Just Open: Deano's Wine Bar and Tapas, Paddington

It's a common complaint – venues with not enough by-the-glass choices for people who don't want to commit to a bottle.

Paddington wine lovers have no such problem with a new neighbour, Deano's Wine Bar & Tapas. The wine bar opened last week and offers 64 wines by the glass. Thanks to eight Enomatic machines which preserve opened bottles of wine, customers don't have to settle for one or two glasses, but can pour a tasting glass, a half glass or full glass of their wine of choice.

It's self-service, with cards charged with amounts from $10. A tasting glass (25ml) is priced from $1.40 to $3, a half glass $4-$6 and a full glass $8-$12. Customers can keep their cards and use the credit on subsequent visits.

The wine list has a strong Australian focus with a couple of New Zealand, Italian and French drops, but owner Dean Gamblin​ says the offerings will change monthly and will take on a theme or focus on a particular region.

Formerly a paramedic, this is Gamblin's first hospitality venture.

"It's a bit left field getting into hospitality but I'd seen a concept like this in New Zealand a few years ago and thought it was a good business opportunity," he says.

Gamblin took over the space vacated by the short-lived Affinity restaurant, before that for many years Simpatico. He says that he has been lucky to not have to do much to the space, which seats about 50, aside from a bit of a paint job.

Food, as the per the name, is tapas style with share-friendly menu items such as pan-fried prawns with garlic and lime-infused oil; grilled shredded beef cheek with toasted bread; and charcuterie and cheese platters.

Open Thu-Sun 4pm-midnight.

2 Latrobe Terrace, Paddington, 07 3876 4151, deanoswinebar.com.au