Lilac Wine

Neighbourhood Wine Bar.

Lilac Wine is a humble and homely neighbourhood wine bar housed in a paired-back converted warehouse, in the industrial streets of Cremorne.

With inspiration from far and wide, Lilac Wine takes a relaxed and unfussy approach which is represented both in the aesthetic & feel of the space (think roaring fireplace, exposed brick, candlelight tables & the warm sounds of records) and in the service & dishes delivered.

Leaning into classic flavours of French-bistro-comfort mixed with nostalgic Australian dishes from his childhood, Michelin star-trained chef Kyle Nicol serves up an eclectic menu that celebrates local, seasonal and native Australian produce, making best use of whatever is available at the time. When Kyle’s not ageing his own meats for charcuterie, he’s out foraging for produce for the menu – a process in which Kyle says is the root of much of his creativity. The menu also showcases wood-fired cooking at its best – plus a bunch of fermentation, housemade cheeses, vinegars, sourdough and koji based products.

The expansive 150+ bottle wine list, developed by Head Somm Richard Buck, represents the core values of Lilac Wine – adventurous, eclectic, and exciting – and each glass is a lovely compliment to the thoughtful and moreish food coming out of the hearth. There is a focus on artisanal small-scale growers and producers who aren’t afraid to go against convention or take risks but can still display a real respect to the craft of grape growing and winemaking. You’ll find a big selection of organic & biodynamic wines, as well as great options for sake (ask for suggestions from Venue Manager Charlotte Martin – who previously ran Shōbōsho and has helped select artisanal sake breweries that complement Kyle’s cooking style and introduces guests to a wide range of regions in Japan), beer and local spirits in the back bar, keeping it ~80% local.

As with all their venues, The Mulberry Group will be donating 10% of all profits from Lilac Wine directly to Common Ground Project – the social enterprise and farm located at the opening of the Great Ocean Road. Guests will also find seasonal ingredients picked from Common Ground displayed on our menu.