What’s red, white, pink and sparkling all over? Wine, of course. We’ve given up the goon on our quest for the best of what Brisbane has to offer when it comes to pouring (and raising) a glass.
Cru Bar + Cellar | 22 James St, Fortitude Valley
A staple of the Brisbane scene, Cru Bar will truly wine and dine you with their endless selection of the delicious, the vintage, the limited releases and the “unicorns” of the wine scene. Pair a glass with Australia’s finest produce – courtesy of award-winning chef Richard Ousby – and you know where your crew will be heading to.
Bar Francine | 29A Vulture St, West End
Euro eats, yummy wines and great times – practically sells itself. Francine is catered to regular visits with new menus created daily, so there’s always something new to try. With grilled razor clams and BBQ beetroot steak alongside a dynamic selection of Australian wines running the gamut from white and red to shades of pink and orange ambers, you’d frankly be a fool to not let Francine serve you again and again.
The Old Seven | 567 Old Cleveland Road, Camp Hill
Relaxed and overflowing with decadent wines, this cosy suburban spot is bringing a taste of France to the south side. Café by day and wine bar by night, The Old Seven’s menu features delights like loaded duck toasties, fromage from their extensive cabinet, charcuterie and over 100 wines – the largest and most diverse rosé list in Australia, if you please… Get comfy in a massive antique armchair, grab a drink and sip your night (or day) away.
Green Glass | 366 George St, Brisbane City
Climb the unmarked stairwell and follow the corridor to discover the brightly lit, French-inspired wine bar and bistro featuring bottles displayed simply on the wall, as well as a tidy by-the-glass list. Whether you stop by for delicate French nibbles and a glass, a hearty meal over a few bottles or a late-night sip, Green Glass is the chic, versatile spot the city had been begging for.
Wine & Larder | 476 Waterworks Rd, Ashgrove
Suburbanites, rejoice: forget about catching a $20 Uber or a five-year bus to the Valley, it’s time to embrace your new local! Munch on plates of charcuterie and cheese and sip on rare and interesting wines by the glass or bottle from around Australia and beyond. We think a pinot noir from Adelaide Hills and an Italian cortese sound good. You can pair your drinks with simple globally-inspired bites too, like swimmer crab croquettes, white fish ceviche, and spiced pepper calamari to really make a moment out of your visit.
La Lune Wine Co. | 109 Melbourne St, South Brisbane
It’s hard not to fall in love with this Fish Lane wine bar that led the charge of funky wine-focused spots in Brisbane. With a lengthy list of international wines and European-style food (including a great value set menu), La Lune is a welcome escape from busy South Brisbane. This spot gets packed for knock-offs, so we recommend opting for a long weekend lunch so you can make the most of your visit!
Mr Chester | 850 Ann St, Fortitude Valley
Self described as “what a wine bar should be”, Mr Chester thrives on its warm vibes, laid-back European ambience and unpretentious hospitality. Add in a lush selection of wine, cocktails and house-made pizza and pasta and you’ll be cheers-ing to Chester all night.
Maeve Wine | 39 Melbourne St, South Brisbane
Who brought Melbourne to town and gave her a venue!? The ever-evolving list at Maeve has every drop you could ask for (especially focusing on classic old-world regions) alongside some classy Euro-style bites, served up either as a banquet in the restaurant side or a la carte in the walk-in only bar space.
Le Bon Bar | 611 Stanley Street, Woolloongabba
Le Bon Bar translates to “the good bar,” and it CERTAINLY lives up to its name. This bar sits pretty in Woolloongabba’s iconic French eatery, C’est Bon, and offers guests a relaxed space for a drink or two. With a small plates menu designed for sharing, the only thing that tops off this delightfully French experience is the generous wine list focused on French varietals and large format drops, perfect for appeasing a thirsty crowd.
