Ines Wine Bar has announced itself on Chapel St Windsor with an epic launch, and is a delightful acquisition for the Windsor precinct. A chic bar with Italian influences is just what the area needs.
Ines Wine bar brings the Euro classic and old world charm in a modern setting. The World Loves Melbourne was invited along to experience the newly opened wine bar.
Matteo Bruno at the launch, with ice sculpture in the background.
Our first thought was "what a fabulous location" right in the heart of this popular part of Chapel St. With icons all around Ines Wine Bar is set to become an icon itself. We got to chat with legendary Melbourne foodie and entrepreneur Matteo Bruno (Hana, The Meatball & Wine Bar) who oozes hospitality and a desire to see the punters enjoy themselves. This is a passion of Matteo's who wanted to open a wine bar for the people. They even offer a service where you can buy a bottle of your favourite spirits and keep the bottle at the wine bar for future visits.
Matteo told the enthusiastic crowd at the launch that Ines is named after his 93-year-old Nonna, who is a foodie legend back in Italy. We loved the dim lighting, high tables as well as booths, and sleek bar.
Ines Wine Bar is the perfect place to come for your "sesh", brilliantly designed by Tom and the team at Techne Architecture. In fact there were many comments about the fit out at the launch, with Ines featuring a touch of class and interesting material from Italian marble to brass. Tom was at the launch and it was fascinating to hear about the fit out and design and style considerations. Music at the launch was classic (no DJ) and featured crooners like Frank Sinatra and Ray Charles. We felt there is space at the side of the bar for a musical act to perform sometime - we predict it probably won't be a DJ but a crooner of sorts or musicians.
Sommelier Raffaele Mastrovincenzo is on hand to recommend drinks from a wine list of 80 Italian, French and local varieties, and we were taken with a sparkling French wine left on the skins. This is not a predictable wine list but one designed with flair. Cocktails were also a feature of the launch with maestro Stefano Cinelli in action at the bar. An entertainin gplace to be.
Food was European and more specifically Italian with a casual but quality emphasis including freshly shucked oysters and charcuterie style delights. You may also want to order the Croque Signore, Calamari or Pasta and Prawn for example. The launch of Ines Wine Bar was an epic affair with the crowd including top Melbourne chefs, media, ashion identities, VIPs and foodie enthusiasts. We look forward to enjoying a "sesh" or two ourselves at this stylish oasis on Chapel St. Highly recommended.
