Tantalising Tipples: A Guide To The Best Wine Bars In Brisbane

It doesn't get much better than a catch-up at a charming wine bar. From velvety reds to crisp whites, teaching your tastebuds something new as you explore the menu is always a ride in sophisticated indulgence.

Ask the experts for a recommendation, or trust their wine list curation when you pick something to sip on your next visit. We’ve done the honours of testing them for you, so you can tell them that Sitchu sent you!

From Paddington to Albion, there are so many charming wine bars for a romantic date night, or a catch-up with your bestie after a long day. Just keep scrolling to discover the best wine bars in Brisbane.

Dark Red

Wander down Bakery Lane in Fortitude Valley, and you'll discover a moody little wine nook, filled to the brim with a top-notch Italian-leaning wine menu. Choose from the curated list of daily drops, or ask for a recommendation that's guaranteed to knock your socks off. Dark Red has a casual, cosy feel that will keep you coming back time and time again. Plus, if you're lucky you might get to meet the resident rescue pooch, Daisy. 

Bakery Lane, 694 Ann Street

Wineism

This friendly neighbourhood spot is more than just a wine bar. Wineism serves as a meeting place for vino-loving locals to sip and savour some extraordinary wine from around the world, or from local Aussie vineyards. Hosting events and educational tastings, this Brisbane wine bar is also the perfect place to learn a thing or two about the wonderful world of wine.

97 Sandgate Road, Albion

Wineology

Need to buy a bottle of wine and don’t know where to start? Ever wished you could try before you buy? It’s actually possible! Pop into Wineology in Brisbane City, and you’ll have your choice of 96 different wines to taste test, alongside some delicious tapas plates nibbles, of course. You’ll feel like you’re in a candy shop with the self-serve wine dispensers (Italian Enomatic wine dispensers, that is) that perfectly preserve the wine whilst you pour as much, or as little, as you’d like to try. Once you’ve fallen in love, you can buy a bottle to take away with you! It’s as much fun as it sounds, if not more, trust us!

471 Adelaide Street, Brisbane City

Hank’s Wine Bar

The venue within a venue, Hank’s Wine Bar is a hidden gem beloved by New Farm locals. If you’re familiar with Blue Bear Coffee House, what you might not know is that by night, it becomes a cosy and low-key wine bar, perfectly removed from the hustle & bustle of James Street. If you’re looking for somewhere casual and comfortable for a midweek wine and bite to eat, Hank’s is the place to be.

92 James Street, New Farm

Adelita

A new wine bar has landed at Wynnum! Entrepreneur Chris Hollingsworth has turned his skills once again to hospitality with a cosy, suburban, bayside wine bar that came to fruition in late November 2022. The 55-seater wine bar is equipped with a full kitchen and the culinary expertise of head chef Lauren. The curated wine menu of over 100 bottles will be rotated frequently, with limited-release wines, natural wines and local wines taking the forefront. The Adelita team will also be working to keep your sips sustainable, with wines on tap and an eco spirit system that will save thousands of bottles from waste each year.

32 Glenora Street, Wynnum

Ardo’s

Calling Newstead, Graceville and Hawthorne home, Ardo’s is a sweet little hole in the wall to sit and savour a drink with your close friends on the weekend. Also serving as a friendly wine and artisanal snacks store, Ardo’s literally has Gerler wines on tap, as well as bottles from local and international wineries on the shelf. Sit back and let the Wine Guides recommend a tasty new tipple for you at this cosy wine bar in Brisbane.

Multiple locations

Adela

Wine and dine at this gorgeous wine bar in Albion. With a deep passion for wine running through their veins, the team at Adela serve up modern European fare and delicious drops from their extensive wine list. This cosy little wine bar is tucked into the bustling heart of Albion, making it the perfect dinner spot or somewhere to pop in for a drink before dining at one of the nearby restaurants.

