Wind down with organic wine and local share plates at the newest wine bar to hit Carlton.

‘Tis the season to welcome nights curled up on the couch in front of the heater wearing your favourite hoodie, binge a Netflix series and of course, enjoy delicious wine. But, winter also calls for the perfect opportunity to indulge and revel in evenings at your local wine bar. Lord Lygon Wine Shop has recently opened in Carlton, luring even the laziest of us from the clutches of our comfy couch to “wine down”.

Adjoined to the boutique hotel Zagame’s House, which has just had a multi-million dollar makeover, you can’t miss the black and white zigzag façade on the corner of Lygon and Queensberry Street.

Step inside the intimate 50-seater venue and be immediately impressed by the vast numbers of wine bottles lining the walls, a mix of both imported and Australian varieties. The deep burgundy colour pallet, with dark woods and marble bench tops, provides a striking backdrop for the wines on offer.

Don’t fret if you’re no wine connoisseur, the friendly staff at Lord Lygon Wine Shop are happy to assist in choosing your perfect vino, with Marcus Radny leading as head sommelier and winemaker. Around fifty percent of the bottles on offer are organic wines, aligning with Radny’s philosophy for biodynamic and small-batch producers.

A collection of 20 regularly revolving labels are on offer and all available by the glass. Why not try the Chateau de Coulaine Chinnon Cabernet Franc, a rich but dry, deep coloured red from the Loire Valley, France. Or, for something more local, opt for the South Australian Sigurd Riesling or the Quely Seventeen Rows Pinot Noir from the Mornington Peninsula. A range of spirits are also on offer if you feel like mixing things up.

Grab a table or lounge on a cosy couch and peruse the enticing food menu thanks to Executive Chef Chris Bonello (ex-Vue Group) and Michael Tse (ex-Rockpool, Vue De Monde). The menu perfectly complements the wines on offer and sources the best in local produce from Victorian-based farmers, distillers and producers. Conveniently broken down into little bites, larger plates, trimmings, cheese, salumi and desserts, the options are plentiful and have a hint of Asian flare.

If you’re just after some nibbles to accompany your wine, the freshly prepared charcuterie board will provide you with a diverse range of cheese, cold cut meats and pickled vegetables. Watch the staff slice salami and prosciutto paper thin before taking a bite and being amazed by the bold flavours.

If you’re craving a few more courses, enjoy the fresh Coffin bay oysters with a zingy lime vinaigrette. Then, try the san choy bao with duck, tofu, cucumber and crispy noodles. It’s the ideal combination of tastes and textures to start your night.

Cheese lovers will be wowed by the baked camembert served with toasted Turkish bread. Don’t hesitate to generously dunk your bread into the wheel of camembert and watch the cheese ooze out.

The wagyu sirloin is a must for all carnivores; perfectly cooked and it will literally melt in your mouth. Served with three types of mustards, you can mix and match your own condiments to suit your tastebuds.

On the night I visited, the dessert special available was a scrumptious bread and butter pudding with chocolate and goji berries, topped with a butterscotch sauce and vanilla ice-cream which was a perfectly delicious duo.

Lord Lygon Wine Shop provides a relaxed vibe for any occasion. Whether you’re stopping in with friends for an after work drink, celebrating a special occasion or you fancy a cute and cosy date night spot, this little gem ticks all the right boxes. Before we knew it, my friend and I had been relaxing at the wine bar for hours without a care in the world. And wine not (#sorrynotsorry)? Just as bon viveur Lord Lygon lived his best life with good food and wine, so can you at Lord Lygon Wine Shop.

Keep your eyes peeled for upcoming educational sessions and local tastings of the best wine, cocktails and charcuterie at Lord Lygon Wine Bar.