When you’re looking for a cosy spot to unwind and enjoy a great glass of wine, Sydney has a huge list of stylish wine bars to choose from. Here’s our suggestions to make the decision a little bit easier!
Ash St. Cellar
Nestled in behind the main Ivy building, Ash St. Cellar is a magical gateway into the heart of Europe. An intimate, modern-style bistro with a world-class wine list and a delectable tapas menu, it’s the perfect spot for some lovely laneway dining away from the madness of Sydney’s CBD. Reclining under the stars while handsome waiters bring you big glasses of wine? Yep. Find out more
Aaaah, this place is like a little bit of Melbourne tucked away behind Establishment. The food’s delicious, with a European feel, and the wine list is mind boggling, but there is always a friendly staff suggestion if you ask. If you hate a hot, noisy, cramped bar for a Friday beverage and a bite, this is a great alternative. – scallywaggle
Wine Odyssey Wine Bar & Restaurant
This place has such an enormous wine selection that Odysseus himself couldn’t get through it all. A wine store as well as a wine bar, Wine Odyssey also offers wine tasting, wine classes and wine events for your enjoyment, and is pretty much just the wine-iest place in the world. Find out more
Enjoyed a lovely couple of glasses of white here recently with crusty bread and a trio of dips. It’s a great setting with lots of seating nooks and options. Would like to come back for a meal sometime. Great spot in The Rocks. – Amanda Cassar
The Wine Library
Fine wines, fancy snacks and incredibly sleek décor make this place the quintessential classy Sydney wine bar, and we truly love them for it! Go to The Wine Library expecting not only an extensive menu of both excellent wines and gourmet grub, but also a beautifully relaxed atmosphere and friendly staff who truly know their stuff. Find out more
I really, really love this place – if you were to describe a bar as ‘sexy’, this would be it. It’s relaxed, romantic, personable and fun! Options to sit at the bar or on the high top tables scattered around. A small and intimate setting, definitely designed for just the two of you. –ShaeShae
Love, Tilly Devine
Love Tilly Devine describes itself as a place “where people come to drink well rather than to just get drunk”. This is the sort of cosy, intimate wine bar that’s just perfect for catching up with a dear old friend or getting to know a new one (especially the very special type). Plus, with over 300 wines to choose from, what’s not to love? Find out more
A small, cosy bar tucked away in a small laneway. Nice, chilled out vibe. Would be a great place to settle in with a friend for a few wines and nibbles on a cold winter’s night. – WeenieM
The Winery
Whether you’re just popping in for a quick drink or planning the ultimate celebration, The Winery is a fun and playful little place that will cover all of your needs and has a fantastic selection of wines to boot. Stroll on down for great drinks, beautifully prepared food and a unique sense of style. Find out more
The Winery for me is like a great oasis in the centre of a busy Surry Hills. The two-level indoor area is an experimental, modern Victorian-feel atmosphere with rule-bending design twists on its decor. –Easternian
Oasi Wine Bar / Drink Better Wine
A buzzing venue with an extensive international wine list and a deliciously diverse food menu, Oasi Wine Bar/Drink Better Wine is a rising star of the Sydney wine bar scene. Whether you’re just scoping the place out with a few mates or planning a fancy function for up to 60 guests, you’re guaranteed to have a great time. Find out more
A great place to head after work. The food is divine and, of course, the wine is terrific too. It can get noisy and packed but it only adds to the atmosphere. Love it. – MillieL
Quality purveyor of second-hand books and records by day, slick wine bar by night. Yes, it’s Sappho Books! A pleasing hodgepodge of styles and frequent live music adds yet more layers to the intriguing atmosphere, and it’s safe to say that Sappho Books is one of the most delightfully interesting places Sydney has to offer. Find out more
I feel like this is a little secret gem but it’s not really so secret because it’s always quite busy! At the back of the Sappho bookstore is a cafe, tapas and wine bar. Once you head through the little cafe into the outdoor area at the back, there is a beautiful garden that extends right back. It’s just lovely. – Nancy_B