The beloved Woollahra drinking den has changed hands; new owners are friends chef Matt Taylor (ex-Bentley, ex-Monopole), sommelier Tim Peristone (ex-Merivale) and Sam Jones (ex-Monopole). While they will be maintain the venue’s focus on quality drops, the menu has been overhauled, designed to better complement the wine list and create an overall better experience offering at the venue.

The new dish selection centres around the share plate concept. Stand-outs include the pork rillette and chicken liver parfait from Romeo’s Fine Foods, and the beef tartare partnered with hazelnuts, capers and sherry. There are a few heartier options incorporated into the menu, including a sturdy mac’n’cheese with smoked speck, and a juicy beef cheek served with parsnip puree and mushroom.

Wine and cheese fans can rest assured that there will be plenty of charcuterie on offer, designed to be mixed and matched alongside the various wines which form the venue’s collection. “Simply put, we’re a local wine bar serving epic food, while remaining interesting and approachable,” says Taylor of the trio’s approach to the new Wine Library.

Joining Taylor on the team is Tim Perlstone (ex-Merivale) is a well-respected sommelier who won the prestigious Lorenzo Galli scholarship trip to visit Italy’s wine regions and key Producers last year. The third owner Sam Jones is well-versed in management, with experience at venues including Tequila Mockingbird and Monopole. Having met his now-wife at The Wine Library, the venue holds a particularly soft spot for Jones. “The Wine Library is a meeting place that sells experiences first and foremost. It’s not just about good wine and food, but about appreciating who and what’s in front of you,” he says.

Joining the new menu and new direction for the venue is another first; The Wine Library is now taking reservations. The Wine Library 18 Oxford Street, Woollahra wine-library.com.au