Wherever you find yourself in Austin, there’s a great neighborhood wine bar, whether you are in South Congress, South Austin, or Downtown. Those looking for a drink on the weekdays will find plenty of happy hours with a charcuterie plate. However, if you want to home hit South Lamar after a long day and stroll their selection, with so many bottles of wine, you may be overwhelmed.
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If you are new to town, there are many wine clubs that you can join. Finding a dining room for a large group or romantic dining on an outdoor patio to enjoy a good wine is easy. Note this list is not meant to be comprehensive but should give great insight into the Austin wine scene!
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Lenoir
Lenoir is a grape variety that grows all over the Texas Hill Country. The name “Lenoir” is an homage to the landscape of this part of the Lone Star state. Lenoir grapes are used to make wine, and the best wineries in the area use these grapes.
Open in 2012, Lenoir restaurants have focused on local flavors and natural wine. This is a great spot for date night and has a vintage-chic vibe that combines Texan flavors with Mediterranean & Indian on the food menu. They also have a large selection of wine from great grower producers locally and internationally in Texas. Lenoir has an incredible outdoor setting with a backyard wine garden that makes it a perfect spot to relax and enjoy a glass of wine. They also have great beer options.
1807 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704 lenoirrestaurant.com
Cape Bottle Room
Wine tasting room focused on South African wines and is actually the only exclusively South African wine venue in the U.S. All the wines are social and environmentally sustainable and available by the glass or by the bottle. Tasting room fits up to 50 people, perfect for private events.
500 San Marcos St #102, capebottleroom.com
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House Wine
House Wine is a great wine bar and restaurant for wine connoisseurs, dog owners, and families. They are consistently on the top lists of wine bars, including on Yelp. The wine selection is amazing and includes small production, boutique wineries, and vineyards from all over the world. The staff is knowledgeable and passionate about wine, and they are happy to share their knowledge with guests. The food options are excellent and include locally sourced food items that pair perfectly with the wines. Popular small plates like cheese plates and tapas are perfect for wine tasting. The Bola pizzas are also top-notch! The patio is dog friendly, and the free WiFi makes it a great spot for working or relaxing. Plus, the live music four nights a week is a real bonus.
408 Josephine St, Austin, TX 78704 housewineaustin.com
Blurred Vines
Private wine tasting room focused on wines in the West Coast – California, Washington, and Oregon. You won’t find any of these bottles in stores as they have been hand selected by their somms at the vineyards.
901 E 7th St, blurred-vines.com
Birdie’s
The family-operate Birdie’s is a local neighborhood joint serving seasonal American fare paired with excellent wines. Even with its counter service you can expect high quality food and exceptional service. The menu here changes each day, providing a fresh, local meal each visit.
2944 E 12th St Unit A, Austin, TX 78702 birdiesaustin.com
Lolo
The natural wine and bar shop Lolo has been open since 2020 and provides a great atmosphere for relaxing over a glass of wine. They’ve got a great bottle selection at reasonable prices. Weekends are quite busy, so get a reservation. This is a great spot for pre-drinking into the weekend or post meals. While the wine list has French and Italian influences, there are also California bottles and local Texan wines. The patio in the back is the best place to sit.
1504 East 6th Street Austin, TX 78702 lolo.wine
Swift’s Attic
Swift’s Attic is a wine bar in Austin, Texas, that offers a variety of wines, cocktails, and small plates. Themed after “modern, whimsical shared plates,” the restaurant features unique dishes such as the Korean BBQ flank steak and the Braised Goat Shoulder. Located on the 2nd floor of a historic downtown building, this is a great setting for a meal with friends; its focus on global tapas provides an enjoyable experience for wine lovers and food enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re looking to try something new or just want a delicious meal, you can’t go wrong at Swift’s Attic. Reserve in advance.
Swift Building, 315 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701 swiftsattic.com
The Austin Winery
The Austin Winery is the only urban winery in the city, handcrafting wines from vineyards in Texas. They produce red blends and are open six days a week. The winemakers and staff are always open to chatting with wine club members about their winemaking process and providing an intimate setting. The Austin Winery is the perfect place to visit for a wine tasting, tour, party, or event.
440 E St Elmo Rd A1, Austin, TX 78745 theaustinwinery.com
Wanderlust Wine Co.
If you’re looking for a wine bar with a difference, the farm-to-table Wanderlust Wine Co. is well worth checking out. This Oltorf/East Austin-based spot is the largest self-pour wine on tap winery in the world, and it offers an excellent variety of wine, both from Texas and further afield. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, and the staff are knowledgeable and happy to help you find the right wine for your palate. There’s also a food truck parked outside should you get peckish, and live music on offer most evenings. A great spot for a relaxed evening out with friends. Weekly events include Wine Wednesday, Tappy Thursday, Bottoms Up! Drag every Sunday, and Music Bingo.
610 N Interstate Hwy 35, Austin, TX 78701 wanderlustwine.com
The Grove Wine Bar & Kitchen
The Grove Wine Bar & Kitchen is a community wine bar that serves New American fare crafted with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Something for everyone – they have a vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free menu. Their wine program has all your favorites and cool finds you’ve never heard of. With acclaimed wine lists, they offer something for every palate and budget. Located in Westlake, Lakeway, Downtown, and Cedar – each spot has an adjoining Lola Savannah Coffee Lounge. Great for a morning shot of espresso before work or grab a drink to go for later in the day.
3001 Ranch Road 620 South. Austin, TX 78738
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Gusto Italian Kitchen + Wine Bar
Located in midtown Austin, Gusto Italian Kitchen + Wine Bar is a neighborhood trattoria that serves up Italian fare paired with great drinks- craft cocktails, beers on tap, and an extensive wine list. If you want a boost, have a shot of their Italian roast espressos. Wine nights are hosted on Mondays with 25% off all bottles, Pizza Night is on Tuesdays, and they serve great Neapolitan pizzas. Thursday is Rosé All Day, 50% off all bottles of rose. Parents will appreciate Family Day on Sundays when kids get complimentary items for coming in.
4800 Burnet Rd Austin, TX 78756 gustoitaliankitchen.com
CRU Wine Bar
CRU Wine Bar is a modern and chic wine bar located in the 2nd Street District of Austin next to the public library. When you need a break from all the shopping and exploration, you’re going to love how CRÚ helps you relax and unwind! The Goat Cheese Beignets, Fig and Gorgonzola bruschetta, Crab Cake Benedict and Pear, and Gorgonzola Pizza are some of their most popular items. Some weekly events include Sunday Brunch, Pizza Monday, and Champagne Thursday. Of course, they’ve also got a great happy hour Monday – Friday, 3:00 – 6:30 pm. Drop by, and let us take care of you!
238 W 2nd St Austin, TX 78701 cruwinebar.com
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- Winebelly
If you’re looking for a wine bar in Austin, TX, you’re in luck. From cozy corner wine bars to sprawling self-pour wine on-tap wineries, Austin has something to offer everyone. With a great variety of wine, delicious food, and inviting atmospheres, these wine bars are perfect for an evening out with friends. So grab a bottle (or glass) of your favorite vintage and enjoy!
