The lowdown
A by-the-glass drinkers paradise, Archive has over 150 wines available in glass and half-glass measures, with about 30 menu items to choose from to make up a platter to keep things on an even keel.
The nuts & bolts
Opened 2018
Function spaces: 90 outside, 40 (“shed”)
It’s one thing to love a good wines-by-the-glass list, it’s another build a wine bar around what’s by-the-glass but that’s just what Ray Nadeson and Maree Collis (owners of Lethbridge Wines) did when they purchased a small wine bar in Belmont and asked colleagues and friends, Graham and Ingrid Sutherland, to become partners.
The four shared a vision for the kind of wine bar that they would want to drink at; one that had a deep by-the-glass offering.
“With our personal collection, and Ray and Maree’s cellar, we decided to open with a list of perfectly aged gems all available by-the-glass. We opened with 55 wines by the glass and today this has grown to over 160 wines!” says Graham.
On what is featured on such an extensive by-the-glass list, Graham adds, “Ultimately, it just falls down to what’s delicious and what I’m enjoying now. I count myself lucky that I have winemakers and importers showing me a great selection of wines on a regular basis. This allows me to tweak the wine list regularly and introduce some interesting wines.”
Take a seat at the bar and watch the Coravin in action. Talk to the staff about what they’re pouring, consider a 75ml option to taste something that piques your interest, or that you may not usually have access to. The generosity of spirit and constant curiosity keeps the momentum going at Archive.
The menu supports the wines, making sure grazing boards are filled with local, quality ingredients; there’s always signature Archive meatballs, too, and the grilled raclette never leaves the menu, even in summer.
Archive offers a unique wine-drinking experience. All wine drinkers, from to those just ‘passing through’ to passionate collectors and Sommeliers will all find gems to love at Archive.
