A guide to wine bar crawling

Free wine tastings, live jazz, pizza bagels + more

Last updated: Friday, 10 June 2022

It’s always wine o’clock in Cape Town. You’ll find everything: little known labels, special imports and wines from small producers. Join free tastings on Fridays or listen to live jazz at these wine bars (because wine not). 

FANCY FREE WINE ON FRIDAYS?

Every Friday, Divine Wine Boutique on Long Street has a complimentary wine tasting, featuring a local farm that leads the tasting. You can meet some of the people behind your favourite local wines, making your tasting experience more personal. Or pop by any day of the week and enjoy a serving of charcuterie boards, tapas, oysters and more with your wine. 

Hours: Monday to Friday, 9am - 10pm

35 Lower Long Street | Cape Town City Centre | 021 007 1668 | Instagram: @divinewineboutique | Image: Karl Hildebrandt

SIP WINE IN HERITAGE SQUARE

Penny Noire sits in the heart of Heritage Square in the revamped Local. Backed by Liam Tomlin and run by wine expert Penny Setti, this gem is a slice of wine heaven. It has a stunning wine display cabinet filled with the best small and independent wines. There are various seating options, from inside, outside, upstairs and the bar itself. 

Hours: Monday to Saturday, 8am - 10pm

Shortmarket Street | Cape Town City Centre | 021 424 4646 | Instagram: @penny.noire | Image: @local_at_heritage_square

PAIR PIZZA BAGELS AND WINE

Bagel shop by day, wine bar by night. Leo’s Wine Bar is squeezed in Max’s Bagels on the vibrant Bree Street. It’s an intimate space that leaks out onto the street terrace, where most of the seating is. Leo’s specialises in wines from smaller producers, with a great selection of natural wines. Plus they serve pizza bagels and bar snacks nightly.

Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 5pm - 11pm

Shop 28 | De Oude Schuur | 120 Bree Street | Instagram: @leoswinebar | Image: Leo’s

TASTE WINE FROM AROUND THE WORLD

Grub and Vine’s wine bar is hard to miss, with its name splattered on a bright orange wall in Bree Street. Culture Wine Bar offers cult classics, hidden gems, natural wines, and special imports from across the globe (from France to Australia). Plus, you can snack on their small menu while listening to live jazz over the weekend.

Hours: Monday to Saturday, 12pm - 11pm

103 Bree Street | Cape Town City Centre | 087 153 5246 | Instagram: @culturewinebar | Image: Culture Wine Bar

PICK YOUR BOTTLE FROM A WALL

Open Wine is tucked between trendy restaurants and art galleries on Wale Street and has  a bar, lounge and cellar. Wine enthusiasts can choose from their exceptional selection of wine, ranging from unique boutique wines, local gems and bigger industry-leading wines. You can pick a bottle straight from the wall (which is also their menu).

Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 12pm - 11pm

72 Wale Street | Cape Town City Centre | 021 422 0800 | Instagram: @openwine_za | Image: Lara van Zyl

SNEAK A PEEK OF THIS UP-AND-COMING BAR

Intravinous Direct Wines is opening up a bar on Loop Street. It boasts bold red and green walls, giving off old fire station vibes. The wine list is packed with local wines from the Stellenbosch Wine Route, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley and more. Watch this space.

Glaston House | 110 Loop Street | Cape Town City Centre | Instagram: @intravinious | Image: Lara van Zyl

CHOOSE BETWEEN UNIQUE WHISKIES AND WINE

With top-of-the-range whisky and wine, kamasutra wallpaper and graffiti laden stairs, YOBO Whisky and Wine Bar on Shortmarket Street (next to House of Machines) is definitely a top runner. The Dirty Bubbles are a must-try. There’s even live music on certain nights.

Hours: Wednesday to Saturday, 4pm - 2am; Sundays, 5pm - 2am

86 Shortmarket Street | Cape Town City Centre | Instagram: @yobo_love | Image: YOBO

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DISCOVER MORE NIGHTLIFE IN CAPE TOWN

Locals share their favourite wine tastings and pairings.

Spice up your evenings with these sizzling cocktail spots.

Check out the elegant and cosy Qbar in Stellenbosch. 

All directions lead to jazz with the moody Blue Room. 

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