Unleash Your Inner Sommelier at the Best Wine Bars in Melbourne

Swirl, sniff, sip, repeat—welcome to Melbourne’s golden age of wine bars! With restaurant-worthy snacks and bold sommeliers championing natural wines and funky pét-nats, these spots are redefining how we drink.

From the buzzing inner city to the 'burbs of north, east, west, and south, we’ve uncorked the best wine bars in Melbourne, ready for your next grape-fuelled adventure. Cheers!

Earth Angels Bar

West Melbourne’s Earth Angels isn’t just a bar—it’s a heartbeat, a scene, a love letter to the city’s creative undercurrent. Jazz nights, market days, fashion pop-ups, even a chess club—it’s all happening here, wrapped in a haven-like setting with a sun-drenched courtyard. Chef Narit Kimsat plays by no rulebook, crafting a menu that’s bold, local, and wildly satisfying. The dry-aged duck pa-lo with tea egg and duck fat fried rice? A revelation. Keep an eye on their socials—this spot is constantly reinventing itself, and you won’t want to miss a beat.

225-229 Victoria Street, West Melbourne

Whitebark Wine

Whitebark is a tiny, unpretentious wine bar in West Melbourne where warmth, community, and fantastic local produce come together. The vibe is casual, with a small menu highlighting sustainable meats, like kangaroo tartare and dairy cow steak in pepperberry sauce. The rotating wine list is a love letter to Victorian, Australian and New Zealender producers, and the dishes let the ingredients do the talking. It’s not super fancy, but that’s what makes it special. Cosy up, sip local wines, and savour the kind of food that makes you feel right at home.

313 Victoria Street, West Melbourne 

Myrtle Wine Bar

Myrtle Wine Bar is a standout in Melbourne’s CBD, offering a killer selection of wines from smaller Australian producers alongside a menu that delivers bold, flavour-packed dishes. From the addictive mushroom pâté to the tender lamb blade and juicy steak, the food never misses. The space, a converted blacksmith's workshop, exudes a cool, effortless vibe with its high ceilings, eclectic decor, and vinyl soundtrack. It’s the perfect spot to settle in, sip local wines, and indulge in some of the city’s best casual dining. Don’t skip the craft cocktails either—they’re next level.

15 Warburton Lane, Melbourne

No. 100 Flinders Lane 

No. 100 Flinders Lane is a sophisticated yet laid-back wine bar that blends modern Lebanese-inspired cuisine with Australian flair. The atmosphere effortlessly balances high-end elegance with playful deli vibes, creating a space that’s perfect for any occasion. Share dishes like the smoked eggplant with tarator and fried shallots, or the spiced rice with shredded roast duck and toasted nuts. Alternatively, let the head chef take the reins with the “leave it to us” menu. The sleek, striking design offers a feast for both the eyes and the tastebuds. 

100 Flinders Lane, Melbourne 

Lumen People

Lumen People is a coffee-to-wine bar haven, celebrating seasonal ingredients and the growers behind them. Its sunlit charm transitions effortlessly from day to night. Expect dishes like persimmon with labne, Albrohos Island scallops with nduja, and their must-try 'Three Bites of Pasta'—handmade spaghetti with Goolwa Pipis and brown butter. Pair it with an eclectic wine list featuring Australian and European standouts.

Sitchu Tip: Watch Instagram (@lumenpeople) for guest chef events!

Shop 2a/520 Victoria Street, North Melbourne

Patsy's

Patsy's is where old-school art deco charm meets the bold, sun-soaked flavours of the northern Mediterranean. Hiding in a 1930s Spanish Mission-style building near Queen Victoria Market, this meat-free haven is a feast for the eyes and the tastebuds. The atmosphere is cosy, laid-back, and stylish, perfect for those moments when you want something a bit special but without any of the fuss. The menu rolls out seasonal, fresh dishes from their own market garden, with wine pairings that take you from Portugal to Slovenia.

213 Franklin Street, Melbourne 

Embla

This dark, wood-lined CBD wine bar is as sophisticated as it is laid-back, abuzz every night of the week with colleagues, friends and lovers enjoying thought-provoking wines and A-grade plates out of the wood-fired oven. Embla's self-described “slightly weird” list leans natural and small producer, while their famed roast chicken with whole garlic cloves is worth the visit alone. It's one of the best wine bars in Melbourne, without question. 

