TL;DR: Quick Picks for Wine Lovers
If you’re looking to sip your way through Cape Town’s wine bar scene, then look no further.
Listed below are your quick guides to the best wine bars in the city: Leo’s Wine Bar offers curated local bottles and cozy vibes, Culture Wine Bar combines class and creativity with gourmet cheese boards, and Publik Wine Bar is the place for relaxed, small-batch wine indulgence.
The purpose of this guide is to help you find the perfect pour by providing you with maps, honest reviews, pricing insight, and my personal experiences.
Why Cape Town’s Wine Bars Deserve Your Attention
My experiences in Bree and Kloof Nek over the last few months have contributed to my realization that Cape Town is not just a city—it is a way of life, especially when it comes to wine.
The Mother City of Cape Town brings its wine culture right into its heart so that you don’t have to drive out to Stellenbosch or Franschhoek in order to sample award-winning vintages.
The following are my top picks and insights into the very best wine bars in Cape Town that I have sampled, sipped, and sometimes stayed way past closing hours at over the course of many visits.
Leo’s Wine Bar—Intimate, Eclectic, and Seriously Good Wines
Address: Shop 28, De Oude Schuur, 120 Bree Street, Cape Town
Rating: 4.8 (75 reviews)
Hours: Mon–Sat: 4 PM – 11 PM | Sun: Closed
Contact: Instagram |
Google Maps: Get Directions
Pros
- Knowledgeable staff that feel more like sommeliers than bartenders
- Curated wine list showcasing South African and global gems
- Trendy, cozy interior with vinyl spinning in the background
Cons
- Limited seating—arrive early or risk standing
- Menu changes often—ask staff for fresh recommendations
Culture Wine Bar—Where Elegance Meets Exploration
Address: 103 Bree Street, Cape Town
Rating: 4.6 (307 reviews)
Hours: Mon–Sat: 3 PM – 12 AM | Sun: 3 PM – 10 PM
Contact: Website | Phone: +27 21 216 0035
Google Maps: Get Directions
What I Loved
- Large format wine list with rotating global varietals
- Paired cheese and charcuterie boards that elevate every sip
- Romantic ambiance with plush velvet seating and moody lighting
Consider This
- On the pricier side—expect to spend over R500 for two
- Gets booked for events—call ahead to confirm availability
Publik Wine Bar—Laid-back Vibes and Unusual Bottles
Address: 11D Kloof Nek Rd, Tamboerskloof, Cape Town
Rating: 4.7 (223 reviews)
Hours: Mon–Sat: 4 PM – 11 PM | Sun: Closed
Contact: Website | [email protected]
Google Maps: Get Directions
Standout Features
- Focus on natural and organic wines
- Relaxed, communal atmosphere—great for solo visitors
- Small bites and nibbles that match the wine’s complexity
Heads Up
- Limited food menu—not ideal for dinner plans
- Small interior space—not suited for big groups
Cooper Wine Bar—Where Curated Meets Cool
My Experience: I stumbled into Cooper one late Saturday afternoon, and what a treat it was. The wine list isn’t extensive, but every bottle felt handpicked. I tried a Swartland Syrah that was absolutely stunning—fruity, peppery, and complex. The ambiance is cozy, with a rustic yet modern twist.
User Highlight: “I had some really unique wines; I’m super pleased with the range.” – Google Review
📍 Address: 315 Main Rd, Cape Town
💸 Pricing: R100–R150 per glass
⏰ Hours: Mon–Sat: 12pm–10pm | Sun: Closed
🌐 Google Maps Location
Cellar Collective Wine Bar—For the Curious Palate
My Experience: If you’re looking to geek out on wine, this is the place. Their Siberian-inspired menu shocked me at first, but paired with the natural wines, it was pure genius. The sommeliers are knowledgeable and genuinely excited to guide you through the selection.
User Highlight: “Great, interesting wine selection and unusual Siberian menu!” – Google Review
💸 Pricing: R150–R200 per glass
⏰ Hours: Tues–Sat: 3pm–11pm | Sun–Mon: Closed
🌐 Google Maps Location
Bo-Vine Wine & Grill House—Classic, Upscale, Timeless
My Experience: Bo-Vine is my go-to when I’m feeling fancy. The wine list is high-end and curated for serious food pairings. I usually go for a steak and Cabernet combo. It’s on the pricier side, but absolutely worth it for a date night or celebration.