281 Sandgate Road, Albion

South City Wine

Transport your senses to the European evening of your dreams at South City Wine Bar. With moody lighting, dark timber panelling and emerald hues, this modern wine bar is about to become your new favourite neighbourhood spot. An ever-changing menu will keep you on your toes under the skilled hands of head chef Gabriele Di Landri, whilst the curated, worldly wine list will tantalise your tastebuds, thanks to owners Vincent Lombino, Jared Thibault and sommelier Michael Phipps. It’s the ultimate spot for date night or a good catch-up with your nearest and dearest.

5/148 Logan Road, Woolloongabba

Noir Paddington

Wine down in style at the gorgeous Noir Paddington, where low-key vibes blend with a rotating list of hand-selected wines and locally sourced charcuterie. Vino-seeking locals can enjoy a fun variety of tipples, with an ever-changing wine list that champions both Australian varietals and minimal-intervention processes. Snag a seat Friday night before the crowds flock in.

216 Given Terrace, Paddington

Baedeker

If you’re lusting after a little old-world charm, Baedeker offers it in droves. A warm and tonal brick and leather-look bar welcomes you in for an evening drink. If you’re seeking sunshine-laden sips, head into the green garden hideaway, a special inner-city escape reminiscent of an English garden. With a wine list pulling flavours not only from across the nation but the world, live through the adventurous spirit of Karl Baedeker and taste the world without leaving Brisbane.

111 Constance Street, Fortitude Valley

Maeve

The project of three friends with experience in hospitality garnered from around the nation (and the world), Maeve Wine Bar offers a European-inspired menu from shared plates to substantial meals. They’ve ensured the wine list is approachable for all, with wines available by the glass so that you can try a few new drops, or a celebratory reserve wine list in case of special occasions. The wine list is ever-changing and focuses on local growers who maintain integrity throughout the entire wine-making process. Located within a heritage-listed building, simply ascend the deep burgundy steps into a wine bar like no other.

 Sitchu Tip: Check out the Coravin menu for corked wines by the glass that are usually only served by the bottle. Elevator access is also available.

 39 Melbourne Street (via Grey Street), South Brisbane

City Winery

The first urban winery to open in Brisbane since 1860, it seems we’ve been waiting for City Winery for some time! As the name suggests, City Winery is an inner-city working micro-winery that sources grapes from key growing regions across the country. Now with multiple locations across the CBD, the popularity of City Winery and Gerler Wines truly speaks for itself. From January 2024 City Winery is open for workshops and special events only, so make sure you check out their calendar for any special events and upcoming classes to learn more about wine-making.

Various locations

La Lune

A Fish Lane classic, La Lune is loved for its expansive international wine list and stylish interiors. A European-style bistro greets you as you enter, as well as the impressive display of wine on offer. The seasonal menu is full of local produce and tantalising bites to complement your wine tasting. Bring your lover or your bestie for the perfect, elevated evening out.

Shop 3, 109 Melbourne Street (entry off Fish Lane), South Brisbane

CRU Bar & Cellar

The perfect post-week pitstop, Cru Bar is always bursting at the seams with locals who love sampling their extensive wine list and dining on their delicious modern meals. Located on bustling James Street, Cru Bar is excellently situated for the beginning of your evening adventures or as your dining destination. With a fully stocked cellar next door, if you fall in love with something on the wine list you can be certain to find plenty more options in the store to take home and add to your collection.

1/22 James Street, Fortitude Valley

Wine & Larder Bistro

A hidden gem in the outer-city suburb of Ashgrove, Wine & Larder Bistro offers a French-inspired menu made with local produce. Their wine list has twice won the Three Glass Award (making it one of the best in Australia), so you know you’re in safe hands if you’re not used to selecting your own wines. Their seasonal menu is built around the wines they have, in order to perfect their pairings.

479 Waterworks Road, Ashgrove

If all of this wine talk has got you feeling a little woozy, soak it up with our guide to Brisbane’s best bakeries where you’ll find the best carb fix in your neighbourhood. Or if you’re on the hunt for more wine, we’ve got you sorted. You can visit all of these incredible wineries without leaving the state!

As always, snap and share to keep our FOMO rising as we follow your adventures around Brisbane City. Tag your #sositchu moments with @sitchu.brisbane so we don’t miss a thing.