We're a Melbourne community built on good books, good wine, and even better conversation.

so what’s the go?

Spilt Wine Book Club started in early 2023 with a simple idea: to create a book club that felt social, relaxed and fun.

I first tried to get it off the ground with friends, but when that didn't quite pan out, I took it to the wider community instead. A sign-up sheet went up at the bar where I was working, and from there, our little book club was born.

I kept the meetings running month after month, and slowly watched the community grow. Three years on, we've gone from a small group to ticketed events, sold-out sessions and a whole lot more people around the table. But the idea has stayed pretty simple: bring people together over a good book, a glass of wine and a conversation.

No literary qualifications required, no pressure to have the “right” opinion, and definitely no need to take yourself too seriously.

meet the founder

hiii, I'm Mel!!

The person behind Spilt Wine Book Club (and Spilt Crime Book Club, and half of Club Vino, if we're keeping count).

By day, I work as a research consultant and bookseller. I also studied criminal justice at uni, which probably explains the true crime obsession (and ofc the Spilt Crime Book Club).

The rest of the time, I'm reading, drinking wine, or trying to figure out how many chairs actually fit at a table at ReWine. I'm a mood reader through and through, memoir one week, psych thriller the next, or a classic I've been meaning to get to. And sometimes I’ll be reading all three at once!

For over three years now, I've been turning up each month with my book and a glass of wine, whether there's a packed room waiting for me or just a handful of people. Somewhere along the way, those regular nights became a little community that I am so blessed to be a part of.

Earlier this year, my friend Jordy and I started Club Vino, a wine tasting series that's just as casual and unpretentious as book club. Think good wine, good company, no fuss.

Mostly, I just like creating an excuse for people to get together, have a drink, talk about something they love and hopefully leave knowing a few more people than they did when they arrived.

what our members say

  • I really enjoy hearing all the different perspectives on the book and trying books that I wouldn’t normally pick for myself. Love the format, it’s a really welcoming set up, and also the fact it’s got wine!

    — Emma

  • Everyone is so lovely and so keen to discuss the books! There’s always such a great range of opinions and thoughtful questions. I’ve tried a few different book clubs I found through social media and Spilt Wine has by far been my favourite. Really welcoming, great choice of books and just generally a good vibe always.

    — Jane

  • The fact that you're strict on keeping the size of the group small is really good for the conversation. I feel like everyone always gets a chance to speak and we always have such good conversations. The space is really nice too. And you ask really good questions. It's fun when you speak to the authors as well and include them.

    — Rosie

  • Book clubs with Mel are so much fun. She curates such a great atmosphere and everyone is so friendly. I'm so happy I've found this book club and I look forward to it every month!

    — Jay

  • I really enjoy the general vibe, connecting with people over books, the wine bar setting, good discussions! I think mostly [I was nervous] around sharing my opinion on a book with a bunch of strangers but everyone was welcoming and friendly!

    — Julia

  • Mel does an amazing job at hosting and really makes the conversation flow easily especially for those who come alone.

    — Book club member

  • The vibes! So wholesome, everyone is like minded and open and I love being able to have drinkies and chat books. Meeting new people is always a little nervy but I was at ease pretty much straight away because the format is so simple but effective- I would say it’s really non-intimidating and welcoming and the venues are always perfect for a relaxed vibe

    — Book club member

  • Mel provides a relaxed welcoming- yet very organised space - and has a talent & ability to provide great format for discussion- highly engaged participants- with a combination of deep dives into the books pro’s & con’s great mix of not taking it all to seriously lots more of laughs - really love the diverse range of books. Participating in Mel’s book group has opened a whole new literary platform.

    — Sharon

  • Always friendly and inclusive, love meeting new people and making friends

    — Rachel

  • The awesome community of people who attend - Split Wine attracts so many cool, interesting people (no doubt due Mel being both cool and awesome!)

    — Leah

  • You’ve curated a great friendly vibe. It feels like a good mix of being able to chat about books but also not so serious that there can’t be segues into other things. I was a little nervous just because it was a new group and the last book club I joined wasn’t so welcoming.

    — Jacob