TIME TO WINE DOWN AT TUGUN’S NEWEST GRAPE JUICE BAR

Le Blancs is the wine that we want!

When you look up “happiness” in the dictionary, it says “wine bars”. They are our ten-year-old selves’ equivalent of Skater’s Paradise; a source of good times, wobbly legs, and a few nasty stacks which lucky for us, were pre smart phones #DamnThatCloud.

Well things are looking up coz there’s a new wine bar playa in town, and a very welcome addition for the Tugun folk. Introducing Le Blancs Wine Bar, a cool little joint for a chilled (and literally chilled if you’re a white drinker) glass or (twenty)two of grape juice, charcuterie or other Euro-vibing nibbles.

Opening in December and bringing cheer (and cheers) to the Southern GC, Le Blanc’s comes from good stock. Founded by Gavin White, owner of neighbouring Tugun fave Backbone Bar and Kitchen, it fills a void in the region for a slightly more upmarket yet laid back watering hole, and adds another place to the ‘must try’ list.

Gavin and Lori White designed the luxury meets classic look and feel of the space, offering both indoor and outdoor dining for up to 50 people. The plush leather lounges, hand-made wooden tables, and an entire wall sporting a dreamy vineyard print create a warm ambience, complemented by the location’s famous easy going feels.

Head Chefs Megumi Stella and Narelle White have you covered in the kitchen, and locals will be au fait with Megumi’s gastronomic talents from Backbone, big cheese Gavin’s OG venue. And speaking of cheese, you betcha bottom dollar you’re in for more fromage that you can poke a cheese knife at. Specialising in small dishes and srsly epic charcuterie, there’s only one thing that honks our horn more than wine and that’s charcuterie.

The signature dish here is the Classic Large Charcuterie Board, which is a mix of high-end cheeses, meats, French bread, fresh fruit, and dips. Or for a more deconstructed approach, order a serve of Woomby Truffle Triple Brie, a rich creamy cheese with a layer of black truffle paste. Coz more is more when it comes to cheese, don’t miss the Marcel Petite Compte, a type of gruyere from the French Switzerland border boasting a sweet honey flavour. Pair it with Prosciutto di Parma, a dry-cured ham thinly sliced from Parma Italy, and some Wagyu Bresaola packing a rich and smooth texture.

Maybe you’re in the market for a Paté Terrine and may we suggest the Duck with Fig Terrine, with rich free-range duck, sweetness of balsamic and black figs with a hint of spice. Or the Free Range Chicken and Truffle Terrine featuring local chicken leg and breast with blanched leak and black truffle. If Pate’s not your thing, try the Basil, Feta and Tomato Dip served with a little somethin somethin from the Extras menu like a Baguette.

In addition to the wide range of international wines, you’ll find classic cocktails with a twist. The hands-down crowd favourite is the Mexican Lost in Italy Margarita and if only we were actually lost in Italy. A concoction of tequila, amaretto, lemon and lime, it’s a universal recipe for greatness.

So if you’re like us and love a new wine bar, don’t make a pour decision and skip this one. ‘Sip’ back and relax at Le Blancs.

Words by Bianca Trathen