Canberra's new wine bar Avenue C opens in Campbell

Canberra's newest wine bar is Avenue C, where you can pop down for a glass of wine and a plate of charcuterie - or take a bottle home with you.

It's the brainchild of Peter and Rachel Bell. A sommelier and wine buyer, Peter Bell works for the CoCu Group and wine merchants Bibendum while Rachel has experience in hospitality and training ("she's the backbone of the business," Peter reckons).

They're set to open Avenue C Wine Co on Thursday, August 18, in the new development at Campbell on Constitution Avenue - a sunlit spot around the corner from The Pedlar pub.

The striking centrepiece here is the bar, which is clad entirely in pieces taken from wine crates, each piece stamped or carved with the names and seals of winemakers.

Avenue C is a wine bar and shop. You can browse the shelves on one side of the room for a great wine, or grab a little packet of charcuterie to go with it. If you like something, you can buy the bottle and sit down to drink it. (There are also some beers and spirits but they're for takeaway rather than drinking at the bar.)

"Essentially it's all retail priced wine. Add $20 to it and sit down and drink it. People come in, browse, take something home or take something and sit down," Peter Bell says.

Or you can check out the "chalkboard" which will feature three sparklings, half a dozen reds and whites and a special wine, all sold by the glass.

There will be pressed sandwiches, platters of cured meats, and more on the menu. "It's still a work in progress, we've got lots of charcuterie, lots of cheese, lots of things on the press," he says.

Avenue C will open from 10am to 10pm, serving up coffees and sandwiches during the day (and wine if that strikes your fancy), and offering post-work glasses of wine. There'll also be scope for wine tastings and events further down the track.

Peter Bell says the wines will be a mix of intriguing bottles from around the world, drawn from his extensive experience as a buyer and wholesaler. While local winemakers are certainly part of Avenue C (he's popped open a bottle of Hamish Young's new Mada Wines for the photoshoot), the Bells will also be showcasing the world.

"We're not going down any one niche path other than really great wine. The wine has to be good. There's going to be a lot of Australian wine, and wines from elsewhere as well... so if people want to try a mersault from Benjamin Leroux they can," Peter Bell says.

Avenue C Wine Co is set to open on August 18 at 65 Constitution Avenue, Campbell. See facebook.com/avenuecwineco.

Know a new venue in Canberra? Email us food.wine@canberratimes.com.au