Love wine? We do too. That’s why we’ve scouted out eight of the best places to go for an afternoon tipple in Brisbane. Whether you’re Sauv savvy or more interested in merlot, there is definitely something for you in this list.
Mr Chester Wine Bar
If you need irrefutable proof that Brisbane is keeping up with the big guns in Sydney and Melbourne, Mr Chester Wine Bar is it. There’s wine, there’s pasta, there’s cheese (did we mention there’s wine?). The bar is open late and the best part is the kitchen is open late too. Ask the staff for their recommendations because they really know their stuff! And just to top it off, they are also a wine shop for takeaways if you’re just not feeling like coming out for a drink.
Mr Chester Wine Bar is open Tuesday–Sunday from 4pm–late. Saturday lunch from 12pm.
Uh Oh Italian Wine Store & Bar
Taking inspiration from the enotecas and laneways of Italy, you’ll find Uh Oh Italian Wine Store & Bar nestled in the beautiful backdrop of Fortitude Valley’s Bakery Lane. Alongside an extensive selection of Italian vinos the space also offers Italian beer and nibbles, with hot food available from their sister venue, Uh Oh.
The space itself may be intimate, but Uh Oh Wine Store take full advantage of their beautiful setting and the Queensland weather. Guests can purchase any bottle at retail with a small corkage fee to enjoy in the Laneway.
From 4pm Fridays they truly embrace their Italian roots with Aperitivo Afternoons. Complimentary nibbles are put out with special spritzes to accompany.
Uh Oh Italian Wine Store & Bar is open from 4 – 8pm, Wednesday to Saturday.
City Winery
It’s not often you find a full-blown winery in the heart of an urban jungle, but that’s exactly what you’ll find with the aptly named City Winery.
The team from City Winery turned an old warehouse in Fortitude Valley into their own micro-winery, with grapes sourced from key regions across the country. With each wine handmade and only using the highest quality fruit, you can be sure of a good drop.
Alongside serving up their own crafted wines, City Winery offer unique paddock to plate dining experiences, multiple spaces for functions, and even trivia.
City Winery is open 3pm-late Tues to Thurs and noon-late Fri to Sun.
Wine & Larder
Tucked away in the heart of Ashgrove sits this local gem. Wine & Larder is humbly presented from street view but proudly boasts a wine list of 50 hand-selected wines including about 20 by the glass. With wines from all over the world (literally, even from Slovenia), you’re guaranteed to find one that will satisfy your taste buds. Pair a glass of your favourite wine with a cheese and charcuterie board or even some scallops in the half shell or pork and pistachio terrine.
Celebrated sommelier Mark Whitaker has recently taken over and brought his own unique influence to the space and the menu.
Wine & Larder is open Wednesday–Sunday from 3pm–late.
Snack Man
Ever waited in the long line to get into Happy Boy? Yeah, we have as well. So, while you’re waiting to get into the crew’s incredible dining space, why not pop over to Snack Man? The wine bar stands out on its own with its minimalist menu and is a great place for after work bevs. Take a look at the projected screen above the bar to see the selection of international drops and then pair your choice of drink with some delicious food on offer, while you’re at it. Snack Man offers a range of dumplings, buns, sticks and even desserts with vegetarian and gluten free options available.
Snack Man is open Tuesday–Sunday from 4pm–midnight.
Carl’s Wine Bar and Bistro
Newstead glamour at its finest, Carl’s is a hole-in-the wall bar and bistro lead by leading Brisbane sommeliers and wine makers. It’s an inner-city gem and is the brainchild of Gerler Wines. If you want our advice, try the Queensland tempranillo – it’s a team favourite. Carl’s is also a café by day, so you can head down for sips from sunrise to sunset. While you’re at it, take a look at their menu – we guarantee it’ll make you drool. And just to top it off, they offer bottomless puppy treats from 4pm Wednesday–Sunday.
Carl’s is open Wednesday–Sunday from 3pm–late. Sunday brunch is from 8am.
La Lune Wine Co
A South Brisbane favourite, La Lune Wine Co offers a wide range of carefully selected wines – perfect for an afternoon sundowner or a weekend night out. With options on their wine list that cater to those seeking a more subtle or adventurous flavour, La Lune Wine Co’s wine selection from around the world will definitely tick the boxes. Not only will their wine list blow you away, but so will their perfectly presented dishes. Still not convinced? Swing by and try for yourself! If you’re having trouble finding them, the bar is located at 109 Melbourne Street but the entrance is on Fish Lane, around the back of the building.
La Lune Wine Co is open Tuesday–Thursday from 4–11pm, Friday and Saturday from 12pm–12am and Sunday 12pm–11pm.
Baedeker Bar
A private garden in the heart of the valley is hard to find, but Baedeker made it happen. Their intimate wine bar offers small plates that perfectly compliment the extensive list of vintage Australian wines and international offerings. And if your drinking buddy is more of a whisky fan, they’ve got a solid line up of spirits too. Just to top it off, you can even make a booking for a private dining experience or an intimate wine or whisky tasting night in the Cellar – hidden away behind a rotating bookcase. How niche is that?
Baedeker Bar is open Thursday 4pm–late, Friday 12pm–late and Saturday 2pm-late.
