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. Before we get into it, you might also be interested in learning how to understand 5 different wine styles.
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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 various winemakers and chefs and try some of their best bottles or cuisine.
- Location: Shop 28, De Oude Schuur, 120 Bree St
- Times: Tuesday to Saturday, 5pm to 11pm
- Website: leoswinebar.com
Make sure you also enjoy wine & food pairing evenings at The Marine Hotel this winter.
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
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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
Why not also check out this guide to dessert wines?
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
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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
Cooper Wine Bar
Situated on Parliament Street in Cape Town, Cooper Wine Bar is a sanctuary for wine enthusiasts, extending the legacy of Johannesburg’s esteemed Mr. Pants. This charming wine hub has evolved into a hotspot for connoisseurs who relish the intricacies of a well-crafted glass, offering an array of both global and regional wines.
Not only does the venue boast an exceptional wine assortment, but it also enhances the experience with an array of delectable light bites, rendering it an ideal destination for either an appetising pre-dinner stop or a laid-back evening of wine discovery.
- Location: 315 Main Rd, Sea Point
- Times: Monday to Friday, 12pm to 10pm | Saturday, 4pm to 10pm
- Website: cooperwinebar.co.za
Picture: Cooper Wine Bar / Instagram
Also read: This local winery harvested several awards at National Wine Challenge
Judd’s Local
Judd’s Local Eatery & Wine Bar offers a relaxed ambiance perfect for unwinding and engaging in delightful conversations. Their wine selection features some of the trendiest wine producers, such as Trizanne, Savage, and Van Loggerenberg, alongside timeless favourites like Waterford, De Trafford, and Tokara.
- Location: 141 Kloof St, Gardens
- Times: Monday to Saturday, 12pm to 11pm
- Website: juddslocal.co.za
Picture: Judd’s Local / Facebook
Intravinous Wine and Lounge Bar
Embark on a journey of conversation, exploration, and culinary delight at Intravinous, a sophisticated wine lounge and bar located on Loop Street. Nestled within the vibrant pulse of the city, Intravinous offers an unparalleled experience for wine enthusiasts and urban adventurers alike.
Delight your palate with their carefully curated Tasting Series, which showcases a diverse array of exquisite wines crafted by both renowned and up-and-coming winemakers. From crisp whites to bold reds, each sip tells a story of passion and craftsmanship.
- Location: 110 Loop St, Cape Town City Centre
- Times: Tuesday to Thursday, 12pm to 7pm | Friday to Saturday, 12pm to 8pm
- Website: @intravinous (Instagram)
Picture: Intravinous Wine and Lounge Bar / Instagram
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Picture: Leo’s Wine Bar / Facebook
