Melbourne is a great place for exploring diverse wine selections in Victoria, Australia. From visiting established wine regions, discovering urban wineries, or enjoying vibrant wine bar scenes, Melbourne has something for every palate and mood. To get you started, here are five of the best Melbourne wine bars to try right now.
1. Lilac Wine Bar
Named after a 1994 Jeff Buckley song, Lilac Wine in Cremorne is an equally eclectic and stylish Melbourne wine bar. Rich in musical influence, the long brick warehouse has twin turntables, a vinyl collection and premium Tannoy speakers. The wine list is highly varied, with over 150 organic and biodynamic drops from local and global producers. Aside from wines, the cocktails also incorporate vino in some way, with fortifieds, aperitifs or fermented grape skins.
2. Auterra Wine Bar
Auterra Wine Bar is where easy going neo soul plays and light basks from the shop windows over a deep red room with copper accents. The inviting space is made more so by the warm staff. It has almost every critic’s approval for vino and expert-curated pairings, making it one of Melbourne’s best. You can pick from more than 400 rotating wine selections including very limited ones, over 30 of which are available by the glass.
3. Bahama Gold
Bahama Gold started as a liquor delivery service during lockdown but has since evolved into a cosy 12-seater public bar and wine shop for the discerning explorer. Located in the quietly hip Brunswick East end of Lygon Street, it offers high-value house wines made in collaboration with leading new-wave wineries poured fresh from kegs, available by the glass or to take home in refillable flagons. You can also have them delivered to your door within the hour via their online shop.
4. Archive Wine Bar
Archive Wine Bar has the finest bar snacks and one of the most impressive wine selections around. Boasting a 170-strong list of wines by the glass, they offer selections from renowned regions like Barolo, Burgundy, Yarra Valley. The thoughtful food menu is designed to complement the wines, featuring grazing boards piled high with local, quality ingredients, and house favourites like their signature meatballs and the indulgent grilled raclette, a dish so beloved it remains on the menu year-round, even in summer. Whether you’re a casual drinker just passing through, a seasoned collector, or even a professional sommelier, Archive offers a truly unique wine-drinking experience.
5. Kirk’s Wine Bar
Kirk’s Wine Bar in the corner of Hardware Lane is proof that classic wine bars, when done well, never go out of fashion. Paying respect to all the old-world staples and local innovators, there’s no such thing as ordering just one pick. Their list varies from classic, natural, to everything in between. Slide into long lunches with crisp white wines or drop by at night where people are drinking and looking like they’ve made the right life choices. If you’re unsure what to pick, the staff will happily guide you.
Add These Melbourne Wine Bars to Your List
These spots showcase the best of Melbourne wine bars, paired with warm hospitality and unforgettable atmosphere. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a casual sipper, make sure to add these bars to your list and let Melbourne’s wine culture surprise and delight you.