Kandice VincentWine bars have roots in ancient taverns and wine houses, where people gathered to enjoy wine together. Now, they’ve become chic spots, offering global wine selections paired with gourmet bites.
From cozy hideaways to stylish urban gems, we’re diving into Toronto’s top wine bars. Whether you’re a seasoned sipper or just starting your wine adventure, these spots promise a taste of the good life.
How much do you spend in a wine bar in Toronto?
Generally, patrons can expect to spend anywhere from $30 to $50 per person at a wine bar in Toronto, including a glass or two of wine and light snacks. However, upscale wine bars may result in higher costs.
Other factors such as the time of day, day of the week, and any special promotions or events may also influence the overall price.
How We Chose the Best Wine Bars in Toronto
1. Grey Gardens
Grey Gardens is the brainchild of trend-setting restaurateur Agg. What started as a humble scooter store has been magically transformed into a dreamy, pastel-hued sanctuary in Kensington Market.
The ambiance is a blend of elegance and nostalgia, with polished brass accents, marble countertops, and vintage glass and ceramic pieces.
Reservations are recommended for those seeking a seat in the back dining room or along the counter, although walk-ins are welcomed at the bar and a few select tables.
Grey Gardens offers a cocktail and cider list, but the true star is their private-order wine collection.
Enthusiasts can explore rare and sought-after gems from wine regions like Piemonte, Rioja, and Rhône. Some quality labels include Bellotti, López de Heredia, and La Souteronne.
Guests can also pair their wine with seafood and vegetable-centric dishes from their seasonal à la carte menu.
Pros
- Elegant and retro ambiance
- Accepts reservations and walk-ins
- Private-order wine collection
- Rare wines from Piemonte, Rioja, and Rhône
- Has a cocktail and cider list
- Seasonal à la carte menu
Cons
- Reports of rude servers
The wine list superb, and the service outstanding
“This an excellent restaurant. The food is creative and delicious, the wine list superb and the service outstanding. Most of the plates are for sharing which allows everyone to try everything. And you will want to! It is expensive but that must be expected with a restaurant of this quality. We found it a tad loud but overall the atmosphere is warm and friendly.”
Barry Brown, Google Review
Wine list was beyond superb!
“Fantastic service, great menu, delicious seafood selection, had scallop sea bass octopus! All yummy! Great cocktails to start, wine list was beyond superb! Very knowledgeable staff and an impeccable atmosphere! Would definitely come back.”
Albert Wong, Google Review
2. Salt Wine Bar
Salt Wine Bar offers a fusion of Iberian and Canadian tapas and wine under the guidance of owner Albino Silva, a celebrated figure in Toronto’s culinary realm.
The ambiance is dark and cozy, with an all-wood interior illuminated by flickering candlelight, creating an intimate setting.
The wine cellar boasts an impressive array of Portuguese and Spanish wines, with a particular emphasis on Portugal’s refreshing Vino Verde varietal. The selection is expertly selected by Salt Wine Bar’s sommelier.
While patrons sip wine, they can also sample artisanal cheeses, Iberian charcuterie, and a diverse array of small plate dishes crafted by Chef Dave Kemp. Seasonal and local ingredients are sourced for each dish.
And let’s not forget about dessert! Guests can indulge their sweet tooth with decadent treats like chocolate terrine, churros, and crème brûlée.
Pros
- Owned by Albino Silva
- Intimate, candlelit setting
- Portuguese and Spanish wines
- Artisanal cheeses, charcuteries, and small plates
- Seasonal and local ingredients
- Terrine, churros, and crème brûlée
Cons
- Pricey
Well crafted staged menu, great wine list
“Salt is just a wonderful evening experience you’ll remember for so many good reasons. The great food with a well crafted staged menu, great wine list, an ambiance that adds a sense of wonder and comfort at the same time, impeccable service – all add up to a must try place on the TO food list. We had several tapas dishes and some gorgeous wine. We had the piri piri chicken, steak tartare, pork belly and more. Dessert was great. Overall, we just enjoyed the way the tapas menu is planned in stages. So it makes for a journey. Do try the martini. And book early. The place fills up pretty quick. The wine bottle walls and the candle light are a superb touch.”
Tom Roy, Google Review
There are wines you cannot get any other places in town
“Great place for tapas and quiet enough for a great conversation. The wine list is fantastic and there are wines you cannot get any other places in town. Vegetarians are welcome as there are a few amazing vegetable dishes, like the Patatas, which I highly recommend. Be ready to pay for the experience, though.”
