We asked our devoted G&G audience where they love to go for a glass or two and put together a handy guide to Brisbane’s most beloved wine bars.
Maeve | South Brisbane
Take a step back in time at Maeve in South Brisbane. Built in 1929 with Classicism architecture, this wine bar is just dripping with vintage elegance. Despite its grandeur, Maeve is on a mission to debunk the myth that wine is only for select people. The ever changing wine list from across the globe clearly outlines what the taster can expect and offers everything from an approachable every day wine list to the most celebratory of fizzes. To keep your stomach settled alongside the delicious drinks, is a European inspired menu offering everything from snacks and shared plates to a substantial supper. Discover more about Maeve on its website.
Hot tip: don’t wear heels, it’s hard to get back down the stairs after too many wines
La Lune | South Brisbane
European style bistro + provincial urban aesthetic = La Lune. La Lune prides itself on creating a refined yet relaxed Australian dining experience, perfect for those casual Saturday afternoons. The menu of nibbles to mains is designed to complement La Lune’s vast wine list to make for an elevated tasting experience. All food is made with Australian ingredients and prepared with traditional techniques. Explore the mouthwatering menu here.
Hot tip: No need to see a menu, ask Bailee for her recommendations
City Winery | James Street
What’s better than an inner city winery right on your doorstep? Made from a converted warehouse, this micro winery sources grapes from around Australia to create local, delicious wine. Dine among wine barrels, or keep yourself toasty by the fire pit while you enjoy a menu of locally sourced produce cooked over fire as you sip your wine. It also hosts many workshops for both wine connoisseurs and novices, from vintage wine making to learning how to pair food with wine. Before choosing what wine to indulge in, you can also take a winery tour and have a tasting (pro tip: tastings are $10 but if you buy any wine, the price of the tasting is waived). More information is on the City Winery website. Get tasting!
Hot tip: You can take your dog!
Wineism | Albion
Nestled in the heart of the Albion Fine Trades, is the new one stop shop for all things wine. Part bottle shop, part wine bar, Wineism holds over 700 wines from around the world handpicked by founder Ian Trinkle. Mr Trinkle was even awarded the Judy Hirst award as the sommelier responsible for Australia’s Wine List of the Year…so you could say, he knows his stuff! Next to the shop is a small in-house bar where you can sip your purchase or enjoy a small rotating selection of wines by the glass. Wineism is also going to start making its own blend so you can be one of the first to try these delicious new beveraginos. Wineism’s online store is in the works soon so in the meantime why not check out Albion Fine Trade’s website or drop in to Albion Fine Trades 97 Sandgate Rd Albion to experience it for yourself.
Hot tip: One stop shop for all things food and bev
The Old Seven | Camp Hill
Cosy cafe by day, wine bar by night. The Old Seven is the epitome of a vintage cellar bar: dim lighting, exposed brick, green chesterfields and wine barrels everywhere. In addition to their multitude of wines, The Old Seven also specialises in all things fromage, charcuterie and the six most decadent cheesy jaffles the world has seen. If you’re looking for a fun evening out, The Old Seven is always hosting wine related masterclasses and events but hurry because they sell out quickly! Find out more information on The Old Seven here.
Hot tip: Their OTT cheesy jaffles are the perfect pairing to their 100+ wine list!
Snackman | Fortitude Valley
Located on East Street in the Valley, Snackman is the classy wine joint that’s accompanying their long list of rare wines with delicious Chinese and Chinese diaspora snacks. We like the sound of that fusion! Enjoy wine by the glass, intricate cocktails, or even liquid nitrogen ice cream in this cutting edge bar. Get to work matching your dumplings with your Descombes and make a booking here.
Hot tip: They do a good margarita (if you’re not in the mood for wine) as well as great snacks!
Noir | Paddington
Tucked in the Given Terrace dining precinct in Paddington is the atmospheric, boutique wine bar, Noir. Noir strives to create a lowkey wine experience for those casual evenings. Sip through a rotating wine list of many harder to find wines while munching through a locally sourced charcuterie board. With a wide selection of international wines, daily changing food menu, beers on tap and delicious house cocktails, each experience at Noir is guaranteed to be one of a kind. Visit Noir’s website for more details.
Hot tip: The sunken dining room is great for a group of friends
Cru Bar | James Street
Make the most of Brisbane’s beautiful weather and lounge about with a glass in Cru Bar’s open plan restaurant for an al fresco dining experience! Cru Bar’s cellar holds over 2000 wines with over 450 by the glass. Whether you’re in the mood for an intimate or extravagant lunching environment, there’s something for everyone at Cru Bar. The bar houses a wine room, cocktail lounge, garden lounge and cellar which can be booked. If you’re struggling to choose a drop, the team is ready to help you make that all-important decision.
Hot tip: Buy your bottle from the cellar and drink at the restaurant!
Wine bar hop anyone?
