Why Not Unwind at One of These 7 Wine Bars

Among the surge in craft breweries and trendy cocktail bars, new wine bars are opening their doors — and their cellars — in cities around the world. These elegant locales offer patrons a place to taste new wines, socialize, and unwind.

Wine bars pride themselves on an educational aspect that sets them apart from other drinking establishments. Sommeliers and servers often advise customers on the differences between years, regions, and types of grapes based on their preferences. Patrons can ask about ideal food and wine pairings or sample a variety of wines before committing to a full glass. To accommodate these conversations, wine bars are set up to facilitate frequent interaction between bar staff and customers.

The display of the wines is often a key component of wine bar design. Elegant bottle racks, brightly lit coolers, and polished glasses draw customers inside. Design references to the process of wine production — cellar interiors, wood paneling similar to storage barrels, to name a few — help create the romantic vibe that wine bars are known for. Take a look at the following wine bars when you plan your next evening out:

The Milton by Biasol: Design Studio, Melbourne, Australia

Named after British literary icon John Milton, this Australian wine bar is the perfect place to relax and try new wines and read. The architects behind the project preserved the original structure and its internal brickwork and added an outdoor seating area. The outdoor section is covered by a timber roof that creates a beautiful kaleidoscope effect of shadow and light. The combination of different textures — exposed brick, fresh timber, and blackened steel wine racks — create a warm, casual environment.

Hapito Patio — Happinez Wine Bar by Acre Architects, Saint John, Canada

This Canadian wine bar allows patrons to sit and enjoy a glass of wine right on the sidewalk. The three rising wooden decks accommodate the sloped street and create spaces for guests to either sit or stand. The designers play with texture by preserving the wood’s original grain and details.

Vinorama by Atelier Daniel Schlaepfer and fournier-maccagnan, Rivaz, Switzerland

Situated in the middle of a Swiss vineyard, this wine bar is literally surrounded by wine and wine-making. Patrons enjoy a stunning view of a nearby lake through pixelated, stylized glass. The rest of the façade is made of concrete that blends into the surrounding rocks. Like many wine bars, the tasting-room walls are covered with oak shelving that remind us of wine barrels.

Hall Wines, Winery, and Taste Room by NICOLEHOLLIS, Saint Helena, Calif.

This Californian wine bar takes full advantage of its surrounding landscape, allowing patrons to enjoy the desert sunset from indoors. The bar counter itself is inspired by wooden wine barrels, while the warm lighting and preserved stone walls remind guests of an old wine cellar.

Aldo Sohm Wine Bar by Bentel and Bentel Architects, New York

Located in Manhattan’s busy Midtown district, this wine bar offers New Yorkers a place to sit and relax. Designed to feel like a laid-back living room, patrons sit on comfortable couches surrounded by colorful pop art. The seating area is surrounded by wine shelves on all sides.

Mistral Wine Bar by STUDIO ARTHUR CASAS, São Paulo, Brazil

This Brazilian wine bar makes visitors feel like they’ve stepped into the future. Digital interactive table tops and inventive wine presentation add to the locale’s upscale feel. Wine bottles hang from the ceiling, stick out of the walls, and lean against shelves to create interest. The wood paneling and curved walls make patrons feel like they are exploring an above-ground wine cellar.

Divino Wine Bar by Kata Suto, Budapest, Hungary

Situated in the heart of Budapest, this wine bar design combines old-world charm with a contemporary aesthetic. Playful wooden wine shelving, a well-lit bar, and blackboard walls make this space a charming place to meet friends for a drink. The natural wooden boards on the ceilings and the bar counter itself act as a reference to wine barrels.