Slavi Grozev, Google Review
3. Sotto Voce Wine & Pasta Bar
Sotto Voce Wine & Pasta Bar, owned by husband and wife team Anita Mancuso and Alan Thomson, has been in College Street’s Little Italy for the past two decades.
The restaurant has an open kitchen and arched concrete bar. During warmer months, guests can bask in the sunshine on the 30-seat patio, which features a retractable awning, and cozy fire pits in winter.
For wine lovers, they have a “by the glass” wine list, curated by Alan. He aims to showcase quality and terroir-driven selections that transport diners around the globe.
With a focus on Italian wines and some international gems, they have an ever-evolving wine list. Among their offerings are the 2009 Garnacha Pago Balagueses, 2014 IL Falcone Rosso Riserva, and 2014 Brunello Poggio Salvi.
Complementing their impressive wine selection are rustic Italian classics, from bruschettas and crostinis to carpaccio and pasta.
Pros
- 20 years of experience
- 30-seat patio with a retractable awning
- Cozy fire pits in winter
- Offers a “by the glass” wine list
- Italian wines and some international gems
- Has rustic Italian classics
Cons
- Reports of slow service
Loved everything about this Italian wine bar!
“Loved everything about this Italian wine bar! Went with six friend for a girl’s night out. Excellent selection of wine, food was delicious and seasoned beautifully, best espresso martini I’ve ever had. Service impeccable and ambience was lively and fun (we went on a Monday and it was hopping!) Will definitely be back.”
lisa hutchinson, Google Review
Lovely intimate spot!
“Lovely intimate spot! Service was great and friendly. We sat inside where we can see the kitchen work in action. Appetizers were delicious – highly recommend their Crostini and Figaro salad. The lamb was tender and the pastas were flavourful!”
Sharon, Google Review
4. Midfield Wine Bar
Open since 2012, Midfield Wine Bar is the creation of sommelier Christopher Sealy and industry veteran Giuseppe Anile. They share a deep-seated passion for wine, food, and hospitality.
Designed by Matthew Beckerle, the old-world space features white walls against blackboards showcasing the wine list, and rustic wooden shelving displaying their bottle collection. It even has repurposed prison and warehouse lockers.
With a focus on organic, biodynamic, and natural wines, Midfield’s 350+ bottle list promises an exploration of flavors and terroirs. Each wine is available by the glass–through three-ounce and half-glass pours– or by the bottle.
To complement the wine experience, Midfield sources farm-fresh vegetables from their very own farm.
Plus, they offer a full meat and cheese board. Meats are supplied by Seed to Sausage and Pingue Prosciutto, while cheeses are sourced from Ontario, Quebec, and beyond.
Pros
- Over a decade of experience
- Charming old-world space
- Organic, biodynamic, and natural wines
- Has a 350+ bottle list
- Has their own farm for vegetables
- Meats supplied by Seed to Sausage and Pingue Prosciutto
- Ontario and Quebec cheeses
Cons
- Space is a bit small
Probably the best wine list in town
“Probably the best wine list in town and criminally underrated kitchen.”
Chris Furgala, Google Review
Definitely the place to go if you want to try different wines
“Excellent wine list, definitely the place to go if you want to try different wines, I was positively surprised by each of the glass I’ve had and was unable to guess which wine it was. Waitress was very passionate about wines and would take time to describe the winery and story of the wine. They keep changing their selection, we will go back for sure. Nothing pretentious, just good wines with other wine lovers! Good to know: they have a terrace!”
Marie L., Google Review
5. Paradise Grapevine
Paradise Grapevine was born from the passion of industry veterans David Everitt and Christian Davis. Their dream of a relaxed place offering natural wines, rotating beers, and tasty snacks has now become a cherished spot in the neighborhood.
Since dipping their toes into winemaking in 2019, Paradise Grapevine has flourished, producing over 90 tonnes of wine. They’re sourced from local Niagara region farmers and then processed and aged in their own winery.
They’re also the first independent wine store in Ontario. They boast a curated selection of hundreds of bottles ranging from everyday favorites to their own wines, plus rare gems waiting to be discovered.
Their snack menu offers an enticing array of options such as sourdough, chorizo, rotational cheeses, meats, and mixed plates. Guided wine and cheese tastings are also offered.
Additionally, their year-round patio is partially covered and heated during colder months.
Pros
- Owned by industry veterans
- Offers natural wines and rotating beers
- Has its own winery
- First independent wine store in ON
- Has a snack menu
- Guided wine and cheese tastings
- Patio is partially heated during colder months
Cons
- Reports of unhelpful staff
Super chill patio with a super wine list!
