Best Places To Curl Up With Mulled Wine

Rich, warm and full of spice, a glass of mulled wine on a chilly winter’s day in Australia can really hit the spot.

Finding mulled wine in Australia can be a difficult process. While our European counterparts are well across the comforting winter beverage and brew batches in nearly every pub and bar, it’s a little more challenging to stumble upon Down Under.

However, if you know where to look, there are plenty of great places doling out the winter drink during the cooler months – sometimes complete with a fireplace to enjoy it in front of.

A blend of red wine, wintery spices like star anise and cardamom, sliced fruit and occasionally a spirit like brandy or rum, mulled wine can also be found on menus as ‘Glühwein’, which roughly translates from German to “smouldering wine".

Below is a guide to some of the best pubs and bars around Australia currently serving mulled wine.

1. The Doss House, Sydney NSW

If you want to be transported back to the 1840s while you enjoy your mulled wine, head to Sydney’s The Doss House . This historic venue in The Rocks features sandstone walls, dim lighting and deep lounges you can sink into.

a dimly lit interior at The Doss House, Sydney NSW — Nab a spot in the dimly lit lounge of The Doss House. (Image: Alana Dimou)

Beyond mulled wine, The Doss House is also known for its extensive whiskey offering, which is definitely worth checking out if you’re a connoisseur.

the bar counter at The Doss House, Sydney NSW — Get cosy at the bar. (Image: Alana Dimou)

Address: 77/79 George St, Sydney NSW

Phone: 0457 880 180

2. Arcadia, Redfern NSW

This popular neighbourhood bar in Redfern has all the cosiness you crave in a winter catch-up spot, with rustic interiors and a really welcoming energy. Arcadia also serves up a mean Glühwein, which you can enjoy until each day’s batch runs out.

Be sure to try one of their gourmet toasties if you’re a bit peckish, too – they’re pretty famous for them!

Address: 7 Cope St, Redfern NSW

Phone: (02) 8068 4470

3. Frisk Small Bar, Northbridge WA

If you love gin and are heading to Perth, you have to check out Frisk Small Bar . With over 200 types on offer, you’re bound to discover a new favourite.

Known for their creative cocktail specials, a recent addition was ‘mullscato’, a fun take on mulled wine featuring moscato, pineapple juice, and vanilla liqueur alongside the mysterious “secret herbs and spices".

a glass of mulled wine with a snack at Frisk Small Bar — Frisk Small Bar’s mulled wine is a unique take on the classic cocktail.

Address: 103 Francis St, Northbridge WA

4. Old Canberra Inn, Lyneham ACT

Built in 1857, the Old Canberra Inn has remained a popular drinking hole in Australia’s capital, thanks to a family-friendly atmosphere and great live music.

This is one of those rare Australian pubs where you can sip mulled wine while also curling up in front of a crackling fire, which is really how it should be done.

Address: 195 Mouat St, Lyneham ACT

Phone: (02) 6134 6000

5. Mjolner

If a Viking/Norse-inspired restaurant wasn’t serving up delicious warm alcoholic beverages, we’d be pretty concerned! Thankfully, Mjolner is definitely a spot in Melbourne (and Sydney) where you can access a type of take on mulled wine that we felt demanded inclusion simply because it’s so theatrical.

Order the ‘Blazing Glogg’ and prepare for a fiery scene as Martell VS cognac and spiced port are set alight before being poured into a goblet. Finished with cranberry, juniper and a chai teabag, this fun cocktail has all the same comforting flavours as mulled wine.

Address: 106 Hardware St, Melbourne Vic

6. Milk The Cow, Melbourne Vic

Like the sound of a late-night cheese bar? That’s what you’ll find at Melbourne’s Milk The Cow – and a delicious glass of Glühwein during winter. The quaintest of mulled wine presentations, Milk The Cow’s warming winter drink comes served in a teacup with a stick of cinnamon on the side.

cheese display at Milk The Cow, Melbourne Vic — Choose from over 180 different cheeses at Milk The Cow.

Address: 157 Fitzroy St, St Kilda Vic and 323 Lygon St, Carlton Vic

Phone: 03 9537 2228

7. ReWine, Melbourne Vic

Melbourne is the place to visit if you’re after mulled wine – we found it hard to choose which venues to include in this list! ReWine made the cut because they take their mulled wine really seriously – you can even find a recipe online if you’re interested in replicating their delicious drop at home.

