Canberra’s wine scene continues to grow in leaps and bounds. From incredible wineries less than 40 minutes from Canberra, to amazing wine bars in central Canberra and surrounding suburbs. Wine time in the capital is better than it has ever been.
Canberra is now home to Rizla, Australia’s first Riesling-dedicated bar that opened on Friday 13th September, on the corner of Lonsdale St and Elouera St, in the space that was previously occupied by Toasted.
Rizla has opened its doors just in time for the warm weather and the person behind this new wine bar is Andy Day. You’ve likely seen Andy over the years working in some of Canberra’s well-known restaurants including AKIBA, Kokomo’s, Sage, Pialligo Estate, Lilotang, 86 and Ellacure. And if you haven’t, you’ll see him when you visit Rizla.
I caught up with Andy recently to find out more about his new venture. His passion and energy is contagious and with Andy’s experience, exceptional service is something that you’re guaranteed to find at Rizla.
Andy has been interested in the location since he was the Wine Director at 86, just next door to Rizla.
“I’ve been eyeing off this site since my time at 86 way back in 2014. It’s an awesome spot, one of the best corners in Canberra,” Day said.
Canberra district wine is something that Andy is passionate about and he’s witnessed its popularity increase over the years.
“When I moved to Canberra in 2007 I couldn’t sell Canberra Riesling. Nine out of 10 customers would turn their nose at it – and at Canberra wine in general. But I knew it was only a matter of time before the reputation was there and then people couldn’t get enough of it! Wine lists in Sydney are a great indicator of that – it’s virtually impossible to find a venue up there that isn’t stocking at least one Canberra wine these days,” he said.
Expect Rizla to be a casual eatery and bar with an incredible wine list and a short menu of small and large dishes, with a ‘Sort it out’ option for $60pp.
There’s a long bench seating area inside and a spacious outdoor area to enjoy the warm weather while while sipping on a glass of Riesling, or three…
“Riesling is the most versatile wine I know, it can go with virtually any cuisine and almost any protein. The menu is seasonal and every dish will work with the wine list. So imagine lots of fresh seafood, vegetables and white meats, light tropical desserts and of course a banging cheese plate.”
Think pickled figs on toast with walnuts and gorgonzola, tuna tartare with potato crisps, pepper pork loin with pickled apple and beets, and pineapple skewers with mint and coconut yoghurt.
And if you’re not a fan of Riesling, don’t worry because there are other options with lots of Canberra district wines on offer, including Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier by the glass.
In fact, I just had a chat to Andy and he told me that about two thirds of the wine that they sold on their first night were from the Canberra district.
With local in mind, Andy will also be introducing a unique ‘pop up’ cellar door experience every Sunday lunch. The ‘Cellar to City’ experience will bring local wineries to the middle of town to show off their wine.
“It’s an easy way to promote the local wineries and make them super accessible. Who doesn’t like free wine with lunch?”
DETAILS:
Address: Corner of Lonsdale & Eloura streets, Braddon
Website: https://drinkrizla.com.au/
Trading Hours:
Lunch – 12-2pm Thursday-Sunday
Dinner – 5:30-9:30pm Wednesday-Saturday
Bar – 5pm-late Wednesday, 12pm-late Thursday-Saturday, 12-4pm Sunday
Photos by Amelia Bidgood.
Amelia Bidgood
Amelia is the Founder and Editor of Eat Canberra and the Founder and Managing Director of Eat Canberra Food Tours. She's a qualified journalist, presenter, freelance writer and also runs a boutique communications agency working with small business owners on all things social media, content creation and marketing. She's taught cheesemaking classes, judged hospitality and tourism awards, completed the WSET Level 1 Award In Wines, loves to cook and has travelled to 23 countries. She's also passionate about mental health and has recently started studying to become a Counsellor.