14 of our favourite Canberra wine bars
Posted on
When it comes to bars, Canberrans are spoilt for choice – from speakeasies to sports bars, beer gardens to bougie cocktail bars. But wine bars are a little thinner on the ground.
We share a dozen of our favourites that put wine at the forefront of their offering.
11e Cave (Kingston)
It’s housed in a subterranean cavern, but this cosy bar isn’t hard to find. Located on the corner of Kennedy and Eyre Street in Kingston, behind the little red door you’ll discover moody, Melbourne-esque vibes, a cracking wine and cocktail list, and moreish snacks from award-winning Onzieme upstairs.
Pro tip: it the red door is open, it’s pretty much guaranteed you’ll be able to squeeze in somewhere; if it’s shut, they’re full. Try your luck a little later on!
5/39 Kennedy Street, Kingston | onzieme.com.au
Amici
This deli, wine, and cocktail bar will transport you to Italy with its delectable offerings of cheese, meats, hand-stretched pizzas, and pasta. Seasonal baked brie anyone? Oh and don’t forget their Bottomless Pasta nights.
59 Northbourne Ave, Canberra City | amici.bar
Bacaro
A sleek, sexy space to enjoy a quick dinner, a glass of carefully sourced regional Italian wine, or an authentic snack.
The intimate, 50-seat wine bar is tucked at the back of Italian & Sons, offering a sophisticated wine list and ‘honest and ‘authentic’ Italian food.
7 Lonsdale St, Braddon | italianandsons.com.au
Bar Rochford (City)
Hidden away in one of Canberra’s oldest buildings, you’ve probably walked past the award-winning Bar Rochford without even realising it—making it the perfect place for a cosy drink.
The food is as much of an attraction as the wine, whether you want a quick bite or to while the night away in one of their lush booths.
1st/65 London Circuit, Civic | barrochford.com
Contentious Character (Fyshwick)
Contentious Character (formerly based in Wamboin) has moved into Fyshwick’s Dairy Road to allow Canberrans to experience their cellar door without leaving the city and we can personally attest to the loveliness of sitting on their outdoor terrace, sipping some delicious drops and enjoying a cheeseboard as the sun goes down on a Friday evening.
Offering lunch, dinner and wine tastings, you’ll always have something to talk about at Contentious Character.
4/1 Dairy Road, Fyshwick | @contentiouscharacter
Dear Prudence (City)
Verity Lane Market’s newest roommate, Dear Prudence, welcomes you for an after-work drink or post-dinner nightcap.
Named after the 1968 Beatles song, it’s safe to say she’s timeless, authentically aged and elegant all in one. These connoisseurs of all things good can be found in the Sydney Building, offering up Spanish-inspired small plates and snacks menu for between sips.
Northbourne Avenue, Canberra City | dearprudencebar.com.au
Kivotos Wine Bar (Braddon)
Perhaps better known as a Mediterranean eatery, Kivotos Wine Bar – as the name suggests – is serious about its liquid offerings.
Opening its Mort Street doors in February, there are plenty of Greek wine varietals to try (as well as some traditional Ouzo, beers, aged Tsipouro, and more) and the food is some of the authentic best you’ll find in Canberra.
33 Mort Street, Braddon | kivotoswinebar.com.au
Paranormal Wines (Campbell)
A slightly industrial, quite glamorous and extremely spacious wine bar and shop, Paranormal Wines boasts a huge range of organic and natural wines.
The brainchild of Kiwi-born hospitality guru Max Walker and his Canberra-born arts administrator partner Georgia Hobbs, the name Paranormal is a reference to experimenting beyond the safe grounds of wine, and being open to new tastes and methods.
Both a place to pop in for a glass of wine and charcuterie platter after work, or a place to grab a bottle to go with dinner.
27/6 Provan Street, Campbell | paranormalwines.com
Parlour (NewActon)
Classical décor, private curtained spaces and cosy chairs surrounding a fireplace—Parlour has it all. Add in a menu that’s both perfect for a lunch-time siesta or evening aperitivo and you’ll never want to leave.
16 Kendall Lane, New Acton | parlour.net.au
Rizla (Braddon)
The focus at Rizla, as hinted by its name, is on Riesling and matching share-plates designed specifically to pair with the wine list.
Alongside the Canberra District’s best new vintage and cellared Rieslings, you can find an inventive menu that will take you all the way from light bites to decadent desserts.
Unit 146 Mode3, 24 Lonsdale St, Braddon | drinkrizla.com.au
Romanee (Braddon)
Tucked away in a Braddon laneway, Romanee wine bar is owned by Canberra hospitality stalwart Chester Mok – certified Sommelier with the Court of master Sommeliers and former Chef.
If you’re after interesting wines poured by a knowledgeable and passionate team, this is the place to go. Small plates of food are also on offer.
105/16 Lonsdale Street Braddon | romaneewinebar.com.au
Wakefield’s Bar & Wine Room (Ainslie)
Wakefield’s Bar & Wine Room is an intimate, warm-lit space with a focus on Australian wines, local produce and suppliers, and live entertainment from across Canberra.
With velvet upholstery, dark polished wood and an art deco flavour, the upstairs space next to The Inn is a destination for those who want to relax over a bottle or two while taking in spectacular views of Mount Ainslie.
Shop 2/1 Wakefield Gardens, Ainslie | edgarsinn.com.au/wakefields
Wine Room (City)
Building on the success of the much-awarded Gather café, which takes out the front real estate onto Mort, this intimate 40-seater venue (including the private dining room and an outdoor area with 10-odd seats spilling out into the alley on Mort Street) is tucked away, but unmissable once you know where to look.
While the name suggests Wine Room is, well, a wine room, the menu screams destination dining ambition.
24 Mort Street (Behind Gather) | wineroom.bar
Feature image of 11e Cave by Lean Timms, courtesy of VisitCanberra.
