Restaurant
Grenache Wine Bar
55a Thompson Ave, Cowes VIC 3922, Australia
Find Grenache Wine Bar
55a Thompson Ave, Cowes VIC 3922, Australia
Directions ↗*Opening hours may differ during holidays.
Book NowAbout Grenache Wine Bar
Escape Cowes’ coastal chill inside Grenache Wine Bar, an intimate haunt pairing Melbourne-grade shared plates with cellar-deep bottles. Tables fill quickly over loaded meat boards and rich lamb ragu—accompanied by local Victorian pours straight from the wall racks. Regulars gather around the fireplace while staff steer diners toward crisp Provençal rosé or a chocolate-dusted Espresso Martini.
- Focused Share Plates: Built for sharing, featuring generous meat boards, lamb ragu, and arancini rather than an overwhelming list.
- Cellar-Deep Wine Program: Extensive cellar program showcasing Phillip Island bottles alongside international labels pulled directly from interior racks.
- Cosy Island Lounge: A warm retreat anchored by a fireplace, intimate table arrangements, and Tuesday evening trivia sessions.
What's On at Grenache Wine Bar
Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.
No events or specials listed right now.
Why Choose Grenache Wine Bar
Discover why visitors and locals choose Grenache Wine Bar for exceptional regional dining, cellar bottles, and welcoming evenings.
Extensive Local and International Wine Selection
Grenache Wine Bar offers an expansive cellar list featuring Phillip Island and regional Victorian labels alongside international imports, plus bottles chosen directly from the in-house racks.
Huge wine selection on offer too, both local and international. If there’s nothing on the wine list you like, you can select something from the wine racks.
Gustav Generous Shared Boards and Small Plates
The kitchen focuses on curated, high-quality plates built for sharing, headlined by generously portioned meat boards and savoury accompaniments.
My partner and I shared the meat board and it was absolutely delicious, great quality and generous portions.
Steph Wilson Instant Local Hospitality
First-time visitors and travelers are welcomed with attentive, familiar hospitality that makes them feel like regulars right away.
I was instantly made to feel like a long time local.
Lachlan Wishart Warm Island Haven
The contemporary dining space and warm fireplace offer a comforting refuge to unwind after a brisk coastal day on Phillip Island.
So lovely to come from a cold blustery island day to such a cozy and contemporary establishment for a wine and feed.
Mel Hibbins Intimate Setting for Date Nights
With an intimate adult-oriented ambiance, sophisticated wine list, and shared dining, Grenache is a favorite destination for anniversaries and dates.
Only a small place would not recommend anyone with small children, more of a date night restaurant.
Rebecca Lever Convivial Trivia and Community Evenings
Mid-week trivia nights bring together travelers and residents in a relaxed, convivial wine lounge environment.
We came on quiz night and had so much fun we returned a week later to do it all again.
Heather Upton
Most popular items
Signature plates and sharing boards favored by locals and visitors
Meat board
My partner and I shared the meat board and it was absolutely delicious, great quality and generous portions.
Steph Wilson Lamb ragu
We got the lamb ragu and snapper. Highly recommend.
Bernard Kennedy Eye fillet
We had the tasty eye fillet and gnocchi.
Rebecca M Pork ribs
The food was delicious.. probably by far best pork ribs I’ve had.
Cathy N
Other favorites
Small plates, starters, and specialty drinks to complement your evening
Espresso Martini
The Espresso Martini with chocolate shavings was as good as any you’d get in Melbourne.
Letisha Dall Eggplant chips
eggplant chips & it was all fresh and delicious
Margie Ardono Pumpkin and feta arancini
pumpkin and feta arancini
Letisha Dall Baked Brie with prosciutto
We got the baked Brie with prosciutto
Letisha Dall
Beyond the menu
Thoughtful hospitality details and bespoke amenities that elevate dining in Cowes
Off-menu bottle selection directly from wine racks
Guests browsing beyond the printed wine menu can inspect and pick bottles directly from the venue's internal wine racks.
Surprise celebration touches for birthdays
Staff coordinate surprise birthday touches, including presenting desserts with celebratory candles for special occasions.
Attentive allergy accommodation and tailored seating
The kitchen accommodates guests with dairy and multiple food allergies while staff arrange spacious seating for family needs.
Considerate interior details from handbag hooks to the fireplace
Thoughtful interior conveniences include integrated handbag hooks beneath surfaces alongside an ambient fireplace to warm chilly coastal evenings.
Before you head over
Practical tips on reservations, menu portions, and dining atmosphere.
Book well in advance for peak evenings
Grenache is very popular and fills quickly on weekends and peak holidays. Reserve your table well ahead of time, or call ahead to see if an early opening seating can accommodate you before reserved dining slots.
Order for sharing across the table
The kitchen focuses on generous portions and small plates rather than individual courses. Plan to split a meat board or four share plates between four diners rather than over-ordering full meals per person.
Plan for an adult date night setting
With its intimate wine bar setting and mature atmosphere, the space is geared toward date nights and adult dining rather than parties with young children or large family outings.
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