Essie Wine Bar: Malvern’s Charming Haven for Wine Lovers

Essie Wine Bar stands as a beacon of warmth and sophistication, offering locals and visitors alike a haven for wine enthusiasts and casual sippers. Housed in a beautifully restored Victorian heritage building at 35 Station Street, opposite Malvern Station, this neighbourhood gem has quickly become a beloved fixture in Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs since opening its doors in August 2019. With its curated selection of wines, inviting atmosphere, and thoughtful culinary offerings, Essie is more than just a wine bar—it’s a destination that celebrates the art of connection over a glass of something extraordinary.

A Vision Brought to Life

Essie Wine Bar is the brainchild of Angus Brettingham-Moore, a Tasmanian-born hospitality veteran whose passion for wine and community shines through in every detail of the venue. With experience honed at some of Australia’s most esteemed establishments—Hobart’s acclaimed Franklin, Toorak Cellars, Milton Wine Shop, The Alps in Prahran, and The Hills in Surrey Hills—Brettingham-Moore brought a wealth of knowledge and a clear vision to Essie. “I wanted to create an environment that people want to come back to regularly,” he says, and it’s clear he’s succeeded.

The name “Essie” doesn’t stem from a personal connection but rather a moment of inspiration. “I had to think of a name with a day or two to lodge it,” Brettingham-Moore recalls. “I was driving along and heard the name. I think it’s a representation of the place; a character people want to come and hang out with.” This approachable, unpretentious ethos permeates the venue, making it a place where everyone feels welcome, whether they’re wine connoisseurs or simply looking for a cosy spot to unwind.

A Heritage Space Reimagined

Essie’s charm is deeply rooted in its setting—a two-level Victorian heritage building that previously housed the Josh Cohen School of Music upstairs and a medical practice downstairs. Brettingham-Moore personally oversaw the transformation of the space, stripping it back to reveal its historic bones. Exposed brick walls, century-old Baltic pine floorboards salvaged from a Kew house demolition, and gas-converted fireplaces create an atmosphere that’s both rustic and refined. A large American oak communal table serves as the centrepiece, surrounded by smaller tables and a long wall bench, while floor-to-ceiling wine racks add a touch of oenological grandeur.

The venue’s sun-drenched courtyard, complete with a weeping cherry tree, is a particular highlight, offering a serene outdoor space for warmer days. With umbrellas and heating, it’s perfectly suited for year-round enjoyment, whether for a casual drink or a lively birthday gathering. For more intimate occasions, the upstairs dining room and a cosy fireplace area cater to private events, from business meetings to wine tastings, accommodating groups of up to 30 in the courtyard or 16 by the fire. Larger parties can even arrange partial or full venue hire, making Essie a versatile space for celebrations of all kinds.

A Wine List That Tells a Story

At the heart of Essie’s appeal is its exceptional wine selection, which Brettingham-Moore curates with a focus on minimal-intervention and small-batch producers from Australia and beyond. “The wines speak highly about where they’re from and are full of life and expressive,” he explains. From a fruit-forward Neb Noir, made from nebbiolo and pinot noir grapes in Victoria’s Pyrenees, to a chilled, juicy shiraz from Cré Wines in the Yarra Valley, each bottle tells a story of its origin. With around 20 wines available by the glass and an extensive bottle list displayed on an accessible wall for browsing, Essie encourages patrons to explore new and unfamiliar varietals.

The bar also caters to those who prefer alternatives to wine, offering a small but thoughtful selection of craft beers, such as WA Colonial Draught Ale and Wolf of the Willows XPA, alongside classic cocktails and a notable range of non-alcoholic beverages for inclusivity. For those eager to deepen their wine knowledge, Essie hosts private wine tastings in the upstairs dining room, priced at $65 per head, where guests can level up their sommelier skills under Brettingham-Moore’s expert guidance.

Culinary Delights to Complement the Wine

While wine is the star of the show, Essie’s food menu is no afterthought. Designed to complement the drinks, it features a rotating selection of European-inspired small plates and bar snacks that elevate the experience. Standouts include the chicken liver parfait, Cuca anchovies with sourdough, jamon-Manchego croquettes, and burrata with sundried tomato. The beef carpaccio has earned particular praise, with one local diner proclaiming it “the best in Melbourne.” For something heartier, Essie’s jaffle menu—featuring creative fillings like bolognese and mozzarella, mac’n’cheese, or chilli jam and gouda—adds a playful, nostalgic touch. Cheese and charcuterie boards, sourced from nearby Prahran Market, round out the offerings, ensuring there’s something for every palate.

A Community Hub with a Warm Welcome

Essie’s appeal lies not only in its offerings but in its ability to foster a sense of community. With a 4.5-star rating from OpenTable diners and glowing reviews on platforms like Tripadvisor, patrons consistently praise the bar’s welcoming staff, relaxed atmosphere, and quick service. “Booked with 35 minutes’ notice, staff were welcoming. Food and drinks were both delicious and came out quickly. Would attend again,” writes one reviewer. Another notes the “dimly lit, casual atmosphere” and “fantastic wine list,” making it clear that Essie has struck a chord with Malvern locals and visitors alike.

The bar’s location, just steps from Malvern Station, adds to its accessibility, encouraging spontaneous visits or post-work drinks. Open Monday to Wednesday from 3pm to 10pm, Thursday to Saturday from noon to 11pm, and Sunday from noon to 10pm, Essie welcomes walk-ins but recommends bookings, especially for larger groups or private events. Its proximity to the bustling Glenferrie Road shopping strip, combined with the quieter, leafy charm of Station Street, makes it an ideal hideaway for those seeking a respite from the city’s hustle.

A Malvern Institution in the Making

Since its opening, Essie Wine Bar has carved out a niche as a must-visit destination in Melbourne’s competitive hospitality scene. Its blend of heritage charm, expertly curated wines, and unpretentious hospitality has earned it a loyal following among locals and a reputation as a go-to spot for special occasions. Whether you’re cosying up by the fireplace on a chilly evening, sipping a chilled shiraz in the courtyard, or hosting a private tasting with friends, Essie offers an experience that’s as memorable as it is inviting.

For those yet to discover this Malvern gem, Essie awaits with open doors and a glass ready to be filled. As Brettingham-Moore puts it, “The wines make you think ‘Ah, jeez, that’s an amazing glass of wine’.” One visit, and you’ll likely find yourself echoing that sentiment.

Essie Wine Bar is located at 35 Station Street, Malvern, VIC 3144. Bookings can be made via OpenTable or by calling +61 3 9500 0218. For more information, visit essiewine.com.