensive bar-list in Melbourne. Can be a little bit 'stiff' sometimes, but generally good for a few drinks. Prob ruining a secret, but NYE at this place GOES OFF big time! everyone dresses up and makes an effort, and a good vibe, lots of happy faces - no agro.

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katie
April 24, 2011


Way too loud aqua e vino...turn the music down, let the 30+ age group crowd actually enjoy the night by having conversations with each other and not talking over the loud music! Such a turn off for the bar, other than that, an awesome place for Yarraville. Turn it down!

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