trev

From cleanskins to expensive Rioja, there is a dazzling array of wines available to taste in retail outlets around the state. Fortunately we at Club Trev (along with out drinking companion BigMouth) don’t need to stomp far from Fitzroy North when the mood hits for a little grape grazing.

Swords Select Wines has an outlet at 348 Queen’s Parade - along with its shop at North Melbourne and stalls at Queen Victoria and South Melbourne markets.

Toss away any notion of a plastic thimble - that standard issue at many cellar doors. Here you can try before you buy and then later return to recycle the company’s one-litre bottles.

Wares currently in stock to tickle the palate can be seen at this wine list.

New decor, food and a wine list means that a lot of its former old-world stuffiness has been knocked out of Matteo’s. But it is still fine dining and a favourite among reviewers and food-lovers alike.

On each visit, BigMouth and companion can be sure that attentive waiting staff hover over truly impressive food, such as double-baked gorgonzola souffle and a must-have chocolate tart. Host Matteo Pignatelli has overseen the good quality food, hospitality and service here for more than a decade.

The menu is modern European, ably accompanied by a wonderful accessible wine list, though BYO is accepted.

The degustation menu is a good way to sample as many dishes as possible and vegetarians are well catered for.