122 Russell Street, Melbourne

City Wine Shop

Looking directly across at grand old Parliament House is a small, intimate wine bar that’s a small slice of Europe. Loved for its classic yet casual charm, City Wine Shop is happy to let you go your own speed – whether you choose a bottle from the shelf or go by the glass, snack on oysters or plunge into spaghetti meatballs, a good time is always in store. It's also a bit of a institution at this point, making it one of the more essential wine bars in Melbourne to pull up a seat in. 

159 Spring Street, Melbourne

Malin

Malin is a keeper, another wine bar darling that slots perfectly into the Rathdowne set. It effortlessly combines French elegance with splashes of African influence and a pinch of NYC spirit. The menu, crafted by French chef Clement Pilatre, dazzles with dishes like a tender ballotine of chicken infused with ras el-hanout, paired with eggplant puree. Inventive bites like oysters with beef tartare and caviar, or a cauliflower tartlet, keep things exciting. The carefully curated wine list showcases up-and-coming producers, while the cocktails capture the best of classic NYC. With its laid-back yet refined atmosphere, Malin is a new wine bar in Melbourne setting the curve for those craving exceptional food and wine in a relaxed setting.

687 Rathdowne Street, Carlton North

Rocket Society

Rocket Society Wine Bar is a bold, trailblazing addition to Brunswick East, where Lebanese heritage collides with daring innovation. Helmed by the Abboud duo of Rumi fame, this spot is as much about community as it is about flavour. From the mouthwatering flatbread sandwiches named after 1960s rockets to communal dinners featuring charcoal-grilled lamb and sweetbread skewers, every moment here feels like a culinary adventure. The carefully crafted wine list spans continents, while cocktails pay tribute to exploration. With its mid-century meets modern vibe, Rocket Society is the place to be—good food, good drinks, good company. What more do you need?

2 Village Avenue, Brunswick East 

Waxflower

Are you a music lover? Waxflower is your perfect destination—a stylish fusion of European wine bar and Japanese listening space. With thousands of vinyl records lining the walls, the music sets the tone as you sip on natural wines and savour a seasonal mix of European and Peruvian-inspired share plates. Every dish feels in tune with the vibe, while the smooth sounds of minimal intervention wines pair beautifully with the clink of glasses and the irresistible glug of another pour. It’s the kind of place where the atmosphere and the food are in perfect harmony.

153 Weston Street, Brunswick

Bar Rosella

Bar Rosella is no ordinary wine bar or Italian eatery—it’s a slice of Puglia in Fitzroy, packed with character. The rustic pasta, melt-in-your-mouth meats, and seafood are unapologetically Pugliese, while the spaghetti all’assassina—spicy, saucy, and sensational—steals the show. The vibe is intimate, with family photos and Puglia cookbooks hanging around, grounding you in its rich history. Add an exclusive selection of small-batch wines from Victorian and Italian producers, and you’ve got the full experience. It’s a place that serves stories and soul.

229 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy

Public Wine Shop

179 St Georges Road, Fitzroy North

Neighbourhood Wine

Neighbourhood Wine is one of those wine bars in Melbourne that has a way of making you feel like you've stumbled into something special without even trying. Warm, polished, and effortlessly cool, it draws you in with its vibe. The wine list is stacked, of course, but it’s the retro atmosphere that steals the show.

Picture rustic floorboards creaking underfoot, dimly lit rooms humming with energy, ceiling fans lazily spinning overhead, and candle-lit tables perfect for a quiet date or a night out with stories to share. Behind the bar, a long wood counter welcomes you, while the air crackles with '50s and '60s jazz and blues records on high rotation.

1 Reid Street, Fitzroy North

Bar Holiday

This fun little wine bar will immediately whisk you away from everyday reality, starting the moment you step into its casual, convivial vibe and take that first sip of a fragrant Valpolicella or chilled Sangiovese. Along with a cracking wine list, the pasta, frittata and seasonal specials at Bar Holiday will keep you coming back for more, rain or shine. With outdoor seating adding a touch of European summer charm, it’s the perfect spot to round up your besties and enjoy sun-dappled sips come December.

