9 great wine bars in Johannesburg 2024

Prestigious hotel bars or relaxed hole-in-the-wall spots, South African wines or international classics. The wine bar scene in Johannesburg is vivid, and here Star Wine List's ambassador Steve Steinfeld has selected his favourites in the city.

  1. Phone: +27 71 379 2161

    Address: Shop No 120, Nelson Mandela Square, Sandton

    Situated within Johannesburg’s iconic Nelson Mandela Square, the sexy and sophisticated Tang offers diners modern takes and twists on Asian fare – drawing inspiration from classic Cantonese cooking and the street food found within the izakaya’s of Japan. Separated into sushi, small plates, signature dishes and larger mains, my suggestion would be to order for the table and share amongst guests. The gorgeous setting with its black marble, dark woods and neutral tones create a luxurious and elegant setting in which to indulge. The wine list boasts over 150 bottles and focuses on the heavy hitt...

  2. Phone: +27 87 375 7777

    Address: 36 Saxon Road, Sandhurst, Johannesburg

    By the Glass List of the Year South Africa 2023

    One of Johannesburg's (and South Africa's) most prestigious addresses, the Saxon Hotel in the affluent suburb of Sandown has a majestically magnificent wine program, which has been carefully curated, cellared and served throughout the hotel's long and storied history. The offering, which is available throughout the hotel's many dining areas, spans over 30 pages long and includes an array of local and international wines across a host of cultivars, blends, vintages and regions. In addition to a concise yet considered by-the-glass and Coravin service, there's also a half-bottle offering (375ml...

  3. Phone: +27 011 780 5000

    Address: Sandton Sun Hotel Corner Fifth Street and, Alice Lane, Sandhurst, Sandton

    Sparkling Wine List of the Year South Africa 2022

    The Sandton Sun Hotel’s rooftop bar and restaurant is known for its panoramic views over the bustling, metropolitan hub of Sandton, Johannesburg; its glamorous appeal, roaring firepits and casual meets contemporary dining offering. Drawing an eclectic mix of locals and tourists, San is always bustling with activity. The wine list, compiled by Southern Sun’s group sommelier Miguel Chan, changes fortnightly and offers an exceptional mix of tried and tested favourites and new discoveries, all at competitive price points. It’s a list that encourages trying new wines, including sections encouragi...

  4. Phone: +27 067 294 1673

    Address: Shop 7, Delta Central, 74 Hillcrest Avenue, Blairgowrie, Randburg

    The hole-in-the-wall winebar Mr. Pants, in the quiet Johannesburg neighbourhood of Blairgowrie, remains something of a best-kept secret amongst Johannesburg’s wino crowd. Perhaps because it’s here, within the little burgundy-painted corner spot with its minuscule back courtyard, where you can find some of the most exciting, unique, fine and rare wines in the country – the best part being that they are, for the most part, available for order by the glass. Whether it’s the quirky local small batch producer you’re looking for or an older international gem, they’ll likely have it or something s...

  5. Phone: +27 067 150 3428

    Address: 2 Bolton Road, Parkwood, Johannesburg

    The sibling restaurant to Mr. Pants, this quaint Rosebank wine bar is bringing a taste of Italy to Johannesburg. The bar, specializing in Italian wines and varietals, has blackboard menus featuring what's on offer and the region it comes from – a handy labelled map painted on the wall giving guests an idea of where what's in their glass comes from. The offerings run the course of the country from Piemonte to Sicily and everything in between – and it's all available by the glass.

  6. Phone: +27 011 784 8676

    Address: Shop 30 Nelson Mandela Square Sandton

    A stalwart of Johannesburg’s food scene, The Butcher shop & Grill has for over 20 years been serving up their expertly butchered, aged and cooked meat cuts from their prime position within Sandton’s iconic Nelson Mandela Square. The classic steakhouse is perhaps as well known for its signature steaks as they are for its wine offering. The wine list, which leans more towards the heavier red styles of wine, naturally in line with their food offering, features an array of great South African producers and winemakers (where possible, the winemaker is even credited under the wine). While their li...

  7. Phone: +27 011 884 8888

    Address: Shop U13, Morningside Shopping Centre Cnr Rivonia & Outspan Roads, Morningside, Johannesburg

    Best Medium-Sized List of the Year South Africa, presented by Amorim Cork 2023

    The opulent restaurant within the affluent Johannesburg suburb of Morningside is a luxurious, sophisticated and fashionable affair. The extensive menu ensures something to everyone’s fancy, be it sushi, salads, steaks or seafood. The sultry sounds of jazz and blues, along with the plush furnishings, make it a great place for elaborate and long-lasting evenings. The wine list spans the globe and is even accompanied by maps of the various countries and wine-growing regions it features, as well as tasting notes for each of the wines on offer. Running 65 pages long, much like their food menu, th...

  8. Phone: +27 010 023 3316

    Address: The Bank, 26 Cradock Avenue, Rosebank

    Best Short List of the Year South Africa 2022

    This trendy all-day eatery and wine bar can be found within the bustling heart of Johannesburg’s foodie-centric suburb of Rosebank. Kitted out in mid-century meets modern design, the restaurant offers up a selection of small plates in addition to a larger café and bistro-style casual offering. While the focus of the wine list may be on smaller scale and minimal intervention winemaking, the selection of wines on offer is varied, featuring a diverse mix of predominantly local (there’s a Champagne and small international section, too) wineries and winemakers. Particularly exciting is their sm...

  9. Phone: +27 0741515051

    Address: 19 Dartfield Road, Kramerville, Johannesburg

    Johannesburg’s trendy Scandi-designed coffee shop in the retail area of Kramerville has expanded to include a new wine bar, simply called Winebar. It takes up the left-hand side of their coffee bar. In line with their trendy and hipster approach to coffee, their focus is on the lesser known and alternative wines and winemakers. The blackboard menu features an ever-changing, predominantly local selection of small-batch, natural and low-intervention wines.