Cape Town is a city that is home to many exquisite wine bars, offering a veritable vino playground for both connoisseurs and casual drinkers.
With a vast selection of local and international wines, each bar has its own unique atmosphere, charm and story to tell. Whether you are a wine enthusiast looking to explore new tastes or just want to unwind with a glass of your favourite varietal, Cape Town’s wine scene has got you covered.
Here are five wine bars in the city:
Leo’s Wine Bar
Leo’s Wine Bar on Bree Street is not your typical wine bar. Tucked inside a bustling bagel shop in the city centre, it’s a cosy space with an intimate vibe that draws you in.
With a rotating selection of 15 to 20 low intervention and natural wines, Leo’s curates a list of small-batch, hard-to-find wines from local producers that are sure to pique your interest.
The bar also hosts ‘bar takeovers’ where you can meet the winemakers and try some of their best bottles.
- Location: Shop 28, De Oude Schuur, 120 Bree St
- Times: Tuesday to Saturday, 5pm to 11pm
- Website: leoswinebar.com
Culture Wine Bar
Culture Wine Bar is a haven for wine lovers of all ages and backgrounds. As soon as you climb the stairs, you’re welcomed into a warm and inviting atmosphere.
The bar offers a carefully curated selection of fine wines from the country’s most respected names, hidden gems, natural wines and special imports from around the world. And if you’re feeling peckish, its snack menu features generous charcuterie and cheese boards.
Tucked away above the bar is the Wine Library, a members-only lounge and tasting room that’s part co-working space and part inner-city wine cellar.
- Location: 103 Bree St, City Centre
- Times: Monday to Saturday, 12pm to 11pm
- Website: culturewinebar.com
Also read: Wine not? Explore Cape Town’s rich vineyards on these top tasting tours
Publik Wine Bar
Publik is a wine bar with a mission: to change the way people explore wine. Their approach is innovative, alternative and unpretentious, with a focus on helping people discover new wines efficiently.
They work exclusively with artisan wines made by smaller, independent producers who follow a minimal intervention approach in the cellar and use grapes from sustainable vineyards. These wines have put South Africa at the forefront of the wine world, and Publik wants to help you discover them.
With a commitment to keeping things simple, challenging the status quo, supporting the underdogs and being sustainable, Publik offers a community for wine lovers to explore and enjoy new wines in a fun and informative way.
- Location: 11d Kloof Nek Rd, Tamboerskloof
- Times: Monday to Friday: 4pm to 11pm | Saturday: 3pm to 8pm
- Website: publik.co.za
Openwine
Openwine is a unique wine bar and tasting room on Wale Street. The owners, a charming French and Italian couple, have made their mark on the local wine scene since emigrating to the Cape.
The venue boasts several comfortable private rooms and seating areas, offering a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. The wine list is the first in Cape Town to focus solely on South African wines, with over 200 offerings available by the glass.
You can also take advantage of the off-consumption licence and purchase wine to take with you. Their selection includes everything from Abrie Beeslaar’s small production of pinotage to the natural wines of Elemental Bob.
- Location: 72 Wale St, City Centre
- Times: Tuesday to Wednesday: 12pm to 11pm | Thursday to Sunday: 2pm to 11pm
- Website: instagram.com/openwine_za
Bouchon Bistro
Bouchon Wine Bar & Bistro, located in the heart of the city, offers a unique experience for those who enjoy great food and a love for wine.
The charming urban winery, owned by Christophe Durand of Dorrance Wines and Faisal Khakoo of La Boheme Bistro & Wine Bar and Engruna Eatery, provides a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere where guests can discover local and international wines on the weekly ‘Travel Through Your Glass’ selection.
Bouchon is the sort of place for after-work drinks, dinner with friends, or even special occasions at the exclusive cellar table, thanks to its straightforward seasonal menu.
- Location: 95 Hout St, City Centre
- Times: Monday to Saturday, 4pm to 11pm
- Website: bouchon.co.za
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Picture: Leo’s Wine Bar / Facebook