Part wine bar, part wine shop, the low-impact, zero-waste-focused venue also allows you to pick up a bottle of vino straight from the barrel here – and then return with your empty vessel for a refill.

Person holding cup of mulled wine from ReWine — ReWine take their mulled wine really seriously.

Address: 43 Rose St Fitzroy, 522 Lygon St, Brunswick East and 460 Queen St, Melbourne Vic

Phone: 1300 727 186

8. The Carrington, Katoomba NSW

The opulent, historic Carrington Hotel in Katoomba is a jewel in the Blue Mountains’ crown – and it’s also one spot you’ll find mulled wine on the menu. Head down to Champagne Charlie’s Cocktail Bar, settle into a fireside couch and sip on a generous pour of spiced, warmed wine.

the mulled wine lounge at The Carrington, Katoomba NSW — Sip warmed wine on the couch at The Carrington.

Address: 15-47 Katoomba St, Katoomba NSW

Phone: (02) 4782 1111

9. The Howling Owl, Adelaide SA

You might not always find mulled wine on the menu at The Howling Owl , but what you will find during the chilly months is a selection of warming winter drinks.

Try the hot buttered rum, served in a teacup sprinkled with cinnamon, nutmeg and clove, or the delicious hot apple toddy, a blend of apple juice, spice syrup and gin – served hot, of course.

Address: 10 Vaughan Place, Adelaide SA

Phone: 0416 025 550

10. The Haus Hahndorf, SA

The historic German town of Hahndorf is naturally a great place to find Glühwein, and if you’re spending a weekend there, it’s worth heading to The Haus .

Firstly, because they’ll provide you with a steaming hot cup of the beverage, complete with fresh apple and orange garnishes, but also because the food is great – using local produce, you’ll find a mix of German dishes such as the trio of wurst, as well as lighter fare like the nourish bowl.

a hand holding a mug of mulled wine from The Haus Hahndorf — Get cosy this winter with a mug of traditional mulled wine from The Haus Hahndorf. (Image: Meaghan Coles)

Address: 38A Main St, Hahndorf SA

Phone: (08) 8388 7555

11. Welcome To Thornbury, Brisbane Qld

Welcome To Thornbury is the Brisbane bar with the party to end all parties every June – a ‘mulled wine and hot cheese’ party. Think dripping, melted cheese toasties and warming spiced wine, all day long.

Aside from the annual party, the venue also boasts a huge beer garden, ever-changing food trucks and plenty of other fun events like a chicken nugget festival and garlic bread festival.

Address: 520 High St, Northcote Qld

Phone: (03) 9020 7940

12. The End, Brisbane Qld

Established in 2011 inside an old video store, The End is where everyone in Brisbane should go for warming winter drinks.

Alongside their carefully brewed mulled wine, you’ll find other chilly-night cocktails such as the spiked hot chocolate (chilli chocolate, Blanco tequila, cacao liqueur and coconut cream) and the boozy Biscoff, a take on the famous biscuit featuring dark coconut rum and wattleseed liqueur.

Address: 73 Vulture St, West End Qld

No matter your age and no matter your interests, Victoria’s coastal Bellarine region makes for a memorable getaway for the whole family.

Curving into Port Phillip Bay and extending south from Geelong, The Bellarine is a gorgeous coast-meets-country destination. It’s a captivating mix of beachside towns, rolling farms and vineyards, effortlessly cool eating and drinking spots and coastal vistas that seem to stretch beyond the horizon.

Among its many highlights is a plethora of family-friendly activities to suit all ages and all interests. Here’s your guide to the ultimate Bellarine getaway guaranteed to keep every generation happy.

1. Tuckerberry Hill Farm

There may be no better way to spend an early morning than by foraging and feasting on your own bounty of berries. At Tuckerberry Hill Farm , you can pick blueberries, strawberries and stone fruit from November through March. Take them home or enjoy on the farm’s sun-dappled grounds.

Tuckerberry also has a regular market selling farm-fresh produce, plus an inviting on-site cafe doing light lunches, drinks, home-baked treats and condiments – many of which incorporate the farm’s own harvest.

2. The Oxley Estate

A memorable holiday starts with a memorable place to stay, and The Oxley Estate delivers. Situated in the relaxed coastal town of Portarlington, the sprawling site offers thoughtfully styled rooms and activities that’ll keep both parents and kids entertained.

