Bear’s Wine Bar

“First let’s get this straight - Bear’s Wine Bar has nothing to do with the TV show The Bear! It’s named after my wife Sarah, as Bear is her nickname,” laughs Nathan Schofield, co-founder of North Melbourne’s newest wine bar.

Located in a heritage building dating back to 1860, Bear’s is a wine-focused space brimming with warmth, friendliness and exceptional wines.

Nathan’s professional experience is steeped in wine. “I studied viticulture and oenology and grew grapes in the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale,” he shares. “Then I moved to Melbourne and took on the role as a sommelier at Supernormal.”

The idea for Bear’s came after Nathan’s mother-in-law tipped him off about the Queensberry Street property being up for sale. He immediately saw the potential for a neighbourhood wine bar that would reflect the community’s warmth and inclusivity.

Bringing that vision to life was a team effort. Together with Austin Kangket, Nathan’s old colleague, friend and a hospitality pro with over a decade of experience, they opened Bear’s Wine Bar.

“Nathan had the wine knowledge, and I brought the management background,” Austin explains. Together, they created a blueprint for Bear’s: a welcoming spot grounded in a passion for good food and wine, great hospitality and a deep connection to the local community. “We’re trying our best to be as authentic as possible and to do right by the people around us,” says Austin.

Step inside Bear’s Wine Bar, and you’ll feel the love and care that went into creating the space. From the green accents inspired by British pubs to the cosy decor, everything has a personal touch.

“We didn’t have a designer,” Nathan admits. “My wife and I painted everything ourselves.” That hands-on spirit extends to the daily operations, where both founders are deeply involved. Nathan jokes, “It’s hard not to be working in the business when you live upstairs!”

The wine list celebrates small producers and unique varietals from all around the world. It’s designed to encourage exploration without intimidation.

“We want people to feel like they can try something new and not worry about ‘getting it wrong’,” Nathan says.

Along with the wine, the food menu by chef Gareth Thomson features 'nostalgic Australian’ dishes that complement the wines without stealing the spotlight.

“We didn’t want to go all-out with the Australiana theme,” explains Austin. “But we did want to have fun with our interpretation of iconic Australia snacks like a potato scallop.”
Food and wine aside, community is at the heart of Bear’s. Nathan and Austin want to cultivate a space where patrons—many of them their neighbours—feel like family. “North Melbourne’s wide streets and historic charm remind me of growing up in Adelaide,” Nathan reflects. “We’ve worked hard to keep the feeling of a small country town in the middle of the city.”

For those who haven’t yet experienced Bear’s Wine Bar, the invitation is open: pull up a chair, sip a great glass of wine or just stop for a chat, and make yourself at home.

Nathan sums up their vision for Bear’s perfectly: “We want to take the pretentiousness out of wine—we just want people to come in and drink some fun stuff with us. This place is for the people.”

Words by Joyce Watts & Photography by Anna Encio