“Super chill patio with a super wine list! Perfect to celebrate the weekend lolz great crew there obviously!”
Terry M Chang, Google Review
Incredible wine list & rotating craft beer & cider!
“Amazing staff, an incredible wine list & rotating craft beer & cider!”
Devon Collins, Google Review
6. Archive
Archive, a fixture since 2012, exudes a cozy ambiance with its exposed brick walls, chalkboard menus, and shelves brimming with wine.
Josh and Joel Corea, the co-owners, offer an exceptional wine list at Archive. Featuring a wide variety of gems and one of Canada’s largest Gamay selections, guests can enjoy these wines on-site or take them home from the bottle shop.
Pét-nat enthusiasts will rejoice at the freely flowing bubbly, while wine aficionados will appreciate their over 30 Gamay bottles. They even have rare wines from Italian orange wine specialists Radikon.
For those overwhelmed by the eclectic wine selection, knowledgeable bartenders are on hand to provide tailored recommendations.
Complementing the wine experience is a snack menu showcasing Western-European treats. Examples include their tender rabbit and potato croquettes and their mouthwatering lil’ baby Reuben, featuring corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese.
Note that Archive also hosts structured tastings.
Pros
- Over a decade of experience
- One of Canada’s largest Gamay selections
- Rare wines from Radikon
- Offers tailored recommendations
- Has a bottle shop
- Western-European snack menu
- Hosts structured tastings
Cons
- Reports of rude servers
Archive is THE wine bar in Toronto for many many reasons
“Archive is THE wine bar in Toronto for many many reasons. Cozy, intimate with an incredible ever changing wine list with lots of options. The team are all pros but not snobs and their cellar is deep so you can try things you won’t see elsewhere. Their food menu changes and is crafted for wine. Just superb.”
Krystina Roman, Google Review
The WINE list is FABULOUS
“The food is EXCELLENT. The people are GREAT. The WINE list is FABULOUS.
Every time I go here, I have a fabulous experience.”
N C, Google Review
7. Bar Piquette
Bar Piquette has a rustic ambiance reminiscent of a Parisian hole-in-the-wall. Their blowfish lamp sourced from Paris adds a whimsical touch above the bar, while McQuaid’s temperature-controlled oak wine cabinet showcases diverse bottles.
Wine enthusiasts will rejoice at their rotating list of over 80 labels, featuring elusive finds. With the by-the-glass selection changing three times a week, knowledgeable servers are on hand to guide guests through the menu.
Complementing the exceptional wine selection is a changing menu of small, seasonal plates. From creamy burrata with peas to savory tomatoes with guanciale and indulgent mortadella sandwiches, each dish is thoughtfully curated.
Additionally, charcuterie from Scott Draper of Sanagan’s Meat Locker is available.
And for those seeking al fresco dining, Bar Piquette’s partially heated back patio awaits, offering a cozy retreat seven days a week.
Pros
- Parisian hole-in-the-wall vibe
- Rotating list of over 80 wine labels
- By-the-glass selection changes three times a week
- Small, seasonal plates
- Charcuterie from Scott Draper
- Has a partially heated back patio
Cons
- A bit pricey
Unique wine list that cannot be found at the LCBO
“Jonathan’s attentiveness and wine recommendations were excellent. The bar has a unique wine list of bottles that cannot be found at the LCBO. We loved their selection of side dishes which were perfect for enjoying our wines. Will definitely be returning.”
Paul, Google Review
Their wine list is wildly eclectic and fun
“The food menu offers very good tapas that are simple and solid. Their wine list is wildly eclectic and fun. They have so much available by the glass that it’s easy to find yourself sipping through many bottles. Service is very warm and they know what they’re talking about. The space is rather tiny but very cozy and comfortable. Once the back patio opens in the new year it’ll be sublime for the summer. I would recommend avoiding this place on Friday/Saturday nights…it’s Queen West.”
Nicolas Aldea, Google Review
8. Chez Nous
Chez Nous wine bar is owned by adventurer Laura Carr. Her experience with wines acquired from her travels through France, Belgium, and New Zealand makes her bar the perfect spot to unwind.
Carr’s choice to exclusively highlight Ontario wines reflects her confidence in the abundance and variety offered by our local terroir.
This is echoed in her carefully curated wine selection featuring a marquette from Prince Edward County’s Karlo Estates and a melon de Bourgogne from Niagara’s Malivoire.
Happy hour from 5 PM to 7 PM daily offers the perfect opportunity to indulge in half-priced bottles. Sundays extend the savings with all-day discounts on select wines.
