Wine Bars
In the past few years, we've really got into our wines. I'm still only loving white and rosé, while my husband loves all of them, especially a red. I personally just don't think I have the palate for red wine, possibly from being vegetarian - I don't even know if there's scientific evidence for that claim, but I'm going with it anyway. We love enjoying a really good wine alongside good food, or simply seeking out a good wine bar for a bottle, and Australia is not short on delivering good wine.
We've stumbled across some really good wine bars so far in Perth and look forward to finding more.
Cherubino City Cellar, Subiaco
Right in the heart of Subiaco sits the WAGFG Bar of the Year 2026 and one visit to Cherubino makes it very easy to understand why. This is a more sophisticated, refined bar experience, with an incredibly extensive wine list spanning both European and Australian drops that will have any wine lover in their element. The knowledge and passion behind the list is evident and it's the kind of place you leave feeling like you've genuinely learned something about wine alongside enjoying a wonderful day or evening. Their Masseria Restaurant and cellar door down in Margaret River are firmly on our list to experience next month whilst on a trip down south, we have a feeling this is just the beginning of our Cherubino journey.
Bar Rouge, Highgate
Situated along the bustling Beaufort Street, Bar Rouge is a dark, intimate little wine bar that draws you in and makes you want to stay for just one more glass. The wine selection is great and thoughtfully curated, making it a perfect spot to spend an evening in good company. They also offer bar snacks and small shared plates which, on the evidence of the dishes coming out around us, looked absolutely delicious, so much so that we've already made a mental note to return and work our way through the menu properly next time.
Lums, Subiaco
Lums is one of those rare spots that works perfectly at any time of day, whether you're soaking up the afternoon rays alfresco with a glass in hand or settling in for a dark, cosy evening inside, the atmosphere always delivers exactly what you need. It just has that effortless, all-day charm that keeps you coming back. Make sure to book ahead as it's not one to risk walking into without a reservation. And if you haven't tried their bottomless brunch deal yet, move it straight to the top of your list - it's fantastic and worth every bit of the hype.
Shadow Wine Bar, Northbridge
A little slice of Italy right in the heart of Northbridge. Shadow Wine Bar is a beautifully curated space with a wine list that celebrates European varieties with a special nod to some stunning Italian selections, alongside a great representation of local Australian wines. My favourite time to visit is after dark - the atmosphere transforms into something wonderfully dim, cosy and intimate, making it an ideal date night spot or the perfect place to settle in for a long, unhurried evening over a great bottle. One of those bars that just feels like a proper escape.
Madalena’s, South Fremantle
There are few better ways to spend a golden hour in Perth than perched upstairs at Madalena's, wine or cocktail in hand, soaking up that warm afternoon sun. It's my kind of perfect. Since opening in 2019, Madalena's has quietly amassed a seriously impressive collection of awards and spending any time there, it's not hard to see why. The food is delicious, the drinks list is on point and the atmosphere has that effortless, relaxed coastal charm that South Fremantle does so well. The only downside? It's not closer to home. But honestly, it makes for a pretty wonderful excuse to make the trip down to Freo.