The place is already turning heads in Port Adelaide, and it’s not just because of the fresh paint and the clink of glasses behind the bar. The old First Commercial Hotel has officially reopened as Port & Vine, and locals haven’t wasted a second getting through the doors.
With a transformation that feels both polished and personal, the venue is already shaping up to be the new go-to for after-work wines, Friday knock-offs and long, easy weekends.
For owners Samantha Hirniak, Adam Vonthethoff and Darren Pearce, bringing Port and Vine to life feels like coming home. Samantha, a proud Port Adelaide local, knows the area like the back of her hand, while Adam and Darren bring a wealth of hospitality experience from some of Adelaide’s best-known venues.
“It’s been a sprint over the last month, and we couldn’t have done it without the amazing support of all our trade partners and suppliers,” they said.
“To see it come to life, right here in Port Adelaide, feels incredibly special.”
Hospitality veteran Adam Vonthethoff has brought his decades of experience to the table too, helping steer the venue’s vision from early sketches to opening night.
One thing’s already clear — Port & Vine is striking a chord. On opening weekend, the place was buzzing, and the wine cellar was a crowd favourite from the start.
Tucked behind the bar is a walk-in room packed with more than 300 wines from South Australia, across the country and a few treasures from further afield. About 70 per cent of the wines are local, but the team is already fielding suggestions from guests keen to see even more favourites on the shelves. A rotating selection is poured by the glass every day, meaning there’s always something new to discover.
The food has been just as much of a talking point. Chef Luke’s menu is all about relaxed, generous dishes that pair perfectly with a bottle.
Think spiced zucchini fritters with goat curd, grilled tiger prawns with confit garlic butter, and southern fried chicken with buffalo sauce. The charcuterie and cheese selections are built for sharing, while hearty pub classics like schnitzels, burgers and salt and pepper squid keep the locals happy.
The team is already calling the poke bowl with chicken a must-try, and there’s a molten chocolate pudding on the dessert menu that’s getting a serious workout too.
Of course, Port & Vine hasn’t forgotten its roots. The sports bar is back in action, complete with Foxtel and TAB, and pulling in a steady crowd for AFL, NRL and everything in between.
Guests from the nearby Quest apartments have already made it their weekend spot, and the vibe is shaping up to be lively without losing that laid-back Port feel.
Upstairs is still getting its final polish, but live music and private functions are on the cards, with sweeping views of the lighthouse and the harbour ready to set the backdrop. They have already booked their first two functions without even putting the word out yet, a sign of the excitement surrounding the venue’s new chapter.
The community response has been everything the team hoped for and more.
“It’s great to wander around and hear old stories about the pub and meet new faces too,” Samantha said.
“Being part of the Port community again means so much to us. We’ve been blown away by the support.”
Port & Vine isn’t just a new coat of paint on a local favourite, it’s where old stories meet new memories. It’s a full-hearted return to form, with good wine, good food and a whole lot of Port Adelaide spirit poured into every corner.
Port & Vine
Where: 29-31 Commercial Rd, Port Adelaide
When: 7 days
For more information, click here.
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