Whether it’s an end of week drinks, a first date or a catch-up with the girls, a glass of wine at a trendy bar is the best way to wind down amid a bustling work week. And if you happen to be searching for the perfect glass of red and the best seat to enjoy it from in Adelaide, you’re in luck. Surrounded by award-winning vineyards and filled with highly-rated bars and restaurants, there are plenty of top-notch spots for decadent drops and delectable food menus.
Whether you prefer dimly-lit interiors or alfresco dining, check out our guide below on the 10 best wine bars Adelaide has to offer.
Transporting mid-century-style dining to a tight-knit pocket of Adelaide is the intimate wine bar Apoteca. The main bar is a contemporary twist on a New York brassiere, featuring chic pendant lights, velvet lounges and marble tables. Venturing further inside, the bar and restaurant continue out into a cellar, courtyard, dispensary and mezzanine. With countless cozy corners for date nights and a decadent a la carté menu, Apoteca is the city’s most aesthetically-pleasing hidden gem.
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Named after a collection of grape cuttings brought to Australia in 1832 by James Busby, Mother Vine is an ode to the renowned Clos Vougeot vineyard. Paying homage to this renowned grape, Mother Vine wine bar boasts an extensive wine list, exposed brick walls and mouth-watering finger food.
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Nestled in the CBD, Leigh Street is a hole-in-the-wall bar with much to offer. The philosophy of Leigh Street is simple; good food, good wine and good times. An extensive wine list showcases exotic and versatile drops, alongside decadent food choices. A chilled glass of white can be accompanied by raw scallops and tempura prawns, eaten under a sweeping arched ceiling.
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It’s the combination you didn’t know you needed; wine and books. Tucked within the Adelaide CBD, the unassuming Bibliotheca is a European-style bar and book exchange. Showcasing a plethora of spirits taken from around the globe, classic cocktails and a wide-ranging wine list, Bibliotheca promises to surprise. If sipping a pinot noir with a book in hand sounds like the best way to spend a Friday night, make your way to this unique Adelaide wine bar.
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Bar Torino is a blend of trendy, eclectic interiors, sumptuous tapas food and high-end wines. The ever-changing drinks list boasts opulent drops including a 2021 Margan Semillon from the Hunter Valley, a 2019 Bodegas Frontio red from Spain and a 2019 Domaine de Cantarelle rosé from Provence in France.
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Drenched in natural sunlight, the illuminated interiors at Clutch reveal a cool, moody palette of velvet greens and matte black chairs. Stocking a wide range of drops including Barossa Valley, Yume and Patch wines, the drinks list at Clutch has something for everyone.
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Nestled within Adelaide’s East End State Heritage buildings, Bar La Vie brings a taste of France to South Australia. The soft and chic interiors perfectly compliment a French-inspired menu that draws both from local produce and international artisans. Caviar, champagne and a selection of cheeses await you at the elegant Bar La Vie.
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It wouldn’t be the perfect drinks night without adding a rooftop bar to the mix. Gallery in Adelaide not only delivers panoramic city views but a mouth-watering food menu and drinks list. Prawn pizzas, salted bread loaves and arancini are all served up alongside your red or white of choice.
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‘Fun loving, light and breezy but with a presence’ is how Paloma describes herself. The brightly lit interiors are warm and inviting and the endless cocktail list captures the essence of summer drinking. Crowned the winners of 2021’s ‘best small bar’ award in South Australia, Paloma is the ideal stop for girls’ drinks night.
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Open seven days, Clever Little Tailor is here to service all of your vino needs. The industrial-chic interiors and leather seats of the wine bar curate an intimate backdrop to enjoy a glass of red with someone special. Dim-lit corners will illuminate an extensive drinks list showcasing local drops and a revolving door of rare international wines.
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If you’ve found yourself in Sydney pursuing the journey of sipping the best drops, check out our guide on The 10 Best Wine Bars. Or if you’re looking to pair your own dish and wine at home, have a read on The Best Wines to Bring Into Your Kitchen.
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