19 Lincoln Square S, Carlton 

Old Palm Liquor

The crew behind Neighbourhood Wine have knocked it out of the park again with Old Palm Liquor, a Lygon Street bar where vintage vibes meet modern charm. Picture panelled timber walls, retro bar stools, and an open fireplace that is prime real estate come winter. There are 12 taps pouring local brews, but it’s the wine list that steals the show, packed with gems from every region, including a solid selection of minimal intervention picks.

The space flows effortlessly into Bahama Gold next door, offering atmospheric bar and dining sections, plus a leafy outdoor area that makes for the perfect chill spot any night of the week. Oh, and don’t skip the mid-week flounder special—it’s a must.

133B Lygon Street, Brunswick East

Carlton Wine Room

Carlton Wine Room isn’t just a wine bar; it’s an institution in Melbourne’s dining scene. Across its multi-storey space, expect modern Australian dishes that fuse European influences, showcasing fresh, seasonal produce in elegant snacks, crudos, and mains. Each dish is crafted to pair perfectly with the ever-changing 100-strong wine list. In warmer months, it’s all about crisp, textural whites; in colder months, reds naturally dominate. Don’t miss the ‘Staff Choice’ bottle—available by the glass but not listed—just ask and dive into something new.. 

172-174 Faraday Street, Carlton

Gerald's Bar

Let us count the ways in which we love Gerald's. The menu? It’s a chaotic masterpiece—somewhere between bistro and tapas, constantly changing, scrawled in chalk on a roll of butcher’s paper. Every visit feels like a new adventure. Their cellar? Over 200 bottles, with enough funky, new-age drops to keep even the most discerning wine snob on their toes. This isn’t just a local spot; it’s where the neighbourhood comes to get a little wild, and something of a Melbourne institution at this point. Don't miss it. 

386 Rathdowne Street, Carlton North

Henry Sugar

Henry Sugar flies under the radar, but it’s the kind of place that hooks you—drawing you back again and again. It’s not out to to be flashy; it simply does what it does best—fun dishes, incredible wine, gorgeous cocktails (the pavlova punch has our heart), and flavours that make you pause and savour.

With Jacob Rutherford now at the helm of the kitchen, the menu plays with bold seasonal flavours and unexpected twists, while the wine list strikes the perfect balance between local gems and international finds. Whether you’re popping in for a drink or settling in for a full meal, the vibe is relaxed, warm, and intimate, quietly securing its spot as one of Melbourne’s finest.

296-298 Rathdowne Street, Carlton North 

Glou

Half bar, half sustainable wine dispensary, Glou in Collingwood is a local favourite that’s just as good for the planet as it is for your palate. Here, you can try before you buy—just take a seat at the timber tasting bar and sample their curated selection of wines. Wines are available exclusively on tap, with takeaway options in 500ml, 1000ml, and 2000ml sizes. Plus, all bottles are designed to be reused, so you can swing by anytime for a cheeky refill.

310 Smith Street, Collingwood 

Marion

A shining jewel in the McConnell crown, Marion’s extensive wine list spans everything from old world classics to bold, boundary-pushing pét-nats. The food? Finely honed, with highlights like whole flounder bathed in garlic butter. Let the expert sommeliers guide you through a vinous journey as you relax in a modern yet cosy dining room or alfresco, where the buzz of Gertrude Street adds to the atmosphere—sun-soaked by day, glowing warmly at night. Marion is our go-to Melbourne wine bar, no matter the occasion.

53 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy

Bar Liberty

With a couple of Attica alumni running the show, would you expect anything less than a fearlessly funky wine list at Bar Liberty, that roves between categories as broad as “energetic whites”, to a specific page dedicated entirely to Piedmontese Nebbiolo. Even non-drinkers and Dry July-ers get a look in with house-made kefir and leatherwood honey soda at this effortlessly cool Fitzroy mainstay.

