A hidden Cremorne wine bar serving fire-kissed eats and low-intervention wines
Tucked away in a converted warehouse, Lilac Wine is a mood. Think Manhattan loft party meets low-light lounge—plush couches, exposed brick, and a long bar perfect for impromptu aperitivo sessions. A place where the playlist is always on point, the lighting is just right, and the wine list is as much of a draw as the food.
The concept? Simple but elevated. Small plates designed to be shared, local and seasonal produce cooked over fire, and a drinks list that champions minimal-intervention wines and thoughtful cocktails. It’s the kind of place where you can pop in for a quick snack and a glass of something interesting or settle in for a full feed-me experience.
A community hub for wine enthusiasts and food lovers alike
Expect riffs on nostalgic party snacks, bougie burgers, freshly fired flatbreads, and house-made charcuterie. The menu is ever-changing, built around what’s fresh and in season, with produce sourced from Common Ground Project, Lilac’s regenerative farm along the Great Ocean Road. A few must-tries? The chicken mousse with potato crisp and prune, charcoal chicken with snap peas and mustard gravy, and—if you’re smart—you’ll add the wood-fired sourdough with garlic.
For those who like to leave it in the hands of the chef, $39 gets you a snack set of all the starters, while $65 lands you the full chef’s menu. Vegan options are also covered, ensuring everyone gets a taste of Lilac’s fire-forward approach.
Drinks-wise, there’s a tight but well-curated selection of local and international wines, plus cocktails that lean classic with a twist. Whether you’re sipping a negroni or diving into a deep-cut vintage, it’s all designed to match the mood—unpretentious, easygoing, and effortlessly cool.
Aperitivo hour runs Tuesday to Friday, 4pm-6pm, with $4 oysters, $10 beer and wine, $12 spritz, $10 tiny martinis, and $12 negronis—because early evenings should always start with good drinks and great snacks.
10% of all profits go back to Common Ground Project, making each visit a little more meaningful. Good food, great drinks, and a cause worth toasting to—Lilac Wine is a bar that gets it right.
