Inspired by a romantic getaway to Italy and France that founder Mike Papatolis took with his fiancé, Ballet Wine Bar is the newest addition to buzzy Jetty Road.
“Our most common feedback is that Glenelg and the surrounding area has been waiting for a wine bar like this to open,” Papatolis tells Broadsheet, “one where people can sit and feel comfortable while conversing over a glass of wine without having to travel to the city”.
While some venues straddle the line between wine bar and restaurant, the intention behind Ballet “was always to keep to being a wine bar that sells food and not try to fall into being a restaurant with a good wine list.”
The wine list and food menu are ever evolving. Current favourites include housemade gnocchi, zucchini flowers, anchovy soldiers and steak tartare. But the food plays second fiddle to Ballet’s extensive wine list, curated by sommelier Oscar Miller (ex-Soi 38).
While the selection focuses on French and Italian varieties, many local wineries feature, including Murdoch Hill, Shaw and Smith, The Other Wine Co and Gentle Folk Wine.
The fit-out focuses on the old-world charm of the space. “Being an old heritage stone building in Glenelg, the space itself already had so much character and warmth to it, with the old original wooden floorboards, wooden staircase, high ceilings and stained-glass skylights”. The goal was “to keep as much of the original character of the building as possible”.
The ground floor is bathed in natural light with sash windows leading onto the street. There's a wine wall featuring over 140 bottles, and a private dining area. On the first floor, there’s a balcony that’s perfect for people-watching over a glass of pinot, or you can cosy up on the couches next to one of the fireplaces and linger for an evening.
Ballet Wine Bar
29 Jetty Road, Glenelg
(08) 8295 2222
Hours:
Mon 4pm–late
Tues closed
Wed to Sun 12pm–late