Wander the fragrant rose gardens, olive grove and fruit-laden orchards. Meet the resident alpacas, donkeys, goats, sheep, chickens and ducks. Challenge your crew to a round of giant chess or mini golf. Or cool off in the shimmering saltwater pool after a busy day of exploring.

Different room types cater to different groups, with the largest able to comfortably sleep eight.

3. Oneday Estate

Oneday Estate is a must-visit. The winery lets you try small-batch, estate-grown shiraz, pinot noir and riesling. It’s also a vibrant and character-filled Sunday lunch spot.

The on-site eatery and bar hosts weekly Sunday Sessions accompanied by tunes from local musicians, a buzzy atmosphere and flavour-packed food and drink. Order a round of delicious woodfired pizzas with toppings to suit all tastes, alongside a glass of Oneday’s signature wine.

The restaurant is also a sight to behold, an eclectic stone-and-timber hall crafted from recycled materials and 100-year-old relics repurposed from the surrounding region.

4. BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Queenscliff Beacon

BIG4 holiday parks are renowned for their all-ages appeal, and BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Queenscliff Beacon in the coastal enclave of Queenscliff is no different. The pool and gym are a given, but there’s also a playground, pickleball and basketball courts, a jumbo-sized jump pad, an interactive games arena and an indoor games room equipped with toys, activities and entertainment.

The diverse range of accommodation spans compact studios designed for three guests, all the way up to expansive beach houses accommodating up to 10, providing comfort and flexibility to suit every size of family.

5. Bellarine Railway

If your entourage includes any locomotive enthusiasts, book a journey aboard the Bellarine Railway . The more than 100-year-old steam train transports you to a bygone era and takes you through the rolling farmland and windswept coastal landscapes that make The Bellarine so beautiful.

The Swan Bay Express is an easy 45-minute ride perfect for younger passengers (and even allows dogs on board), or you could opt for a themed trip. There are seasonal events like the Polar Express (a festive favourite in the lead-up to Christmas), along with the Blues Train (a high-energy experience of live music and dancing) and the Q Train (a roving fine-dining feast celebrating regional produce).

6. The Dunes

waiter holding desserts at The Dunes, the bellarine — Save room for dessert. (Image: Visit Vic)

The Dunes offers the perfect balance of polished and playful, a breezy beachside bar and restaurant that appeals to adults and kids alike.

Feast on moreish snacks, share plates and mains from the Italian-inspired menu, or a selection of San Marzano-topped pizzas fresh from the wood-fired oven. Pair your meal with a classic cocktail, an ice-cold beer or a glass from the generous drinks menu, which brims with local drops. Little ones are well catered for with a line-up of kid-approved meals for breakfast and lunch.

If you’re simply swinging by en route to the family-friendly beach, grab a bite at The Dunes’ beachside kiosk before strolling down for a paddle or surf.

7. Sea All Dolphin Swims

dolphins playing in The Bellarine — Spot the locals with Sea All Dolphin Swims. (Image: Visit Vic)

The sparkling waters around The Bellarine are home to dolphins, fur seals, little penguins, humpback and southern right whales, plus a flurry of seabirds. Sea All Dolphin Swims lets you see some of these magnificent animals up close aboard one of their small-group vessels.

Head out on a sightseeing tour and spot local wildlife darting around the boat, or dive right in with a swim adventure tour. You’ll be swimming alongside dolphins and seals in their natural habitat – a bucket-list experience you won’t forget fast.

Swimming and snorkelling gear is provided, and guides are trained to ensure a gentle, eco-friendly encounter for both swimmers and sea creatures.

8. Jack Rabbit

aerial of jack rabbit winery and vineyard — Everyone has a menu to enjoy at Jack Rabbit. (Image: Visit Vic)

Jack Rabbit is a one-stop dining destination, with a casual cafe and refined restaurant in one place.

If your mood leans laid-back, the House of Jack Rabbit is a lovely spot for brunch, lunch or dinner. The cafe serves a produce-driven all-day menu filled with seasonal mains, generous sharing platters and a playful kids menu to suit even the pickiest of eaters.

If you’re after something more elevated, Jack Rabbit Restaurant does plates that change with the seasons and incorporate plenty of local produce. Even younger guests are well catered to, with a considered yet familiar kids’ menu that’s just as vibrant as the grown-up one.

To start planning your trip or for more inspiration, head to visitgeelongbellarine.com.au

Australia’s 12 best places to curl up with mulled wine this winter