Raise a glass to your local drop at these boutique distilleries, micro-breweries and cellar doors.

The best distilleries in Melbourne

Little Lon Distilling Co 

Escape the skyscrapers and enjoy the red brick heritage of Little Lon Distilling Co. One of the city’s last remaining single storey cottages. Little Lon serves gin made right here in the city, enjoy yours with fresh fruit garnishes. Book a seat at the bar or get up close and personal with a distillery tour and gin masterclass.

Bakery Hill

Be immersed in the world of distilling at a 90-minute guided tour of Bakery Hill. Learn all about the process of producing malts. Have the opportunity to taste each element that is used to distill Bakery Hills best brews. Bonus, the tour includes a six sample tasting of the core Bakery Hill single malt range.

Three people in a distillery
Bakery Hill

Fossey’s Distillery

Fossey's Distillery Lygon is a young gun whisky and gin producer fresh out of Mildura. Known for its small-batch spirits and modern approach to distilling, its cosy Carlton location offers a homey spot to enjoy a drink. Or purchase a bottle to enjoy at home. If you're staying awhile, munch on share plates of homemade dumplings or baked Camembert with a malt honey glaze.

Duke’s Distillery 

Head behind the cute picket fence at Melbourne Cellar Door to visit Melbourne’s newest distillery. Duke's is housed in a rustic former motorbike workshop in South Wharf. Knock back a muscat gin or try a selection of bevs with a cocktail flight. Then soak it all up with an antipasto plate and hearty mains. Not into spirits? Try rare wines from the cellar door’s towering wine wall. 

A couple sitting at a bar in front of a large copper still.
Duke's Distillery

The best breweries in Melbourne

Henry Street Brewhouse

Discover the hidden gem, Henry Street Brewhouse, and sip on one of 10 beers on tap. It's named after Kensington’s own Henry Street, where the founders began their brewing journey in the backyard. This artisan microbrewery uses only the finest ingredients to create its fresh ales and beers. Pop in from Friday to Sunday and enjoy a glass or two.

Urban Alley Brewery 

You don’t need to drive out to the ‘burbs for a legit brewery experience. Urban Alley has the capacity to produce 1 million litres of beer a year, and its unique eco-model means your sips are super sustainable. Settle in for a signature bev in the loft style surrounds and order from a menu of burgers, pizzas and steaks.

Two men drinking beer in a brewery beer garden.
Urban Alley Brewery

Bonehead Brewing

Bonehead Brewing is another laid-back Kensington brewpub, serving up fresh and creative drops. Its four signature beers were perfected over years by the founders. The 'sweet pea' is a must try, a malty dark lager infused with a hint of coffee. With an 80 person capacity, this space is the perfect warehouse-style bar for you and your mates. Families and pets are all welcome too.

The Crafty Squire

The only microbrewery in the CBD, The Crafty Squire is a beacon for thirsty city workers and craft beer drinkers. Duck out on your lunch hour for classic pub-grub specials. Think parmas, Wagyu burgers and fish and chips. Then try the full range of James Squire beers, including specialty drops brewed onsite. Want a sneak peak behind the scenes? Take a tour of the brewery and enjoy a tasting paddle for just $35.

Best cellar doors and local wine shops

With Gusto Regional Wine Store & Bar

With Gusto Regional Wine Store & Bar

The ultimate destination for regional Victorian wines and gourmet goods.

The Melbourne Cellar Door / Dukes Distillery

The Melbourne Cellar Door / Dukes Distillery

A relaxed wine bar with over 500 wines on the wine wall to choose from with sharing food to match.

Handpicked Wines Cellar Door

Handpicked Wines Cellar Door

This luxury cellar door doubles as a retail wine shop and premium cheese, charcuterie and wine bar.

ReWine

ReWine

An environmentally conscious bottleshop with barrels of Australian-made wines.

Bijou Bottle Store & Bar

Bijou Bottle Store & Bar

A bottle store and bar with a large selection of boutique wine and spirits.

Liminal

Liminal

Cafe and wine store offering a sustainable, seasonal menu for breakfast and lunch.

Act of Wine

Act of Wine

Boutique wine store selling natural wine, craft beer and small batch artisan spirits.

Last updated on Wed 6 Mar 2024

Only In The City

Rooftop at QT

Rooftop at QT

A rooftop bar where you can indulge in afternoons filled with tunes to nights under city lights.

Melbourne's best cheap eats

Melbourne's best cheap eats

Pizza by the slice, cheap happy hour deals and more.

The best hidden restaurants in Melbourne

The best hidden restaurants in Melbourne

Featuring laneway eateries, secret diners and undiscovered spots.

Discover more

The Valiant Bar

The Valiant Bar

A hidden bar offering cocktails, fine wines and beers, accompanied by creative platters.

House of Correction

House of Correction

Cocktails, beer and wine with food late into the night.

Boilermaker House

Boilermaker House

A sophisticated bar devoted to the worship of whisky and craft beer.

The Den

The Den

Cocktails, whiskies and wine in the basement of The Atlantic.