234 Johnston Street, Fitzroy

The Moon

At this slick Melbourne wine bar-meets-bottleshop, over 300 bottles are at your disposal while an eclectic by-the-glass list jumps between orange verdelhos from Moffatdale and tempranillos from Rioja. The Moon's wine-friendly share plates are just as globe-trotting, so one can expect plenty of sipping and snacking long into the night. 

28A Stanley Street, Collingwood

Gemini 

Hey Coburg, your new local’s here—Gemini. Hiding in a 135-year-old building, this place has all the right energy. Whether you're cracking open a bottle of handpicked wine with mates or grabbing a coffee, this all-day spot is all about good times and great vibes. The snacks are solid (hello, Iris focaccia, buttermilk ricotta and roasted zucchini with preserved lemon and pistachion), the community’s tight, and they’ll even host your next event like a pro. What's not to love? 

158 Sydney Road, Coburg

Olivine

Housed in 170-year-old bluestone surrounds, Olivine is Coburg’s chic wine bar, perfect for a date night with a twist. Set within Pentridge’s former heritage cells, it boasts a stunning walk-in cellar door, intimate booths, and a grazing menu that celebrates local, seasonal produce. The wine list? Over 500 labels, curated by Liinaa Berry and her expert team. From Japanese scallop tarts to house-made chicken liver parfait, every bite and sip is a memorable experience.

1 Pentridge Boulevard, Coburg 

Sunhands

Sunhands is a breath of fresh air in Carlton, where all-day dining meets laid-back vibes. It’s part cafe, part wine bar, part deli, and all heart. With a killer selection of local, seasonal produce, the menu serves up crowd-pleasers like pickled octopus, heaving antipasto, and baked ricotta, with dishes changing based on the week’s best finds. Sip on unique wines by the glass or a classic cocktail, and soak up the last rays of sun. The perfect spot for a lazy afternoon.

169 Elgin Street, Carlton 

Gracie's Wine Room

Gracie's Wine Room was a sensation before it even existed. Founder Kelsey Gaffey took TikTok along for the ride, documenting every step of the build—and by the time the doors finally swung open, the lines were out the door. Inside, it’s all warmth and charm, with records stacked above a DJ booth and a courtyard buzzing with wine-fueled chatter. The menu is tight but perfect—think oysters, spritzes, and focaccia piled with salami, honey, and stracciatella. Get in, grab a glass, and stay a while.

27 Toorak Road, South Yarra

Park Pantry

By day, Park Pantry is a laid-back cafe, but as night falls, it shifts into a vibrant European-style wine bar that feels like you’ve stepped straight into Paris. With a menu inspired by French and European flavours, each dish feels like a love letter to the continent. The wine list, a celebration of European vineyards, makes for perfect pairings, whether you're unwinding after a long day or enjoying an intimate evening. It's the kind of place that feels like it’s been a secret for years—until now. 

119 Park Street, South Yarra

Clover Wine

Clover’s got that effortless charm you can’t fake—like all the best wine bars in France. This light-filled, fire-driven bistro celebrates the simple pleasures: food cooked over flames and wines that tell a story. French-inspired small plates pair perfectly with a killer natural wine list. The courtyard? Pure magic, drenched in sunshine and shade. Pull up a chair, sip a glass (or three), and let the relaxed, joyful vibe take over.

193 Swan Street, Richmond

Lenny's Wine Bar

This charming wine bar in Richmond is the perfect spot for a laid-back post-work drink, a weekend hangout, or a cosy date night. With a no-bookings policy, Lenny’s invites you to walk in, grab a glass of vino, and sink into the relaxed, community atmosphere. The small plates menu is a game-changer, offering delicious bites like burrata with heirloom tomatoes, focaccia, and the fan-favourite 'Everything Plate.'

327 Lennox Street, Richmond

Fraek Vin

Fraek Vin is a relaxed, unpretentious Melbourne wine bar located at the lively intersection of Bridge and Burnley roads in Richmond. Specialising in minimal-intervention wines, the bar offers a fantastic selection of natural, chilled bottles that are perfect for every occasion. Inspired by the owners’ time in Copenhagen, it exudes a laid-back yet inviting vibe, ideal for a post-work tipple. You can also grab a coffee, snack, or bottle to go, with wine and takeaway cheese from Supercheese to make your evening even better.

