Sun, surf, sand and sauvignon blanc: the beachside suburb of Coogee has it all, thanks to the launch of a dedicated wine room where locals can follow up a day at the beach with chinking glasses and Mediterranean-style share plates.

Featuring over 400 bottles, the encyclopedic wine list features drops from all of the world’s greatest wine growing regions. Discerning oenophiles will be able to get their hands on all kinds of obscure labels, from limited edition back vintages to small, boutique producers. There will also be good value vinos too, with half of all bottles priced at under a hundy. For those counting their drinks, there will be more than 25 wines by the glass and wines by the half bottle.

Head chef Sandro Di Marino has put together a Mediterranean-style share menu designed to pair with wine. Those after a nebbiolo and a nibble, can build their own cheese and charcuterie board or choose from the small plates, which include Cantabria Spanish anchovies with coffee butter and baccala fritto. For something more substantial, there’s ricotta ravioli tossed with basil and pine nuts, lamb rump with spring greens and tarragon sauce and a bistecca-style T-bone with rocket and Reggiano.

Wine’s best friend, chocolate, will also be on the menu, with Coogee Wine Room selling a chocolate board, made up of selected shards sourced from various wine-growing regions. For those who would rather drink their dessert, there will be a whipped sorbet sgroppino and coffee affogato.

Designed by Tom Mark Henry, interiors take inspiration from classic European wine bars. Exposed brick walls and concrete floors channel a rustic, cellar door experience, while warm timber and leather work to create a convivial atmosphere.

There’s plenty of places to perch with a pinot from the stools at the bar to the dining room tables. Otherwise, head up the steel staircase where you’ll find lounge-style seating, perfect for cosying up with a cab merlot.

Coogee Wine Room is located at 222 Coogee Bay Road, Coogee. It opens Mon–Wed 3pm til late and Thu-Sun 12pm til late. For more details, head to coogeewinebar.com.au.