Bennelong All Australian Wine List

In September 2019, Bennelong’s wine program was transformed to focus on a completely Australian offering.

“Bennelong is housed within the most iconic building in Australia and is a showcase for the very best of Australian produce, it is only fitting that we continue this celebration of Australia through the wine list”

– Seamus Brandt, Head Sommelier.

The wine list now features the very best of Australian wines: from some of Australia’s favourite labels through to wines from lesser-known boutique wineries. The list is contemporary and wide ranging, showcasing Australia’s diverse, high quality wine production and price points across the spectrum. Diners can expect to see household names from great vintages, alongside new up and coming producers who are taking our wine landscape forward.

With over 320 labels, it is a measure of ‘where we are at’ with Australian wine.

To celebrate the approach, Seamus and the beverage team help diners in matching Bennelong’s a la carte menu with the new by the glass offering.

Some of the pairings include:

XO scallops
crispy eggplant, silken tofu, smoked bacon, XO crackers
2017 Frankland Estate ‘Smith Cullum’ Riesling, Frankland River, Western Australia

Dory cutlet
white turnip, salted lime aioli, green herbs & anchovy
2013 Mount Mary ‘Triolet’ Sauvignon Blanc Blend, Yarra Valley, Victoria

Neenish tart
raspberry ripple ice cream
2008 Coates, Touriga Port, Langhorne Creek, South Australia

We spoke to Seamus for a little insight into this exciting new change in our beverage narrative. Notably, Seamus has also recently passed the Court of Master Sommelier Advanced exam.

What are some of the hero/notable wines?
This is a difficult one, there are so many wines that excite me on this list but some of the hero wines to note are:

1991 Leo Buring Leonay Riesling
2010 Bass Phillip Reserve Pinot Noir
1990 Moss Wood  Cabernet Sauvignon
1998 Mount Pleasant Maurice O’Shea Shiraz
1976 Penfolds Grange Hermitage Shiraz
1977 Lindemans Vintage Port

What Aussie wines are exciting you right now?
Canberra district, Gundagai and Tumbarumba are incredibly exciting, as well as all through Central Victoria and Great Southern in Western Australia. By no means are they unheard of but the freshness and energy of the wines emerging from these areas are mind-blowing.

Favourite Aussie wine matches with  the Bennelong menu?
Look out for the extensive list of fortified wines by the glass to enjoy with our signature desserts like the chocolate cake and Lamington.

What about Champagne?
Don’t worry, we have made an exception to feature a curated list of champagne brands.