User Highlight: “Absolutely nothing to complain about. Good wine, good food, and good ambiance.” – Google Review
💸 Pricing: R500+ per person
⏰ Hours: Daily: 12pm–11pm
🌐 Google Maps Location
Fable—For the Adventurous Cocktail & Wine Lover
My Experience: Although technically a cocktail bar, Fable deserves a place on this list for its inventive wine-based creations. I had a rosé spritz with a lavender twist that blew my mind. The vibe is chic, moody, and perfect for after-dark sipping.
User Highlight: “The drinks menu is innovative, delicious, and incredibly curated.” – Google Review
💸 Pricing: R120–R180 per drink
⏰ Hours: Tues–Sun: 5pm–1am | Mon: Closed
🌐 Google Maps Location
Bouchon Bistro—A Hidden Cellar with French Flair
My Experience: Bouchon feels like a warm hug — rustic, candlelit, and full of old-world charm. Their rotating wine list and cheese pairings are sublime. I had a Viognier that paired perfectly with their risotto.
User Highlight: “Everyone raved about the food and loved the ambience of the wine cellar.” – Google Review
💸 Pricing: R250–R400 per person
⏰ Hours: Mon–Sat: 5pm–10pm | Sun: Closed
🌐 Google Maps Location
Vine and Dandy—Whimsical Yet Sophisticated
My Experience: This gem inside the Longkloof precinct offers a fun and artsy vibe. The wine list rotates frequently and features some rare finds from lesser-known vineyards. Their staff made me feel at home instantly.
User Highlight: “Incredible atmosphere, lovely staff, and great wine.” – Google Review
💸 Pricing: R100–R150 per glass
⏰ Hours: Wed–Sat: 3pm–10pm | Sun–Tues: Closed
🌐 Google Maps Location
Bartinney Wine & Champagne Bar—For Sparkling Lovers
My Experience: When I crave bubbly, I head to Bartinney. It’s intimate and romantic with exposed brick walls and golden lighting. Their MCC (Méthode Cap Classique) options are on par with Champagne. A must-visit for sparkling fans.
User Highlight: “Beautiful wine, lovely setting, and very friendly service.” – Google Review
💸 Pricing: R120–R160 per glass
⏰ Hours: Mon–Sat: 12pm–8pm | Sun: Closed
🌐 Google Maps Location
Frequently Asked Questions
Which wine bar is best for first-time visitors in Cape Town?
Culture Wine Bar offers a polished yet welcoming experience with guided wine flights that are perfect for beginners.
Are reservations required?
Not always, but highly recommended for Leo’s and Culture, especially on weekends. Publik usually accommodates walk-ins more easily.
What’s the average spend per person?
Expect to spend around R300–R600 per person depending on how many glasses or bottles you go for, especially if you include cheese or snacks.
Do these wine bars offer non-alcoholic options?
Yes, most offer non-alcoholic wines, sparkling teas, and mocktails on request.
Are these bars accessible for wheelchair users?
Culture Wine Bar and Leo’s are accessible, though Publik has limited accessibility due to its compact layout.
Which wine bar in Cape Town is best for beginners?
Cooper Wine Bar is a great place to start. The staff are friendly, the list is approachable, and pricing is mid-range.
Is Cape Town expensive for wine tasting?
Not at all! Many bars like Vine and Dandy and Cooper offer premium wines starting at R100–R150 per glass.
Do I need a reservation for wine bars in Cape Town?
For popular spots like Bo-Vine or Bouchon Bistro, a reservation is highly recommended, especially on weekends.
Are these wine bars open during load shedding?
Most of them have backup power solutions, but it’s best to check via their Instagram or website for updates.
Final Thoughts
Every wine bar listed here has its own flavor—both literally and metaphorically. Whether you’re into biodynamic blends or full-bodied reds, there’s a place in Cape Town that will feel like it was made for you.
I hope this guide helps you navigate the scene with confidence. Remember, the best wine is the one you enjoy—so don’t be shy to try something new, ask questions, and sip slowly.
Disclaimer: WakaAbuja has made every effort to ensure that the information in this post was correct at the time of publication. However, we do not assume any liability caused by errors such as pricing, hours, or location details. Please consult official websites or social media pages for the most up-to-date information.
