Benchmark is a large and modern space in the middle of the city, decked out with timber and glass panelling and bathed in natural light. There are some good wine lists to be discovered in Canberra, but the one at Benchmark is truly exceptional. There’s a staggering choice of styles, vintages and regions, but the really great news for both the connoisseurs and the curious is that around 100 of them are available by the glass.
Plenty of wine is best enjoyed with plenty of food, so Benchmark has three menus to choose from depending on your appetite; order all-day snacks from the bar, have lunch or dinner to the tune of the a la carte menu or tackle the five course degustation. French chef Laurent Rospar masterfully handles European flavours in a seasonal menu of simple, well constructed dishes. Starters may include a ragout of Queensland scallops and artichokes tossed with angel hair pasta, followed by roasted eye-fillet with a trio of peppers and sweet potato gratin. Sweet-tooths should head for the mango and passionfruit trifle (served with a selection of melon liqueurs if the wine hasn’t gotten to you yet), or if you’re still going on your Gewurztraminer and Beaujolais, try out the excellent cheese platter for two.

4000 points AUD

Benchmark Wine Bar is a large and modern space in the middle of the city, decked out with timber and glass panelling and bathed in natural light. There are some good wine lists to be discovered in Canberra, but the one at Benchmark is truly exceptional. This is a $50 Gift certificate.

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