488 Bridge Road, Richmond

Lilac Wine Bar

Lilac Wine Bar has cemented this pocket of Melbourne as one that’s impossible to ignore, bringing Euro-inspired vino and dishes with a Modern Australian twist to the fore. Housed in a converted warehouse, it even channels retro Brooklyn vibes, complete with vintage interiors and a record spinning in the background. Expect smoky, wood-fired dishes alongside an impressive selection of organic, small-scale local and international wines—from the Adelaide Hills to Burgenland, Austria. The cocktails? Just as thoughtful, like the Lamington, with cherry brandy, spiced coconut liqueur, and cacao.

31 Stephenson Street, Cremorne

Auterra

Auterra is a wine bar in Melbourne that makes you forget the world outside, where the simple pleasures—good food, wine, and company—are all that matter. Step into this slick yet laid-back space and get lost in the finger-licking bites, like Western Australian marron toast with mushroom XO, duck liver parfait served on a buttermilk crumpet with mountain pepper honey, and smoked and cured duck ham that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance. The wine list? It’s a journey through terroirs, a curated collection of bottles that show you just how deep the wine world really goes. If you're serious about wine, this is where you need to be.

1160 High Street, Armadale

Pony 

Word on the street is that Armadale's Pony is the place to lose yourself on those balmy afternoons and evenings, glass of orange wine in hand, or sipping a lush cocktail in sun-dappled alfresco glory. The seasonal dishes? Pure magic. Start with prawns swimming in garlic butter goodness, tuna carpaccio, spicy cucumber fingers with tahini, herb flatbread and smoky skewers, then go all in with a whole chargrilled chicken or a cheeseburger giving gruyere its dues. 

14 Beatty Avenue, Armadale

Alberts Wine Bar

Albert's is a neighbourhood wine bar that feels like it’s been there forever—entrenched in the scenery between idyllic Kings Arcade and Armadale Station, waiting for you to sink into its warm, intimate embrace. Named after Albert Tucker, who once painted this very street, it pours an ever-changing lineup of small-batch wines from around the globe, alongside classic cocktails for the non-wine crowd. The setting? Refined, romantic, effortlessly cool. No special occasion needed—just pull up a chair, pour a glass, and let the night unfold.

17 Morey Street, Armadale 

Bouzy

Bouzy is where you go when you want to eat like royalty and drink like a poet. This Armadale wine bar, designed by David Hicks and curated by Glenn Eagles, is pure indulgence—French bistro charm with a modern edge. Caviar, Champagne, and the kind of wine list that makes sommeliers weep with joy.

Glenn’s hand-picked Penfolds selections? Unmissable. Sit back, sip something exquisite, and let the night stretch long and luxurious. Because sometimes, you deserve to feel deliciously fancy.

976 High Street, Armadale 

Don’s Prahran

Is Don’s, is good—damn right it is. Prahran’s latest haunt is slinging natural wines and snack plates with a touch of mystery. No menu, no rules—just check the ’Gram and roll the dice. Maybe it’s Bloody Mary prawns, maybe it’s pasta on a spoon, but the fried chicken sandwich? That’s a mainstay, and it’s pure indulgence. Pet-nats, skin contact wines, and an easygoing vibe make Don’s the kind of Melbourne wine bar you stumble across and never want to leave. Walk-ins only—just how it should be.

202 Commercial Road, Prahran

Essie Wine Bar 

Essie, a former music school turned neighbourhood wine bar in Malvern, exudes warmth and charm with its American oak tables, exposed brick walls, and inviting courtyard. The floor-to-ceiling wine racks showcase minimal-intervention and small-batch wines from Australia, alongside special old-world drops. Open from day to night, it's the perfect spot for a casual drink and share plates like salmon gravlax and burrata with peach and walnut crumb. Cosy up by the fireplace or enjoy the sun in the courtyard.

35 Station Street, Malvern

The Alps

Find all the cosiness of a Swiss ski lodge at this Melbourne wine bar, where warmth comes from a flickering fireplace, peckishness is solved with salmon gravlax, and honey timber shelves are stacked with both burgundys and biodynamics. They’re open day and night for a talk and a tipple, with regular masterclasses helping you get familiar with their 400-bottle catalogue.

