The best wine bars in Melbourne

From basement cellars to tiny taverns, Melbourne has the wine bar experience on tap. You’ll find your favourite tipple in this cherry-picked selection.

Arnold’s

Every little neighbourhood needs a local wine bar and Arnold’s fits the bill. Located in  Kensington at 192 Bellair St, this spot is your go-to for a glass of red in a chilled-out setting. Take a seat at the bar and chat to the staff while you enjoy your drop. Or get a group together and order a bottle while you graze on a long lunch. There are the usual wine bar bites like oysters and olives with jalapenos. The rest of the menu focuses on seasonal dishes with fresh ingredients so ask your waiter for their recommendations if you need a hand deciding.

Aster Cocktail and Wine

Take a detour down Tattersalls Lane next time you’re in Chinatown, pass Section8 and look for a little door leading up to this moody wine bar. Here you'll find Aster Cocktail and Wine – a cosy hangout with a relaxed atmosphere. Drinks-wise you can’t go wrong with a glass of fizzy pet nat or why not share a bottle of King Valley shiraz? And to compliment your drop, ask the staff about the cheese and charcuterie of the day.

Bear’s Wine Bar

Tucked inside an 1860s terrace in North Melbourne, Bear’s Wine Bar is as charming as they come. The 37-seat venue features exposed brick walls, timber floors and soft lighting, creating a warm and intimate atmosphere. The wine list has been carefully curated to highlight a small line-up of producers. Pair your glass of vino with share plates like fancy potato cakes with caviar, roast cauliflower with smoked almond and spanner crab and prawn crumpets.  

Sunhands 

From the team behind Heartattack and Vine comes another cute wine bar. Find Sunhands on a sun-soaked Carlton corner and make it your new local. Swing by during aperitivo hour to sample the local wine list and compliment your beverage with tasty and sharable snacks. The menu is seasonal and everchanging, so have a chat to the waiter about what's on offer.

Vinesmith City Cellar Door

Calling all wine connoisseurs – there's a new cellar door and wine bar in town. The team at Vinesmith sure know their cuvée from their brut. Start with an expert tasting at the cellar door and try an award-winning range from Blue Pyrenees and Glenlofty Estates. Feeling peckish? Take a seat in the upstairs bistro and enjoy a bite to eat. Order French-inspired dishes like beef tartare with oyster cream and duck terrine with pear. Before you leave, make sure you have a good look through the impressive wine shop for a take-home bottle. 

Patsy's 

An entirely vegetarian wine bar has opened its stunning Art Deco doors near the Vic Market. Elevated veggie dishes are each inspired by wine regions at Patsy's. Feast on the fanciest empanadas this side of Spain. Then rendezvous in Northern Italy with Lombardian black rice risotto. Finish on liquid desserts like the coffee cocktail. And take note of the two course lunch with a glass of wine for $60.

Commune Wine

A glass of wine with a pretty view? Chef's kiss! Located on the banks of the Yarra river, Commune Wine is the our pick for a place to unwind and watch the world go by. If you’re lucky, nab a table on the balcony. Then study the extensive wine list featuring everything from Italian moscato and South Australian riesling to French rosé Champagne and Spanish tempranillo. Don’t skip the food menu featuring highlights like chicken parfait with roasted peach, swimmer crab risotto and zucchini salad with whipped ricotta.

V Wine Salon 

Part boutique wine bar, part provedore. V Wine Salon is a French-inspired wine and cheese haven with a firm focus on sustainability. Pick your favourite bottle from the wall to take home, or sit and savour it in the bar. Add a plate of charcuterie from small-scale producers and make a date with the cheese trolley. Choose from a curated selection of gourmet fromage, perfectly paired with wines from around the globe. 

Willows & Wine 

What goes better with wine than cheese? A good book! You get the trifecta at Willows & Wine, a West Melbourne favourite. Potent and virgin cocktails also join the menu, along with beer. Books can be purchased, board games are available, and bites include mushroom pâté and feta with lavosh. Small or large share boards come with cheese and/or salumi. 

City Wine Shop 

At the City Wine Shop, you choose a bottle from the wall of wines, then drink it at the bar. Or outside at a pavement table from noon to midnight. Food is brought in from the European next door, and crosses several borders as you’d expect. Try standouts like baked scallops, chicken schnitzel with Italian coleslaw or keep it simple with a steak du jour.

Gracie

Tiny but mighty, Gracie is a must-try wine and sake bar on Hardware Lane. With high ceilings and stunning interiors, it’s the perfect place for post-dinner drinks or a romantic date. Start with a glass of French champagne. Then chose local favourites like the Heathcote tempranillo, King Valley chilled red or Yarra Valley pinot gris. Or venture out and try something from the sake menu. Japanese-inspired bar snacks are on offer if you’re feeling peckish. Sample share plates like prawn and shitake wontons, karage with siracha mayo and yuzu mayo fries. 

Myrtle 

Enjoy Australian wines paired with native produce in a warm and inviting space at Myrtle Wine Bar. A newcomer to Warburton Lane, the two-storey space is beautifully rustic. The menu here is rather impressive as well. Dive into a plate of char-grilled Western Australian octopus with spring bay mussels. And savour lamb with smoked eggplant purée. Then finish with sweet treats like the chocolate soufflé with plum ice cream.

Bijou 

Atmospheric bottle store Bijou serves wine by the glass until the wee hours. The candlelit shelves are laden with boutique labels from near and far. Ease the imbibing with delectable morsels on hand. Soak up sardines and port parfait with chunks of baguette, or order a substantial cheese plate. Before you know it, you’ll be best friends with your neighbours in this intimate drinking den.

Life's Too Short Bar 

Wander down a hidden East Melbourne arcade to discover this delightful date night spot. Starting its life as a cellar in 1854, Life's Too Short has since grown into a sweet little bar serving vintage wines, bespoke cocktails and global cheese selections. The venue hosts regular events, drink-pairing sessions, wine tastings and even a boutique alcohol distillery on premises. See what's coming up at Life's Too Short.