Celebrating five years in the fine dining game is always an impressive milestone, but it's particularly impressive in a post-pandemic world.

Clinton McIver, owner-chef of Armadale's Amaru, not only celebrates that milestone this March, but in April he is also expanding, opening a wine bar just across the street with a focus on grower champagnes and a snack menu following the fine diner's philosophy.

Appellation was previously Wine 1160. Iva Foschia is behind the extensive redesign, which will include a private dining room upstairs and feature custom-made local ceramics and hand-blown glass.

Amaru sommelier and venue manager Jenna Philpott (ex-Dinner by Heston Blumenthal) is backing the list of grower champagnes with interesting wines from Australian producers with a similar small-scale ethos.

The menu will include bites similar to those served at the start of the restaurant degustation, plus more bar-friendly dishes such as fresh raw seafood, smoked kangaroo sliders, boudin blanc hot dogs with native plum, and ice-cream sundaes using seasonal produce.

Appellation is due to open in April at 1160 High Street, Armadale, appellationwinebar.com.au.