64 Commercial Road, Prahran 

LIPT

LIPT is the neighbourhood wine bar Bentleigh East has been waiting for, blending Italian charm with a laid-back vibe. The $10 and $15 margaritas during happy hour every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday set the tone, while the newly opened courtyard invites you to bask in the sun on warm days and balmy evenings. Inside, it’s all about the art of wine and woodfired pizza, cured meats and burrata, creating a perfect balance of comfort, relaxation, and great taste. It’s a must-try local escape and one of our favourite wine bars in Melbourne right now. 

69 Mackie Road, Bentleigh East

The Walrus Oyster Bar

Step into The Walrus in St Kilda, where the vibrant energy of Melbourne’s food scene meets the laid-back charm of a retro oyster and wine bar. With sunny yellow walls and vinyl spinning, this spot is as much about the vibe as it is about the food. Oysters? Fresh and endless. Bar snacks? Think crayfish crumpets and tinned seafood with a twist. But the wine list is where it really sings—grapes from forgotten corners of the world, like Portugal’s Minho region, giving you a whole new take on seafood pairings. And that dirty martini? A must.

9 Inkerman Street, St Kilda 

Dawn & Mabel's 

St Kilda’s wine bar scene is buzzing right now, with new arrivals like Walrus Oyster Bar and this gem, Dawn & Mabel’s. Hidden within an iconic Art Deco building on Acland Street, it’s a chic yet cosy spot where you can linger over exquisite charcuterie, tapas, and wines from all corners of the globe.

We're partial to the Blame the Fisherman plate: smoked rainbow trout, cured herring, salted sardines, labne, and grilled hot peppers that’ll make your taste buds sing. But the shrimp cocktail drenched in Mabel’s fiery red hot sauce should not be discredited. Don’t leave without asking what’s for dessert.

83 Acland Street, St Kilda 

Wally's 

In one of the dreamiest pockets of the city lies Wally’s, an Albert Park beauty that transports you to a hidden Parisian bistro. The hum of conversation and the clink of glasses fill the air, and as the space glows under warm lighting, its vibrant energy spills onto the pavement. Come summer, the street flickers with crisp white tablecloths, lovers of all ages, and fashionable friends.

The wine book? An absolute treasure trove—curated from every corner of the globe, it’s both a journey and a discovery. Pair it with bold, simple dishes, from snackable bites to larger, shareable plates (their pastas are always a must), and you’ve found a place where every drop and dish is shared amongst good company. 

67 Cardigan Place, Albert Park

WoodsYard 

Classic Melbourne wine bar vibes shine at WoodsYard, a delightful neighbourhood spot found near Albert Park Lake. Their delicious pizzas feature naturally fermented sourdough bases, generously topped with local produce like guanciale, chilli, honey, and buffalo mozzarella, all charred to perfection in a wood oven. Alongside these, you’ll find one of the finest damn cheeseburgers around, as well as tightly executed small plates such as oysters, anchovy toast, and gnocco fritto.

The wine list, stocked with natural, biodynamic, and organic pours, changes almost daily, and they serve up a mean dirty martini too. A true local treasure, and one of our go-to wine bars in Melbourne.

Little Prince Wine

Hidden beneath St Kilda’s beloved The Prince Hotel, Little Prince Wine has a charm to it that makes you want to settle in and never leave. With a European sensibility that whispers of cobblestone streets and dimly lit cellar doors, it’s a wine bar, shop, and deli all rolled into one. Classic Aussie and European wines flow like conversation, complemented by a generous spread of cheese and charcuterie. And, if you’re feeling particularly indulgent, there’s always that rare bottle in the cellar, just waiting to be uncorked. 

Ground Floor, 2 Acland Street, St Kilda

Somm Wine Bar 

Somm Wine Bar isn’t trying to impress you with gimmicks—it doesn’t have to. Tucked away in Cheltenham, it’s the kind of place where the wine does the talking, and trust us, it’s a conversation worth sticking around for. The list is razor-sharp, spanning cult-favourite producers and lesser-known gems, while the vibe is all effortless charm—think candlelight, good company, and pours that keep you coming back for “just one more.” A proper wine bar—no pretense, just pleasure. As for the plates? You can’t go wrong with the cheese and charcuterie boards.

