Australian Wine Centre
Australian Wine Centre
4.5
9:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
About
For more than 25 years we have built a reputation for our selective and eclectic range of wines as well as our ability to deliver wines to our customers around the world. Conveniently located in the heart of Sydney at Circular Quay, we stock wines from the most innovative and quality driven producers in the country, as well as maintaining a deep inventory of old and rare vintages.
Duration: < 1 hour
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Central Business District
The Sydney Central Business District is abuzz with energy. Power brokers run to and from high rise buildings and after-work drink places, high-end shoppers tour venues like the QVB, and fine diners frequent the many celebrity chef restaurants. For a dose of culture, walk to the NSW Art Gallery, or visit the Sydney Museum. To escape the hustle and bustle, reconnect with nature at the Sydney Botanical Gardens or picnic lunch at High Park. No matter your interest, be sure to check the full calendar of events hosted by the city, from the Sydney Festival in January to October’s Good Food Month at Hyde Park.
How to get there
- Circular Quay • 4 min walk
- Wynyard • 6 min walk
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4.5
27 reviews
Excellent
16
Very good
9
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
1
AlpinerHut
Chantilly, VA1,226 contributions
Oct. 2019
What a find! Just up the street from our hotel, Sydney Harbour Marriott at Circular Quay (see my review, "Location, location, location"). We popped in to buy a couple bottles of wine to carry aboard our cruise ship, bound for New Zealand.
Us: "Do you have any New Zealand wines?"
Helpful AUSTRALIAN Wine Centre clerk (paraphrasing): "Oh. You're cutting me to the core, mate! Yes, we do have a few New Zealand wines, but why not buy Australian?"
And off we went on a delightful conversation!
Having just toured two wineries in the Hunter Valley, we asked about them. "What did you think of those wines?" the clerk asked craftily. Weren't impressed, we said, affecting much more knowledge of wines than we actually have. "I don't know why your shore excursion would have taken you there," the clerk said. "There are much better wineries in the Hunter Valley." And he proceeded to introduce us to them.
We left with a bottle of New Zealand wine, a bottle of Australian wine and a determination to write this review when we got home.
Us: "Do you have any New Zealand wines?"
Helpful AUSTRALIAN Wine Centre clerk (paraphrasing): "Oh. You're cutting me to the core, mate! Yes, we do have a few New Zealand wines, but why not buy Australian?"
And off we went on a delightful conversation!
Having just toured two wineries in the Hunter Valley, we asked about them. "What did you think of those wines?" the clerk asked craftily. Weren't impressed, we said, affecting much more knowledge of wines than we actually have. "I don't know why your shore excursion would have taken you there," the clerk said. "There are much better wineries in the Hunter Valley." And he proceeded to introduce us to them.
We left with a bottle of New Zealand wine, a bottle of Australian wine and a determination to write this review when we got home.
Written 11 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bruce W
13 contributions
Dec. 2018 • Couples
Looking for something different in kosher wine to take back to USA. 3 different wines available here.
Bought 2 red shiraz. Also saw a rare bottle of Lark Australian whiskey but could not get back before closing.
Bought 2 red shiraz. Also saw a rare bottle of Lark Australian whiskey but could not get back before closing.
Written 19 December 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
warren t
Manila, Philippines240 contributions
Aug. 2018 • Family
I had a hard time looking for a wine shop. I am staying at the Rocks area and wanted some wine for when I get back to my hotel to try. I went to another shop close to Ash Street and the choices there were mostly above AUD100 per bottle and it seems they target foreign wine from Italy and France. Their Australian wine was more expensive than foreign wine. Glad I found this place finally after a week in Sydney as am now being introduced to great Australian Wine by a helpful gentlemen. I do not get this. This is Australia, a wine producing country. And it seems getting an Australian wine is harder and more expensive most times compared to Italian and French wine be it in a shop or a restaurant.
Written 17 August 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Warren,
Thank you for taking the time to review us - it is greatly appreciated, and I am glad that you enjoyed your selection of wines from us. You are correct about the state of Aussie wine in Sydney. While there are some great independent retailers and restaurants which focus on Australian wines, many have an exhaustive collection of foreign wines. As a city, we seem to have never supported our wine industry the way that Melbourne, Perth or Adelaide do. But I am glad you found us and that we were able to help you. I look forward to seeing you again when you're next in town!
Many thanks,
Australian Wine Centre
Written 18 August 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MattF443202
Baltimore, MD15 contributions
Oct. 2017 • Business
The store had a great selection of wine and a small selection of cigars. I was looking to purchase a few cigars for my stay and the staff was very friendly and helpful.
Written 8 November 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
UmbriaGirl
Waterloo, Canada38 contributions
Sep. 2017 • Couples
By pure luck, we found the Australian Wine Centre yesterday and spent an invaluable half hour there with Zach. Not only did we leave with two excellent new wines to try, but he gave us great information for our week ahead in Barossa and McLaren Vale. Fabulous resource for both wine and information. Thanks Zach!
Written 3 September 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi there! Thanks for coming in to the store and thank you for your kind review - I'm thrilled you enjoyed your visit! I hope that you enjoyed the Barossa and McLaren wine while you were there, and I hope to see you when you're next in town.
