Take 3: Wine down in the great outdoors with these pop-up bars

The sun is out in the capital and we have found three great ways to toast spring and the warmer weather while enjoying the great outdoors.

House of Bubbles

As the name suggests, you will find all things sparkling at the House of Bubbles which trades out of a charming vintage Citroen van that has been customised and fitted out to cater for good times.

“The idea formulated many years ago from wanting to make better use of our amazing, underutilised lakeside areas,” said champagne-lover and owner Pamela Fizz.

For the past three years over spring and summer, the van has been popping up all over picturesque Canberra locations, serving a carefully curated and exciting line-up of champagne, prosecco and local sparkling wines by the glass and bottle. For those who prefer their drinks without the fizz, there is also an ever-changing range of wines, beers and ciders to enjoy along with a selection of gourmet snacks.

“While we are all about the bubbles we will also feature a delightful spring-inspired organic range of wines just released from the Tumbarumba, NSW region,” revealed Pam.

After being in hibernation for winter, the House of Bubbles is launching its very chic return for the season on Sunday, 20 September from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm with its first session at Yarralumla Dog Park. The van will be fully stocked, with a selection of tables and chairs set up along with scattered picnic rugs to sit and enjoy un verre de champagne.

To stay up to date on the House of Bubbles pop up locations and times, visit their Facebook page.

The Pop Inn

The Pop Inn has won hearts and awards for its architecturally designed boutique wine bar on wheels. With sleek black lines and stylish interior fit-out, owner Kimberley Ohayon wanted to create a unique and sophisticated experience and worked with DJAS, a local architect firm on the bespoke creation.

“The inspiration was born out of a desire to have a small, vibrant and unique environment for Canberrans to enjoy quality wine while also bringing to life some of the beautiful parks, lakes and green places around Canberra. It was originally about activating new locations, taking advantage of Canberra’s natural beauty but bringing an element of surprise and delight to customers who wouldn’t expect to find an architecturally designed wine bar there,” Kimberley explained.

Since launching in 2017, The Pop Inn has been delighting all who visit with a menu focused on locally sourced wine and food.

“We aim to showcase great local, Canberra District Wines but we also include wines from Australia’s best and up and coming wine regions. We have a small but changing selection of wines. We like to mix things up to give our customers new wines to taste and new varieties to try as well. Our food menu is all sourced from local providers including Mart Deli in Fyshwick and Four Bee Meats in Queanbeyan.”

With spring and the warmer weather, The Pop Inn is entering their busy season and you will find them popping up each weekend in a new location along with participating in Floriade Nightfest, activations in Haig Park, and as part of Design Canberra Festival. Visit The Pop Inn website for full dates and locations.

Spritz & Co

Bringing their love of Aperitivos and the good life from their homeland, Italian husband and wife team Alice Anzanello and Gabriel Volpato launched Spritz & Co in May last year. It is Australia’s very first pop up bar specialising in authentic Spritzes.

What is a Spritz? It is a refreshing effervescent Italian wine-based cocktail made with prosecco, a bitter liqueur like Aperol, and soda water.

“Spritzes are happy and colourful drinks that bring people together,” said Alice.

“The menu we offer is in line with today’s offerings that you would find in the Veneto region of Italy, and by that, I don’t mean the touristy spots, but the real deal, where the locals go! Our offering includes four spritzes with a choice of different bitters of either Campari, Aperol, Select, or Cynar.

“We also stock premium boutique wines and small-batch produced craft beers, all sourced and imported directly by us from family-owned and run small businesses – exactly the ones you would drink if you were holidaying in Italy!”

You can find Spritz & Co bringing Italian colour and vibrancy in a glass at popular markets and events along with corporate and private functions. To stay up to date with where to find them next follow the Spritz & Co Facebook page.