243 Charman Road, Cheltenham 

Kirbie

Kirbie is what happens when a Parisian wine bar spills onto the streets of South Melbourne—soulful, unpretentious, and built for lingering. Chef-owner Kirbie Tate ditches stiff formality for something warmer: blackboard specials of mussels in a creamy, garlicky broth, rump cap slathered in “Kirbie butter,” and homemade pastas straight from a nonna’s playbook. Wines? Whatever Tate’s feeling that day, poured by the glass or pulled from a deep French-Italian list. If it’s on the list, go for the Stargazer Tupelo—one of Tate’s picks and, frankly, one of the best white wines we’ve had in a long time. Stained glass windows glow, the chatter hums—this is a place to lose track of time.

323 Clarendon Street, South Melbourne 

Arnold's 

Arnold’s is the wine bar Kensington didn’t know it needed—until now. Chef Scott Eddington (Automata, A1 Canteen) ditches the usual suspects for punchy, border-hopping flavours: think lamb barbacoa bastilla, plantain with taramasalata and arbol chilli, flathead crudo with blood orange, and a pork chop drenched in smoky mulato chilli and pomegranate molasses. The sole cocktail? A green-tomato martini—sharp, briny, perfect. With a cork-tiled bar, a disco ball, and DJ decks spinning the likes of Nigerian boogie, this spot doesn’t just serve great wine—it throws a party.

192 Bellair Street, Kensington

Mrs Mutton’s

Tucked away in a charming old building straddling Footscray and Seddon, Mrs Mutton's Bottle Shop is your a favourite neighbourhood haunt—brought to life by the minds behind Waxflower Bar and Common Galaxia. It's a cosy, booze-lover’s paradise packed with natty wines, yuzu spritzes, and killer local brews, with ten craft taps, a back bar, pergolas, and fireplaces included. Oh, and did we mention the wine tastings? Get in, grab a glass, and settle in—you won’t want to leave.

65 Victoria Street, Footscray

West Footscray Wines

Another wine bar and bottle shop hybrid, West Footscray Wines is a clever and approachable neighbourhood spot perfect for a post-work sip. The focus? Interesting, easy-drinking Australian drops served in a relaxed, no-fuss setting. Settle in with a rotating list of wines by the glass, paired with freshly shucked oysters, cheese plates, and charcuterie boards. Want to take a bottle home? Choose from over 300 wines, or enjoy one on-site for just $15 corkage on top of the takeaway price.

Shop 1/578 Barkly Street, West Footscray

Bar Thyme

Bar Thyme is where good times unfold naturally—wine in hand, vinyl spinning, and plates that keep you coming back for more. This Footscray bistro-meets-wine-bar nails the balance between laid-back and expertly curated. Start with a gin martini, then dive into a killer wine list featuring crisp Mornington whites and wild, herbaceous Scintilla blends. The food? Bold, unfussy, and very good—plates like nduja scotch eggs, saffron-kissed mussels, or a smoky beetroot salad. And for the hungry? Juicy steak, golden fries, and Sunday porchetta.

227 Barkly Street, Footscray

Bar Romanée

The perfect date night starts at Bar Romanée—where candlelight flickers, wine flows, and the scent of sizzling pans set the mood. This cosy neighbourhood bistro is all about great Victorian produce, classic Euro vibes, and food made for lingering over. The wine list? Spot on. The food? Rich, comforting, and exactly what you want. Think crispy frites, perfectly blushing steaks, and sauces so good you’ll be mopping them up with baguette. Oh, and they do one of the best $35 steak nights in the west—because sometimes, all you need is a great cut of beef, a bold glass of red, and zero plans after.

25 Anderson Street, Yarraville

Melbourne best wine bars are calling, which one will you be checking out first? With that, it's also time to add a little extra fun to the mix, which is why you need to check out our guide for what to do on a rainy day in Melbourne, or find a flick to watch at one of the city's best cinemas. Culture and wine are the basis for all great days spent out and about in Melbourne, after all.