I have found the buried treasure!
It happens to be in Perth, Western Australia. Seemingly absent on many world traveller’s bucket lists. Given the slow but steady global recognition, Perth has remained a one-of-a-kind, beach focused, culinary treasure dazzling along the Swan River. It never feels too crowded or diluted. Easy to use, clean and organized train lines can take you from the outstanding Indian Ocean coastline to the lively and towering CBD. The city sits three short hours (by car) away from one of the world’s most incredible wine region. Margaret River is the wine paradise of the world, producing some of my favourite wines. Find out where to go wine tasting in Margaret River here.
The isolation that claims to make it unreachable, instead allows for only travellers who are truly interested in the beauty and complexity of the city to make the trek. The distance travelled is repaid in endless sunshine, melt in your mouth toasties and nightly sunsets that produce colours I have never seen before. Having been to most of the world’s famed metropolitan cities, there is something special about a major city without all the chaos and speed. A city where you can head to the Cottesloe beach in the morning and sit on a rooftop bar overlooking the Swan River for happy hour.
While living in Perth, I made it my personal goal to try all the great wine lists in the city. In Perth, wine lists are taken very seriously. Wine connoisseurs are hidden among the masses but they are making their mark. The wine industry is growing rapidly and palates are evolving. Starting with the wine region and seeping into the city, the wine industry is innovating constantly. Every restaurant and wine bar that I have been to has customized glasses with a subtle yet aesthetic logo. I applaud the attention to detail. Wine in Perth is appreciated and celebrated. Every wine list has a beating heart and is curated with creativity and pride. The wine industry in Western Australia feels different. It feels inclusive and understated.
Perth is special, there’s an energy and sophistication that reaches to the edges of the city. It’s a hidden treasure. Thinking about visiting Perth? Or moving? Do it. I did not have one moment of regret while living there and I miss it every single day. Australia’s best kept secret. Only tell the people who will appreciate it! Part one of my adventure to try all the best wine lists in the city, below are my favourites right now. Happy sipping!
Petition Wine Merchant
Perth CBD
Source: State Buildings
My favorite place in the Perth CBD? The State Buildings. Hands down. A historic landmark in the heart of Perth. The State Buildings collectively have 140 years of history. “Reimagined and revitalised,” the buildings were restored in 2015. Sitting on the throne of the buildings is the gorgeous COMO hotel. Within them resides some of the best restaurants and bars in Perth. Home of Petition, a group of individual venues that focus on producer relationships and unmatched quality.
There is nothing I love more than a wine bar with a wine shop. Not only do I love the simple elegance of wine covering the walls of the interior, but it’s a bookstore for wine lovers. At Petition Wine Bar & Merchant, you can look at all the labels and unique brands, figuring out their stories and flavor profiles. Explore wines you have every week and ones you’ve never heard of. Curated by Emma Farrelly, who is taking the wine world by storm and creating award wining wine lists and labels as she goes! Find a bottle that you can’t put down? Open it and enjoy it at one of their small tables in the bar. Small bites (& oysters!) available to have with the wine that you just selected from the shelves. It’s simple, but it is executed perfectly. Ambiance is difficult to find, but with Petition it feels so easy. Not in the mood for wine? Grab a beer or meal at the Petition Beer Corner or Petition Kitchen right down the hall!
Mayfair Lane
West Perth
Source: Mayfair Lane
How much do you love London? Now close your eyes and imagine the feeling of being in London, but instead there is sunshine every day. You’re sitting on the patio at Mayfair Lane, a ten minute walk from the CBD. The sun is shining, the bar is packed and you are looking at a menu with bangers & mash AND Veuve Clicquot on it. One of my favourite spots in the Greater Perth area. Mayfair Lane is a “distinguished renegade built on the traditions of the Great British gastro pub & dining room.” Also translates to my heaven on earth.
The award winning wine list, curated by the one and only Foni Pollitt, features regions from all across the globe. A bible for wine lovers like me. Her personality and exquisite taste is found on every page. Foni is an internationally recognized wine expert with the spirit to keep the wine industry alive all by herself. She’s the best of the wine world and Mayfair Lane carries that recognition to the streets of Perth. Foni and her husband Chris Pollitt started Mayfair Lane in early 2016 and I am so thankful they did. Oh, and they have outstanding marketing. I couldn’t love this place more if I tried.
Lulu La Delizia
Subiaco
Source: Lulu La Delizia
Do you know the feeling when you’re falling in love? The feeling that makes you pause, breath in and forget about all of your troubles? That’s how you feel dining at Lulu La Delizia. Started by Chef Joel Valvasori-Pereza and nestled in the alleyways of Subiaco, you’ll find Lulu’s bustling from the early arvo to the late evening. You know you’ve found it when you spot black and white striped umbrellas in a welcoming courtyard that spills into the alley and an intimate dining room lined with delicate lace curtains. You’re under the impression that you’ve been invited to be a part of the family traditions of Joel Valvasori-Pereza and Luigia Valvasori, his Nonna, who the eatery and wine bar is named after. You’re transported into the heart of what makes Italian food and dining so incredible, with authentic yet simple dishes and incredible service.
Lulu’s is one of my favorite restaurants in the world. I wish I went more when I was living in Perth. The extremely well versed and passionate wine program led by Alex Rogers is out of this world. He gives you subtle excellence with eclectic taste that highlights some of the best wines from Italy and Australia, with a few notable labels from other regions to complement the cuisine. To this day, my favorite Italian wines were poured for me at Lulu’s. Paired to perfection with the Chef’s menu that pushes the limits of what you knew about flavor and creativity in the kitchen.
Go for dinner, go for lunch. Go every day if you must. You’ll thank me later. One of my favorite profiles on Lulu’s by Young Gun Of Wine can be found here.
Young Gun Of Wine is championing the future of wine by focusing on young winemakers, exciting wine labels and must visit wine venues. Follow them, subscribe and thank me later.
What is your favourite wine list in the world? Big ask, I know. But come on, there has got to be one that comes to mind.
Happy Sipping!
Wander for Wine 