Kind regards,
Zachary Phillips
Written 23 September 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
TomLaw
Seattle102 contributions
Mar. 2017 • Solo
Michael Upfold runs this tight little shop with the customer in mind. Helpful, knowledgeable and instructive. He asked me to describe the wine I was looking for and he came up with several selections that would qualify. He was so convincing that I reorganized my suitcase to carry two examples home. Now I am stuck with shipping by the case but even that still leaves the overall pricing less than in the US. Thanks Michael!
Written 29 March 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BeaBi
Cobh, Ireland526 contributions
Dec. 2016 • Couples
Location is great - in the city centre, close to all attractions. The shop is a bit expensive but the staff has a great knowledge about wines and spirits.
Written 26 January 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BeaBi,
Thanks for your visit, and for your review. We hope you enjoyed your wine and hope to see you again soon!
Many thanks,
AWC Management
Written 30 January 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bill Pierce
Melbourne, FL577 contributions
Nov. 2016 • Couples
Great small wine shop next to the Marriott. Good place to stop on your way to a cruise or stock your hotel room. They also ship to US. Mike is very knowledgable and extremely helpful. Good selection of both local and world wines.
Written 1 November 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julia H
Canberra, Australia40 contributions
Aug. 2016 • Couples
this "bottle shop" is tucked into a somewhat unlikely spot to my way of thinking, but maybe it gets plenty of custom from commuters on their way to the ferries. Whenever I walk past in my way to Bennelong Point, it does not seem to have customers. But in that sense it seems it may be a relatively undiscovered source for those who like nice wine. We went seeking a particular varietal in an Australian wine, not commonly available in standard high volume outlets. The young man who assisted with our purchase not only sought to show us all that was available on the shelves (and he seemed to know his stock well), but was also not just keen to sell the most expensive. We left well satisfied. Oh, and enjoyed a very pleasant drop at our leisure later that evening.
Written 29 September 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julia,
Thanks for taking the time to leave a review - it is much appreciated! I am glad that you have enjoyed the wine from us. Also, we have since moved to 42 Pitt Street, a much more visible location. We look forward to seeing you there!
Many thanks,
Zachary Phillips
AWC Management
Written 30 January 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Neen H
Legana, Australia69 contributions
Jul. 2016 • Family
Every time we stay at circular Quay we always pop into the Australian wine centre for our supplies.. Very helpful and friendly staff 👍🏻
Written 21 July 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to review us, it is appreciated greatly. We look forward to seeing you on your next visit to Sydney!
Many thanks,
Zachary Phillips
AWC Management
Written 30 January 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Robert B
Stuart, Florida, United States47 contributions
Coming form the US & trying to buy wines before boarding ship at the quay for a cruise, I'm attempting to find some familiar high quality Aussie selections and find very little online that I'd like to purchase-big names that I know as a wine educator-like Leeuwin Estates Chardonnay, any number of highly rated wines from Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula, even bigger names in Barrossa,etc. Seems like a narrow inventory of selections, so why bother? I can buy AU good wines in hawaii enroute and probably at as good or lesser prices than I can find here. what am I missing here?
Zachary P
Sydney Olympic Park, Australia1 contribution
Robert,
Thank you for getting in touch with us. Can I just quickly confirm whether you've received any of the emails that I've sent you? If not, please check you Spam or Junk folder.
As to the wines, yes, we do have some of the big names of Australian wines - Tobreck, Penfolds, Yarra Yering et cetera. You can get some of these in the US, though we often stock back vintages which will not be commericially available overseas. For example, we currently have a 1990 Yarra Yering Dry Red No 1, and a 2001 Leeuwin Estate Art Series Cabernet Sauvignon, a 2009 Tyrrell's 4 Acres Shiraz, as well as many others.
You may be aware that only a minority of Australian wines are exported. While you are familiar with these, you are missing many of the small, boutique, single vineyard wines which are hard to find in Australia, let alone overseas and are so often among the most unique, interesting and arguably delicious wines in the country. These are the wines we largely focus on. We also taste everything before we stock it, so you can be assured of its quality. We stock producers like Sami Odi, Standish, S.C Pannell, Bindi et cetera. As a wine educator, I'm sure that these would be of interest to you, as they provide a deeper insight into Australian wine as well as what is truly being done in the country. It would be like if an Australian went to the USA and wanted to drink Opus One and not Littorai.
If you have any questions, please feel free to email us. I'd be happy to elaborate on these points further at your convenience, if you so desired. Thank you for your time. When get to Sydney, we would be more than happy to show you around the store and talk about the wines.
Many thanks,
Zachary Phillips, AWC
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Claim your listingAustralian Wine Centre: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Australian Wine Centre
- Australian Wine Centre is open:
- Sun - Mon 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
- Tue - Thu 9:30 am - 8:00 pm
- Fri - Fri 9:30 am - 9:00 pm
- Sat - Sat 9:30 am - 8:00 pm
- Hotels near Australian Wine Centre:
- (0.03 km) Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel at Circular Quay
- (0.15 km) Establishment Hotel
- (0.20 km) Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
- (0.15 km) Capella Sydney
- (0.26 km) Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney
- Restaurants near Australian Wine Centre:
- (0.03 km) Alpha Gourmet Cafe
- (0.04 km) Silvester's
- (0.05 km) Bondi Boulangerie
- (0.05 km) Customs House Bar - Gastropub
- (0.05 km) Z's Espresso