Newtown Welcomes Charming Wine Bar and Bottle Shop

Drink, Sydney / 25 July 2023

Opened by former Surry Hills’ Book Kitchen co-owner.

Love fine wines? Get ready to raise your glass to Famelia – a new charming wine bar and bottle shop nestled in the heart of Newtown that promises to be an oasis of captivating stories and more. It’s the passion project and first solo venture of former Book Kitchen owner, Amelia Birch. Famelia to Birch is a tribute to unique and captivating wines, especially those that are female-led, with a rich history behind the production process. 

At Famelia, you’ll experience the perfect balance of heartwarming hospitality and appreciation for excellent wines, where you can unwind and savour each sip. There will be a weekly rotating selection of Birch’s top 12 wines that each tell a unique story. You can opt to taste individually by the glass, or have it as part of a wine flight with 3 or more half glasses. If you’re in the mood for a whole bottle to share around the table, you can pick your faves from the bottle shop and drink it right then and there with only a $15 corkage fee.

To go with your drinks, Birch has curated a grazing menu of small plates that involves cheese, meats and even an egg dip (a secret recipe that has been passed down generations), as well as a weekly special dessert. It’s all about local food with flair at Famelia, which takes inspiration from the Mediterranean region. The wine bar seats an intimate 25 with the party going on until late. “I love entertaining my friends and family at home, and hope Famelia will be an extension of that – familiar, delicious, fun,” Birch says.

Venture into the delightful bottle shop, nestled right beside the bar, where you’ll discover shelves of exceptional wines, all carefully handpicked from exclusive small-batch boutique vineyards. Famelia takes pride in selecting wines that embrace the essence of their region, grape varietal, and the artistry of the winemaker, shining a spotlight on wineries with talented women leading the charge. Unsure about which wine to choose? The team has you covered with a variety of wines open for tasting, so you can sip and explore before making your decision.

Famelia is open every Wedesday – Saturday from 5pm till late. For more information, visit their website here.