11 great wine bars in Cape Town 2025

Cooper Wine Bar

Phone: +27 081 703 2214

Address: 315 Main Road, Sea Point, Cape Town

Cooper Wine Bar on Main Road in Sea Point is a standout destination for wine lovers looking to explore a well-curated selection of South African wines. The space strikes a balance between relaxed and sophisticated, making it a great spot for both casual drinks and more in-depth wine appreciation. The wine list showcases boutique producers and hidden gems alongside established favourites, offering something for every palate. Knowledgeable staff members are on hand to provide thoughtful recommendations, enhancing the experience with their insights into each bottle’s story. The food menu, while...

Pavement Special

Phone: +27 021 447 6505

Address: The Old Biscuit Mill, 373 Albert Road, Woodstock, Cape Town

Pavement Special, located in Cape Town’s vibrant Woodstock district within The Old Biscuit Mill, is a natural wine bar and Neapolitan pizzeria that offers an eclectic and playful atmosphere. The establishment focuses on a revolving selection of the best and most exciting alternative, low-intervention, and natural wines by South African winemakers. The creative food menu centres around a bright blue Neapolitan pizza oven, producing delicious small plates, bar snacks, and some of the city’s best Neapolitan-style pizzas. The ambiance is enhanced by music selectors playing genres ranging from We...

The Blue Room

Phone: 021 216 0035

Address: 103 Bree Street, Cape Town

The Blue Room on Bree Street is where Cape Town’s loves – live music, fine wine, and craft cocktails – come together in one sultry, jazz-infused space. Part of Grub & Vine, this moody, dimly-lit lounge channels the golden era of jazz while keeping things fresh with a line up of top local and international artists. With live performances every night from Monday to Saturday, the music spans classic jazz, blues, and contemporary fusion, creating an atmosphere that feels both nostalgic and electric. More than just a music venue, The Blue Room delivers on the drinks front, with a well-curated win...

Cassette

Address: 206 Main Road, Sea Point, Cape Town

Cassette is a small wine bar in the heart of Sea Point, where wine meets throwback tunes. Run by Erica Taylor, the ever-changing wine list mixes small-batch boutique producers with a few timeless classics. The vibe is designed to be relaxed yet buzzing – the kind of place where you can geek out over wine if you want to, but just as easily sit back and enjoy the music and the moment. [Editor's note: Erica Taylor is Star Wine List's Cape Town and Stellenbosch Ambassador.]

Vine & Dandy

Phone: 076 241 6802

Address: Unit O19, Longkloof precinct, 7 Park Road, Gardens, Cape Town

Tucked away in Cape Town’s Gardens district, Vine and Dandy offers a delightful blend of daytime relaxation and evening sophistication. By day, this charming spot operates as a coffee shop, serving freshly brewed Cedar Coffee alongside a selection of pastries and toasties. The atmosphere is cosy and inviting, making it an ideal place for meetings, catching up with friends, or simply enjoying a quiet moment. Dog lovers will appreciate the pet-friendly policy, with comfortable pup sack beds available for furry companions. As the day transitions into evening, Vine and Dandy transforms into a v...

Arthur’s Mini Super

Phone: +27 087 702 7470

Address: 15 Arthurs Road, Sea Point, Cape Town

Arthur’s Mini Super is the kind of place that makes you feel like a regular from the moment you walk in. By day, it’s a laid-back Sea Point deli slinging some of the best toasties in town; by night, it transforms into a casual but seriously cool wine bar with a focus on natural, low-intervention wines. Run by Stephanie Anastasopoulos and Will Hobson, Arthur’s keeps things simple but spot-on – great food, great wine, and a no-fuss atmosphere that feels effortlessly welcoming. The wine selection is ever-changing, always interesting, and leans towards small-production gems. Whether you’re grabb...

Culture Wine Bar

Phone: +27 212160035

Address: 103 Bree Street, Cape Town

By the Glass List of the Year International Open 2025

Culture Wine Bar, on Cape Town’s vibrant Bree Street, has firmly established itself as a premier destination for wine enthusiasts. Under the ownership of UK-born chef Matt Manning, the bar offers an impressive selection of over 50 wines by the glass, providing guests with a diverse tasting journey that spans both local and international varietals. The ambiance is further elevated by weekly live music sessions, creating a lively yet intimate atmosphere that complements the expansive wine offerings. The bar’s dedication to excellence has been recognised on prestigious platforms, garnering signi...

Judd’s Local

Phone: +27 064 527 1272

Address: 141 Kloof Street, Gardens, Cape Town

Best Short List of the Year South Africa 2023

Judd’s Local, situated at 141 Kloof Street in Cape Town, is a family-owned eatery and wine bar that combines a warm, inviting atmosphere with a dedication to quality cuisine and exceptional wines. Established by the Judd family, the restaurant offers a menu of elevated comfort food, featuring dishes like snoek tacos, West Coast crayfish rolls, and a variety of burgers, including vegan options. The wine selection at Judd’s Local is thoughtfully curated, showcasing local favourites and hidden gems from South Africa’s diverse wine regions. This commitment to excellence in their wine offerings...

Leo's

Phone: +27 76 042 0224

Address: Shop 28, De Oude Schuur, 120 Bree Street, Cape Town

Leo’s Wine Bar is a unique fusion of daytime bagel shop and nighttime wine haven, located on Bree Street in central Cape Town. By day, the space operates as Max Bagels, serving fresh bagels to a bustling crowd. Come evening, it transforms into Leo’s Wine Bar, offering an intimate and relaxed atmosphere for wine enthusiasts. The bar specialises in low-intervention wines from smaller producers, with a strong emphasis on natural and organic selections. Their curated wine list features approximately 20 options, with around 10 available by the glass, rotating frequently to provide guests with new...

Openwine

Phone: +27 21 422 0800

Address: 72 Wale Street, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town

Openwine on Wale Street isn’t just a wine bar – it’s an enoteca, a space where wine is meant to be explored, discovered, and enjoyed at your own pace. Founded by Raphael Paterniti, this cosy yet sophisticated spot embraces a European approach to wine drinking, with no fixed wine list in sight. Instead, guests are encouraged to browse the shelves lined with an ever-changing selection of South African wines, or seek recommendations from the exceptionally knowledgeable staff. Whether you’re in the mood for a rare Swartland Syrah or a crisp Elgin Chardonnay, the experience is guided by curiosity...

Publik Wine Bar

Address: 11D Kloof Nek Road, Gardens, Cape Town

Publik Wine Bar is where South Africa’s wine industry goes to drink. Tucked away on Kloof Nek Road, this unassuming yet deeply respected spot is all about celebrating the country’s small-batch, minimal-intervention producers. Founded in 2013, Publik has built a reputation for showcasing wines with a sense of place – bottles made by winemakers who prioritise sustainable farming, spontaneous fermentation, and hands-off cellar work. The by-the-glass selection is ever-changing, encouraging guests to explore lesser-known varieties, edgy natural wines, and the best of South Africa’s modern winemaki...