Where will Sydney’s wine lovers be popping corks this New Year? Ambassador Dom Sweeney's inside track
Sydney Ambassador Dom Sweeney brings us his second instalment from Australia’s east coast, just in time for New Year’s Eve – here’s where to ring in 2025, with an update on the city's wine scene.
Writer and editor Dom Sweeney has been reporting from his hometown of Sydney for Star Wine List since March 2024. A “proud New South Welshman,” he knows the best wine spots in the region’s capital and has just added four new Red Stars to our guide. So, as we approach the end of the year, we’ve asked him for his top tips on how to enjoy the occasion with a good glass in hand.
“If you plan on seeing Sydney's world-class New Year's Eve fireworks first-hand, the best bet is to secure a view from one of a handful of harbourside venues,” he suggests. “6HEAD, Quay or Bennelong have unbeatable vantage points. The experience will come with a price tag to match, but you'll mostly avoid the heavy crowds and be very well looked after.”
As for him, Dom plans on taking it easy in the mid-summer heat. “I'll be spending New Year's Eve with my wife and kids – hopefully with a swim followed by some very cold Champagne, seafood on the barbeque and plenty of music. Ideally, I'll be in bed before midnight!”
Looking forward to the year ahead, Dom is cautiously optimistic despite a tough climate more recently. “Like most of the world, 2024 has been a really challenging year for hospitality in Sydney,” he says, “and it's sadly resulted in many venue closures. With that though, there have been some exciting developments – new openings and concepts, which certainly spells some positivity for 2025.”
And in terms of what we can expect to be drinking in Sydney right now? “It's great to finally see consumer demand and appreciation for ‘alternative’ varieties,” says Dom. “An increasing number of Aussie producers are going all-in on climate-appropriate styles – Southern Rhône, Italian and Mediterranean whites especially – and that of course extends to Old World expressions from their homelands, too. Additionally, the demand for pale, dry rosé continues, and the quality of domestic Chardonnay is at an all-time high.”
Explore our wine guide to Sydney, here.
Dom’s new Red Stars
Do like the Pros - search 3000+ wine lists
