Cellar & Sommelier Program
A coastal Australian cellar devoted to rare and boutique wines, thoughtful pairings, and intimate tasting experiences that complement The River House cuisine.
Discover an exceptional collection of rare and boutique wines sourced from Australia’s premier coastal vineyards and distinguished international producers.
Our sommeliers taste and select each bottle to harmonise with The River House seasonal menu. From sunlit lunches by the water to late-evening poker lounge gatherings, every pour is designed to feel effortless, elegant, and deeply considered.
Cellar highlights evolve with the seasons, featuring limited releases, single-vineyard expressions, and quietly iconic labels chosen for texture, balance, and a powerful sense of place.
Wine philosophy
Our wine program honours sustainability, artisan winemaking and a mindful approach to pairing. We prioritise organic and biodynamic vineyards, smaller producers, and wines that speak clearly of their coastal or high-country origins.
Each listing is considered through the lens of the plate: salinity against ocean produce, finely tuned acidity for richer sauces, and delicate tannins for slow-braised meats and charcoal-kissed vegetables.
Minimal-intervention and classic styles sit side by side, unified by precision, balance and a quiet confidence that respects both producer and guest.
We see wine as an extension of hospitality – generous, unhurried and honest. Our team is dedicated to translating complex cellar choices into simple, welcoming recommendations at the table.
Meet the sommelier
Our head sommelier leads the wine program with a refined palate and a commitment to genuine connection. Regular visits to vineyards, long-standing relationships with growers, and conversations with emerging winemakers influence every page of the list.
Behind each bottle is a story – of soil, sea breeze, family and risk. These narratives are woven into the experience at your table, from a quietly spoken recommendation to a detailed exploration for guests who wish to dive deeper.
Whether you are discovering wine for the first time or seeking a particular vintage, our sommelier team offers service that is discreet, informed and always intuitive.
Seasonal wine pairings
Our sommeliers collaborate closely with the kitchen to create pairings that trace the rhythm of the seasons, from bright coastal lunches to layered winter feasts.
Delicate whites, textured rosé and mineral-driven sparkling designed for ocean produce, crudo and shellfish – with acidity that lifts and lengthens each bite.
Frequently featuring Mornington Peninsula, Tasmania and Margaret River producers.
Structured chardonnay, savoury pinot noir and cool-climate shiraz complement slow-cooked dishes, charcoal vegetables and richer sauces without overwhelming the palate.
Balanced, mid-weight styles ideal for long-form dinners.
Refined reds, mature vintages and contemplative digestifs crafted for the tempo of our private poker lounge – social, generous and quietly luxurious.
Emphasis on comfort, conversation and a relaxed, responsible atmosphere.
The private cellar room
Hidden away from the main dining room, our private cellar room is a softly lit enclave designed for intimate gatherings, pre-dinner tastings and dedicated wine journeys.
Curated flights are tailored to your preferences – exploring regions, varietals or vintages – while our sommelier shares stories of growers, vineyards and the decisions that shape each bottle.
Ideal for celebrations, business hosting or quiet milestones, the cellar room pairs refined hospitality with the warmth of a private table among the bottles.
Australian iconic labels
Australia’s coastal and inland regions form the heart of our list. We favour producers who articulate their landscapes with clarity – from maritime breezes to ancient soils.
Expect elegant Margaret River chardonnay, finely structured Barossa and McLaren Vale shiraz, vibrant Adelaide Hills sauvignon blanc and pinot noir from Tasmania and the Yarra Valley.
Alongside established names, we showcase emerging boutique wineries whose work reflects a new chapter of Australian wine – nuanced, consciously crafted and distinctly modern.
Old World rarities
For those seeking the nuance of Old World cellars, our collection includes carefully selected vintages from Burgundy, Piedmont, the Rhône and other classic regions.
Quantities are intentionally limited, with each bottle chosen for its ability to evolve gracefully in glass and at table. Availability may vary as wines reach their perfect moment to be poured.
A dedicated list of mature releases is available on request, including options suited to degustation experiences, private celebrations and our most elevated seasonal menus.
Please enquire on the evening for current vintages and limited allocations.
Wine events & tastings
From collaborative dinners to intimate masterclasses, our wine events are designed to welcome both devoted collectors and guests simply curious to learn more.
Evenings hosted in partnership with featured wineries, pairing multi-course menus with curated flights while the winemaker shares the stories behind each release.
Small-group sessions in the private cellar room that explore regions, varietals or themes, guided gently by our sommelier team.
Structured yet relaxed tastings focused on aroma, structure and food pairing – ideal for guests building confidence and palate.
Whether you prefer a simple glass with dinner or a curated cellar evening, our team will shape a wine experience that feels both personal and beautifully relaxed.