First Look: Rizla

Posted on 2 September, 2019

A new Canberra bar dedicated to Riesling? Pour us a big one, thanks. We take a first look at Rizla.

Canberra-region cool climate Riesling might be acknowledged as some of the best in the country. But when Andy Day—the owner of Lonsdale Street’s newest bar, Rizla—started in Canberra hospitality, you couldn’t sell it for love or money.

“When I moved to Canberra in 2007 I couldn’t sell Canberra Riesling. Nine out of 10 customers would turn their nose at it—and at Canberra wine in general,” he explains.

“But I knew it was only a matter of time before the reputation was there and then people couldn’t get enough of it. Wine lists in Sydney are a great indicator of that—it’s virtually impossible to find a venue up there that isn’t stocking at least one Canberra wine these days.”

And Canberra region wine is exactly what Andy intends to sell at Rizla when it opens on Friday 13 September on the corner of Eloura and Lonsdale Street.

Andy cut his teeth in some of Canberra’s most recognisable eateries (AKIBA, Kokomo’s, Sage, Pialligo Estate, Lilotang and Ellacure) but it was during his time as eightysix’s Wine Director that he began eyeing off the shop next door.

“I’ve been eyeing off this site since my time at eightysix way back in 2014,” says Andy. “It’s an awesome spot, one of the best corners in Canberra.”

A casual eatery and bar, Rizla (that’s hospo slang for Riesling if you hadn’t guessed it already) will be all about adding a splash of fun to your dinner or drink.

“I’m not a fan of that clinical, robotic service or slow, boring restaurant experiences,” says Andy. “So from the name you get that it’s relaxed—the service, food and ambience will be light-hearted and awesome.”

So how does one go about creating a menu that pairs entirely with Riesling? With ease, apparently.

“Riesling is the most versatile wine I know, it can go with virtually any cuisine and almost any protein,” says Andy.

“The menu is seasonal and every dish will work with the wine list; so imagine lots of fresh seafood, vegetables and white meats, light tropical desserts and, of course, a banging cheese plate.”

As for the wines, it may surprise you to hear that there will be “heaps of Rieslings, obviously” but for those who aren’t fans of that delicious drop, there will be plenty of other offerings, including “plenty of other whites, and a good list of reds including Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier pouring by the glass” (you can practically hear the sound of a hundred chairs scaping around the Parliamentary Triangle at these words).

But at the heart of Andy’s carefully curated list will always be local.

“I’ve always put a big emphasis on local, so all Canberra wineries that are making Riesling will be featured on the list within the first three months.”

In total, Andy says that about half the list will be from the Canberra district, with the rest consisting of “top quality Aussies, and some international curiosities including some iconic Germans as well.”

Andy is also looking forward to bringing a mini cellar door experience to Rizla each weekend.

‘Cellar to City’ will take place each Sunday lunch, hosting local wineries as they showcase their offerings.

“It’s an easy way to promote the local wineries and make them super accessible,” says Andy. “Who doesn’t like free wine with lunch?”

I couldn’t say it better myself.

the essentials 

What: Rizla
When: Opening Friday 13 September. Hours: Lunch Thursday-Sunday, Dinner Wednesday-Sunday. Open all day for drinks Thursday-Sunday
Where: Corner of Eloura and Lonsdale Streets, Braddon
Website: drinkrizla.com.au