From crisp Chablis with seafood linguine to bold Barossa shiraz alongside a dry-aged steak, South Bank is pouring the perfect excuse to celebrate National Wine Day on Sunday 25 May. Whether you’re into rich reds, refreshing whites or discovering something new by the glass, these South Bank spots are serving standout pairings worth lingering over.

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Popolo‍
At Popolo, wine lovers can sip a little smarter thanks to the restaurant’s Coravin wine system, which lets guests try rare and premium wines by the glass without committing to the full bottle. It’s the ideal way to explore more from Popolo’s award-winning wine list, recently awarded two glasses at the Australian Wine List of the Year Awards 2025. Pair a glass of the 2023 L&C Potout Chablis AOC from Burgundy with the roasted confit duck leg, or lean into seafood with Chef Francesco’s signature linguine loaded with Moreton Bay Bugs, spanner crab, lobster bisque and pangrattato. The wine’s bright acidity and minerality work beautifully across both dishes. Book your table here.

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OTTO Ristorante
‍Elegant Italian flavours meet refined pours at OTTO Ristorante. Start with steamed zucchini flowers filled with lobster mousse and finished with Prosecco sauce before moving onto ricotta gnudi with burnt sage butter, pine nuts and raisins. To tie it all together, order a glass of Fletcher C24 Langhe DOC Chardonnay from Piedmont, Italy, a beautifully balanced drop that complements the richness of both dishes without overpowering them. Reserve your table here.

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The Squire’s Steakhouse
‍If your National Wine Day plans call for a classic red and steak combo, The Squire’s Steakhouse has you sorted. Sink into the 70-day dry-aged T-bone and pair it with a glass of Kaesler’s ‘Stonehorse’ Shiraz from the Barossa Valley. Big, bold and packed with dark fruit notes, it’s the kind of pairing made for cooler evenings and long lunches that roll into sunset drinks. Book your table here.

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Baba Ganouj
‍For something lighter, head to Baba Ganouj and order the vine leaves stuffed with rice, tomato, herbs and spices, finished with olive oil. Matched with a glass of Terra Sancta Pinot Gris, it’s a fresh and vibrant pairing that’s easy to settle into over a riverside lunch. Book here.

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Calida
At Calida, it’s all about smoky flavours and robust reds. Order one of the signature steaks from the parilla grill, served with house-made chimichurri and Australian red gum smoked salt, then pair it with the 2024 Tilia Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina. Rich, smooth and packed with dark berry notes, it’s a match made for anyone chasing a proper steak night. Reserve your spot here.

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