Wine has a big place in our hearts so it’s only right we give it the love and attention it really needs (or a good glug). There’s nothing quite like the refreshing glass of fermented grapes after a long day at work and luckily for us, Bristol isn’t short of places to sip some good vino at. From the tucked away independents serving no nonsense wines to the tapas and pasta spots with extensive European wine lists, check out our guide to the best wine bars in Bristol.
1. Kask
With the motto “Say no to sh*t wine”, this wine bar in Bedminster brings some of the best bottles to the city and it’s likely after one sip you’ll never want to turn back. Serving organic, sustainable, minimal intervention and vegan wine, Kask not only boasts a beautiful bar brimming with choice but also a cute garden to enjoy an alfresco tipple plus gorgeous cheese and charcuterie boards at. The North Street wine bar hosts cheese and wine tasting sessions (virtual available too) and flight nights where you can discover some of the ripest wines out there along with cheese and nibbles to complement the wine too.
Kask, 51 North Street, Bedminster, BS3 1EN
2. Bar 44
Bringing a taste of España to Bristol, Bar44, has a large selection of Spanish wines for us to enjoy, paired with an incredible menu of delicious tapas. The bar and restaurant has an extensive list of sherry to choose from including their own signature Manzanilla, described as ‘en rama’ meaning from the branch which gives it an unfiltered taste. Or you can sip on a fresh, crisp white or a fruity, full-bodied red alongside Bar44’s charcuterie, tapas and seasonal dishes. With wonderful wines and a relaxed, super-friendly environment, Bar44, who are publishing a cookbook, is the perfect spot for a date night after months at home.
Bar44, 18-20 Regent Street, Clifton Village, BS8 4HG
3. Tare
Situated on Bristol’s Wapping Wharf harbour front, this intimate restaurant with 18 seats is not only great for a meal but also for a lovely glass (or bottle) of wine. Tare offers a five course menu (vegetarian option available) with the option of including wine pairings at an additional cost. The harbourside restaurant also has wine list featuring wines from across the globe as well as some locally-produced ones from the likes of Somerset and Gloucestershire, plus for curious wine drinkers Tare also have an orange wine on the menu that’s worth a try.
Tare Restaurant, Unit 14, Museum Street, Wapping Wharf, BS1 6ZA
4. Snobby’s
Funnily enough this isn’t a place for just those who are snobby about wine as this is one of the most welcoming wine bars in Bristol. Snobby’s offers casual Italian dining in a relaxed environment serving pizza and small plates. With a huge emphasis on wine (that’s what we like to hear), be sure to check out their carefully curated shelves of delicious, reasonably-priced wines from across the globe and if you are feeling flush don’t forget to take a peek at their top shelf too. As well as serving food and wine, Snobby’s is also an art gallery and offers life drawing with wine tasting events.
Snobby’s, 6 Chandos Road, BS6 6PE
5. Corks
One of Bristol’s leading independent wine, spirit and beer shops, Corks boasts three branches in the city- Cargo at Wapping Wharf, Cotham Hill and Bedminster’s North Street. At their Cargo branch, Bristolians can have a wander by the harbour then grab their tipple of choice to go. The stock at Corks is extensive and they deliver to the majority of Bristol postcodes so you needn’t miss out on your wine fix. Their website even lets you check to see whether they have your fave wine in before popping in to buy.
Corks, Unit 6, Cargo, BS1 6WP
54 Cotham Hill, BS6 6JX
79 North Street, BS3 1ES
6. Marmo
Marmo is an owner-run restaurant and wine bar in the heart of Bristol serving a concise menu featuring seasonal and locally-sourced ingredients. Enjoy a glass or carafe of wine with gooey burrata or pasta made in house using flour from South Devon. Their wine list showcases European producers who farm their vineyards organically or biodynamically and who use minimal or no chemical intervention in the winery. For all the natural and orange wine lovers (or keen to try it), Marmo is the spot. Plus, you can grab a bottle or two to take home at 30% off the list price.
Marmo, 31 Baldwin Street, BS1 1RG
7. Bar Ripiena
From the same group behind Pasta Loco and La Sorella, Bar Ripiena is situated next door to Pasta Ripiena and offers a hand-picked selection of wines which span across the world, from old to new, suitable for any occasion. Bar Ripiena has taken influences from Italy, particularly Lake Como, to bring their version of the perfect wine bar. Enjoy artisan charcuterie, cheese and more or simply sip on a glass before tucking into pasta dishes next door. Their wine list mainly features wines from European countries such as Italy, France and Spain as well as the odd New World wine from the likes of Australia and South Africa.
Bar Ripiena, 29 St Stephen’s Street, BS1 1JX
8. The Bristol Loaf
Not only is The Bristol Loaf known for its bread and pastries, but this bakery also boasts an impressive wine selection. The Bristol Loaf has a range of unique, organic and natural wines from small scale producers, including many from lesser known regions and grape varieties, both to take home and drink in. Most are certified organic or biodynamic and vegan, and they even have their own sustainable wines on tap with refill bottles (available at their Bedminster branch too). The Native Vine Bar is open during the day and also caters for evening shows and events scheduled at Bristol Beacon.
The Bristol Loaf, Bristol Beacon, Trenchard Street, BS1 5AR
9. Cave
The one and only cave we want to curl up and enjoy a glass of wine at. This Gloucester Road wine shop, bar and deli hosts themed food and wine events such as Portuguese tinned fish and wine night, a charcuterie party all weekend long, an oyster pop-up and dim sum and wine tasting nights, plus more country-themed evenings. And if you can’t manage to visit Cave on a regular basis, they have a monthly membership that sends you some of their top notch wine to your door as not to miss out.
Cave, 286 Gloucester Road, BS7 8PD
10. Le Vignoble
Changing the game when it comes to wine bars in Bristol is Le Vignoble. At their wine lounge at Finzels Reach, customers can enjoy a taster or glass of wine from one of their self service Enomatic dispensers, which will ensure your wine is delivered in tip top condition, every time. Sample up to 64 different wines and enjoy an afternoon or night of continental tapas dishes to complement that wine of yours that you got with a hit of a button.
Le Vignoble, Fermentation 3, Finzels Reach, BS1 6JQ