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You already know that Texas’ capital city is a super hip hub for food, nightlife, and music, but these Austin wine bars will elevate your trip to a whole new level.
Whether you want a sophisticated start to an evening on the town or need help planning a romantic date night, these spots have got you covered.
Among them, you’ll find moody ambiances, live entertainment, and (of course) extensive lists of reds, whites, and everything in between.
Did you know that some of the best Texas grapes are grown in and around the city? All the more reason to make sure at least one of these wine bars in Austin is on your itinerary!
Pssst: If you want a romantic getaway in town, check out these romantic hotels in Austin!
14 Best Austin Wine Bars
So pack your best clothes, put your pinkies up, and get ready to sip!
Lolo Natural Wine Bar
$$ | Website | 512-906-0053
Recently-opened Lolo is the first of many Austin wine bars to be deliciously all-natural!
Free from the additives and excess sulfites of traditional bottles, the ones found here can be sipped guilt-free.
Bright, easygoing interiors and an outdoor patio with picnic table seating mean this spot works just as well as a day bar or late-night hangout and is suited to date nights and friend gatherings alike.
Feeling peckish? Their menu of small plates features classics like baguettes, dips, and cheeses.
They regularly hold events (guest DJ shows, artisanal markets, BBQs, and more) so check out their Instagram before you plan your visit.
Lenoir
$$$$ | Website | 512-215-9778
Not only is Lenoir one of our favorite Austin wine bars…it also scored a spot on our list of the most romantic restaurants in Austin.
So bring your partner or find yourself a date, and dress to impress. Here, you’ll be greeted by an intimate candlelit space complete with farmhouse chic decor and creative Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.
In warmer months, you can also enjoy a charming outdoor wine garden.
Lenoir’s wine list is largely European, with additional standouts from Chile, South Africa, and the United States sprinkled in.
If you’re struggling to choose, the service is very attentive, and the staff is quick to offer expert pairing suggestions.
Wanderlust Wine Company
$$ | Website | 956-212-7848
Tired of typical tastings? Spice things up at the world’s largest self-pour, wine-on-tap winery! Wanderlust Wine Co. boasts two locations in the city–one in east Austin and the other in the heart of downtown.
At both spots, their chic, trendy, and colorful atmosphere is further livened up by weekly events like Sunday brunch drag shows, themed trivia nights every Tuesday, and music bingo on Saturday evenings.
As the name implies, this is a place where you can “travel the world through wine,” thanks to an extensive menu featuring bottles of wine from Greece, France, Italy, and right at home in Texas Hill Country.
You’ll also find a rotation of local food trucks to enjoy alongside your wine.
Birdie’s
$$ | Website | N/A
Bringing together the perfect blend of upscale and Southern comfort, Birdie’s is a family-run, counter-service neighborhood spot that serves “simple, seasonal, American food inspired by the cooking of France and Italy.”
Their carefully curated wine menu shifts daily to best complement the season, the dishes of the day, and even the weather.
All of their bottles are based on a philosophy of “mindful farming and minimal intervention in the cellar.”
Choose from a broad selection of sparkling wines, reds, whites, oranges, and rosés from all around the world–from Texas to Argentina to Austria.
Insider tip: ask to see their “off-list” wines for a small selection of rarer bottles.
As for the atmosphere, you can cozy up in the historic building (built in 1949!) or head out to a breezy open-air patio, where dogs are also welcome.
They don’t take reservations, and seating is first-come, first-served, so make sure to show up early to avoid the worst of the lines. Doors open at 4:30 PM.
The Austin Winery
$$ | Website | 512-326-1445
If you’re all about supporting local, it doesn’t get more Austin-centric than this urban winery.
It was the first full-production, grape-to-glass wine bar in the city.
The fermentation, filtration, and bottling are all performed locally, and since 2017, all their vintages have been made with 100% Texas fruit.
The result? A short but oh-so-sweet list of incredible wines, most available either by the glass or by the bottle.
Cheese boards, charcuterie, and other light snacks round out the menu.
Those who live in Austin or travel there frequently can even join their wine club, which scores you a free glass of wine for every visit, 15% off any bottle, and other perks.
June’s All Day
$$$ | Website | 512-416-1722
Gather all your friends and bring a camera, because this might be the most photogenic of all our Austin wine bars.
June’s, named after the on-site master sommelier, June Rodil, is adorably decked out with checkerboard floors and diner-style seating.
But the true highlight, of course, is their acclaimed wine list. Mexican, Spanish, German, and plenty of French bottles are all featured.
To pair with your drinks, order from a menu of American-European small plates and entrees that range from decadent wagyu steak tartare to a classic, down-home fried chicken sandwich.
As though all that isn’t enough to set your itinerary in stone, June’s is also located in Austin’s coolest district, on a prime stretch of South Congress Avenue.
Aviary Wine and Kitchen
$$ | Website | 512-916-4445
Creative names and enticing descriptions will make it hard to settle on just a glass or two at this funky, vibrant South Austin destination that puts wine first and food second.
From Robin Williams to Notorious B.I.G., each section of the menu is named after a notable celebrity.
Meanwhile, the seasonal food offerings balance between casual and fine dining with staple entrees like NY strip steak and ceviche, plus small plates of cheeses and dips.
Thanks to its playfulness, Aviary makes the perfect casual first date spot or an easy go-to for a fun evening with friends.
Fun fact: The winery actually started as a furniture shop, and you can still see that influence in the colorful stools, mismatched chairs, and whimsical lighting fixtures.
