Proud Henry Wine Bar & Ginoteca – A Boozy Wonderland with Old-World Charm and Modern Mischief
Address: 153 Wickham Street, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006
Phone: 0414 635 213
Website: proudhenry.com.au
If Fortitude Valley is Brisbane’s playground, then Proud Henry Wine Bar & Ginoteca is the magical garden where grown-ups go to flirt with flavour, court a cocktail, and maybe even get a little lost among the vines—both figuratively and literally.
Nestled in a heritage-listed building (read: charming as heck) on Wickham Street, Proud Henry is equal parts vintage speakeasy, gin-soaked daydream, and sophisticated wine sanctuary. It’s the kind of place where you feel instantly cooler just by walking in the door—no glitter dress code required.
First Impressions: Alice in Booze-Land
From the outside, Proud Henry looks like your average charming old-world haunt. But step through the doors and you’ll find yourself inside what can only be described as a bohemian botanist’s dream. Picture velvet chairs, antique chandeliers, lush indoor greenery, dark wooden finishes, and old bookshelves that look like they’ve seen more secrets than your group chat.
It’s the perfect vibe for dates that turn into deep conversations, solo sips with a book, or group gatherings where at least one person ends up ordering way too many rounds of gin (bless their soul).
Gin-Spiration Like Nowhere Else
Let’s address the gin-slinging elephant in the room: Proud Henry boasts over 280 gins. Yes, two-hundred-and-eighty. From London drys and local Aussie botanicals to out-there infusions with hibiscus, lavender, seaweed, or citrus you didn’t know existed—if you can imagine it, they probably have it.
Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t stress. The bartenders at Proud Henry are part mixologist, part mind-reader. Just tell them what you’re vibing—spicy, floral, crisp, boozy—and they’ll slide a custom G&T your way like it was made for your taste buds alone.
Signature faves include:
• The ‘French Kiss’ – a delicate mix of lavender gin, elderflower tonic and fresh lemon. Smooth, romantic, and just a little dangerous.
• The ‘Valley Botanist’ – with gin infused with native Aussie herbs, cucumber ribbon, and pepperberry tonic. Wild and wonderfully complex.
• Build-Your-Own G&T – choose your gin, your tonic, and your garnish. Warning: highly addictive and great for competitive couples.
If you’re not a gin fanatic yet, you will be. Trust us. Resistance is futile.
Wines With Wisdom
But don’t let the “Ginoteca” part steal the whole show. Proud Henry also rocks a carefully curated wine list with selections from Australia, Europe, and boutique international producers. Whether you’re in the mood for a crisp French Sauvignon, a bold Barossa Shiraz, or a cheeky Spanish Tempranillo, their collection hits all the right notes.
And just like their gin approach, the wine service is friendly, fun, and refreshingly un-snobby. The kind of place where you can mispronounce “Gewürztraminer” without judgment (and still be handed a fabulous glass of it with a smile).
The Menu: Sophisticated Snacking
You can’t drink all that deliciousness without something to soak it up, and Proud Henry delivers gourmet bites that punch well above their weight.
The food menu is tapas-style—perfect for sharing (or not, no judgment)—and includes local cheeses, charcuterie, olives, and rotating seasonal goodies. Some highlights:
• Baked Camembert with rosemary and garlic, served warm and gooey with sourdough—basically fondue’s hotter, classier cousin.
• Truffle salami and a trio of Australian cheeses with quince paste—because every sip of wine deserves a delicious dance partner.
• Marinated heirloom olives – salty, rich, and absurdly addictive.
• Duck rillette with pickles – rich, silky, and the ultimate wine sidekick.
Their platters are legendary. You haven’t lived until you’ve shared a Proud Henry cheese and charcuterie board with a few mates and an unreasonable amount of gin.
Hidden Courtyards & Even Better Secrets
One of Proud Henry’s best-kept secrets? The hidden courtyard out back—lush, leafy, and the ultimate oasis from the Valley’s chaos. It’s a little slice of European heaven tucked behind a Queensland façade. On warm nights, the courtyard hums with good vibes, candlelight, and the clink of ice against glass.
Regulars will tell you that this is where the magic happens—birthday toasts, low-key date nights, and occasionally, spontaneous dance moves once the gin kicks in.
The BrisVegas Wrap-Up
Proud Henry is a bar that truly lives up to its name. It’s bold. It’s unique. It’s proud of its massive gin collection, its charming wine list, and its unmistakable old-world character. It doesn’t try to be trendy—it simply is.
Whether you’re after a low-lit escape, a new favourite gin, or a wine-fuelled night of laughter and tapas, this Fortitude Valley icon delivers it all with flair and just the right amount of cheek.
In a city that’s constantly chasing the next big thing, Proud Henry knows that sometimes, the best nights happen somewhere timeless. And in true BrisVegas style, it’s all a little bit extra—in the best possible way.