Grenache is a sleek wine bar and casual eatery in Cowes, about a hundred metres away from the waterfront.

It’s a clean and sleek space with bright white walls and all-black accents. Ornate ceiling beams frame the long room on the ceiling; back on the ground, the bar in the middle of the space splits Grenache into two zones – a casual front area and a back zone for dining.

There are over 100 bottles of gin behind the bar, with local makers and overseas players equally represented. If you’re looking to try a gin from the region, try The Weaver by Gippsland’s Loch Brewery. After something from farther afield? Mariposa gin from Germany, which is pretty tough to find in Australia, sells well here.

All of the classic cocktails are here but, if you’re game, we recommend a Shelley Surprise (named for – and probably made by – owner Shelley Muller). If you don’t like it, you won’t have to pay for it.

On the wine side of things, there are representatives from most of Australia’s big regions. There are also plenty of overseas vinos that will vie for your attention.

The wines on the list really come into their own when paired with some food from the share-style menu. Smaller dishes include calamari and chorizo with aioli; eggplant wedges; and mozzarella with roast tomatoes, mint and gremola. Larger plates are also Spanish-influenced: the grilled snapper with chorizo and steak with patatas bravas dishes are particular highlights.