The Grove – Popular Wine Bar in Austin
$$ | Website | 512-236-1440
With so many wine bars to visit in Austin, sometimes it’s easier to stick with a tried-and-true classic, where you can trust that the bottles and service will be top-notch.
That’s exactly what you’ll find at the Grove, a popular mini-chain winery featuring New American cuisine, spacious seating areas, and unpretentious wine lists that accommodate “every palate and budget.”
The Grove was so well-received that it now boasts 4 locations in and around Austin, making it even easier to add to your itinerary. Find them in Westlake, Lakeway, Downtown, and nearby Cedar Park.
Still need more perks to convince you? Each location offers year-round outdoor dining, menu options for any dietary restrictions, and a focus on local, organic ingredients.
The Meteor
$$$ | Website | 512-351-9541
The Meteor is self-described as an “unexpected mash-up of all-day cafe, natural wine shop, and boutique bike shop,” so you know you’ll be in for a one-of-a-kind experience.
The hangout spot just oozes cool, with casual, modern interiors, a food menu full of classic burgers, salads, bowls, and their signature Roman-style pizzas, plus a wine list they categorize as “intensely curious and unpretentiously obscure.”
If you’re a frequent Austin visitor, check out their Worthy Wine Club.
For $75/month, members get a monthly 3, 6, or 12-pack of featured bottles, a complimentary glass upon pick-up, and direct text access to Andrew, The Meteor’s skilled wine director.
So cyclist or not, there’s plenty of goodness to be found here!
Opa! Coffee + Wine Bar
$$ | Website | 512-326-8742
No discussion of the Austin wine scene would be complete without a mention of this homey downtown institution, which (in addition to its impressive wine collection) serves up Greek food and regular live music events.
Bring your friends for their weekly Wednesday open mic night, or sip solo in the company of a good book.
Either way, both the indoor and outdoor spaces at Opa! are super laidback and cozy.
In between drinks, compete at ping pong, bocce ball, and other lawn games. Dogs are welcome to join you outdoors!
Opa’s daily happy hour runs from 3-7 PM, featuring ½-priced glasses of wine, plus $1 beer and cocktails and $2.50 mimosas and sangria. On Sunday, happy hour is a full-day affair!
House Wine
$$ | Website | 512-322-5210
Boasting regular events, a dog-friendly outdoor patio perfect for lounging, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, locally-owned and operated House Wine is a must-visit when it comes to Austin wine bars.
Here, you’ll feel right at home (literally, as the winery is set inside a house built in 1940).
Between comfy couches, front porch seating, and the quaint backyard, you could easily spend all day.
Their menu is made up of bottles from “thoughtfully selected from small-production boutique wineries and vineyards” all across the globe.
Happy hour runs daily from 3-6 PM, as well as all-day Wednesday. Score $2 off all glasses and $6 off all bottles.
To sweeten the deal even further, they have additional deals for each day of the week.
Pair your drinks with customizable cheese and charcuterie boards, pizza, tapas, or some sweet treats. Hint: The roast-at-your-table s’mores are a real crowd pleaser.
For those that want to learn more about the bottles they’re enjoying, House Wine offers wine tasting classes complete with five samples, a cheese platter, and lessons from sommeliers and industry experts.
Apt 115
$$ | Website | 737-333-0780
Looking to wow a special someone at a chic, late-night spot?
With its eclectic, Michelin-level food menu, intimate interiors, and a vinyl record soundtrack curated by local musician and owner Joe Pannenbacker, a visit to Apt 115 feels like you’ve been invited over to your trendiest friend’s place.
Few Austin wine bars can compete with Apt 115 when it comes to the sheer volume of bottles to choose from.
Their 46-page wine menu spans six continents and includes more than 400 labels. Plus, almost all of it is small production and low intervention!
If you prefer to order by the glass, they have ten curated wine selections that change daily.
As for food, dig into creative, shareable plates inspired by local farms and ranches, like cauliflower fondue, pork belly stew, and snapper Crudo.
Want to truly impress your guest? Go all out with the chef’s tasting menu plus wine pairings, which will run you $155 per person (a steal considering the quality of the offerings here).
Kalimotxo
$$$ | Website | 512-333-0737
Although primarily known as a cocktail and pintxos (think tapas, but smaller) bar, Kalimotxo can certainly hold its own on the Austin wine scene.
Drawing from the Basque’s social bar culture, they dish up a curated Spanish wine list, picture-perfect small plates, and, above all, a buzzy, inclusive atmosphere that makes you want to hang out and enjoy all evening long.
Traveling with friends? This is an excellent spot for larger groups.
Snag a table on their gorgeous outdoor terrace with views overlooking Shoal Creek, or pop in on an event night to experience lively tequila fests, pride parties, bar crawls, and more.
One of the most unique elements of a night out at Kalimotxo is drinking from a porron, a wine pitcher used to pour wine directly into your mouth.
Or sample their Kalimotx drink, a frozen mixture equal parts Coca-Cola and Spanish red wine.
Cork & Screw
$$$ | Website | 512-893-2117
One of the lesser-known Austin wine bars is this adorable up-and-comer located in the East 12th St district.
Tucked away in a snug bungalow house, Cork & Screw brings a true boutique experience to both wine newbies ready to experiment and oenophiles seeking the perfect glass.
Choose from their broad selection of wines (international and local), then enjoy it from the comfort of their string-light-hung outdoor garden, full of native Texas flowers.
Want a more immersive experience? You can also book an exclusive tasting.
Either way, make sure to go hungry, as onsite food truck, Fil N’ Viet, is renowned for its authentic Asian cuisine.
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