For those craving a bite to accompany their wine, small snacks are available, or guests are welcome to bring their own outside food.
Speaking of food, they offer meat and cheese plates, each assembled to complement the wine selection.
Pros
- Serves only Ontario wines
- Happy hour from 5 PM to 7 PM daily
- Half-priced bottles after 12 and on Sundays
- Offers meat and cheese plates
- Guests can bring outside food
- Walk-ins are welcome
Cons
- Limited food options
Space is absolutely perfect for your little wine dreams
“This space is absolutely perfect for your little wine dreams. The environment gives you the feeling of a NYC wine bar, yet also makes you feel like you are on the set of a Hallmark movie. The staff is wonderful and their wine list is great! Chez Nous is also extremely fairly priced.”
The Harvest Hunters, Google Review
Here, you can taste la crème de la crème of Ontarian wines
“You quickly feel “at home” in this small wine bar in the heart of Leslieville. The owner is a model of kindness and sensuousness. The wine list is short but very attractive. Here you can taste la crème de la crème of Ontarian wines. And price are fair! A visiter d’urgence !”
Alien *SKP*322*, Google Review
9. Sommelier Factory Wine Bar
Sommelier Factory Wine Bar and School is led by master sommelier Bruce Wallner and advanced sommelier Nabilah Rawji. It’s situated within a charming 1900s Victorian house opposite the Scotiabank Theatre
The recently rebranded downstairs space serves as both a bar and a space for budding wine enthusiasts. On the ground floor and front patio, during the summer months, guests can relish deli bites crafted from scratch, expertly paired with wines.
They also offer salty, creamy snacks designed to complement champagne, from charcuterie boards to cod croquettes and tantalizing tins of conservas.
For those seeking a bottle to enjoy at home the back bottle shop offers a selection of inexpensive options, alongside hidden gems including champagne and older vintages.
Beyond the bar, SommFactory offers a range of courses catering to aspiring sommeliers seeking professional certifications.
Pros
- Led by experienced sommeliers
- Has a bottle shop and a front patio
- Offers wine pairings
- Offers deli bites and savory snacks
- Also has charcuterie boards
- Offers a range of sommelier courses
Cons
- Reports of uninformed and unhelpful servers
Fantastic wine list
“Amazing little spot. Fantastic wine list. HUGE selection of Gin. Food was delicious. Ketchup fries. I think we had 4 orders. And those blistered peppers. Amazing. Beautiful spot. Staff was engaging and helpful, service was perfect. Thank you.”
Jon TeBrugge, Google Review
They run a wine school upstairs so the wine list is top notch
“Great wine list with amazing prices. No gauging here. It’s a great spot for hanging out, catching up with friends and getting sharing plates especially the delicious chicken liver mousse. It’s so smooth and delicious just need to send out more bread. We were so stuffed so never got a chance for dessert but will definitely be back. Also the muffaletta looked incredible but we had all the cheese and charcuterie, rillettes, and more so didn’t have a chance. They run a wine school upstairs so the wine list is top notch.”
Krystina Roman, Google Review
10. Downtown Winery
Downtown Winery on Ossington Street brings four decades of family winemaking to downtown Toronto. With a unique hybrid license, they import, age, and bottle wines under their label, ensuring high-quality wines at affordable prices.
Their wine list features selections from around the world, starting at just $10 a glass, or guests can enjoy curated flights for a tasting adventure. You can also take the experience home with bottles available for purchase.
You can pair your wine with Portuguese finger foods or small bites from their menu. And, their yummy olive oil flights allow guests to dip their way through a selection of EVOO, roasted garlic oil, basil oil, and cask-aged balsamic vinegar.
For those keen on learning, customized tastings led by Macedo offer a deeper dive into the world of wine.
Pros
- Four decades of experience
- Has a hybrid license
- Wine list features global labels
- Portuguese finger foods
- Offers olive oil flights
- Offers customized tastings
Cons
- Reports of rude staff
The wine was exceptional as well as the service
“Such an absolutely amazing experience with Amy and her staff! She made us feel so welcome, and she was so personable. I would definitely recommend this place to anybody coming to Toronto or everyone in general. The most amazing atmosphere, the most amazing wine, and most of all the best vibes. The wine was exceptional as well as the service. I would recommend this place absolutely everyone.”
Madelynne Broad, Google Review
The wine selection is fantastic
“I loved Downtown Winery. The ambiance and aesthetics were modern and inviting. The wine selection is fantastic, offering lots of options to choose from. We enjoyed the Pinot Gris and rose, both of which were delightful. Our server Luisa was very knowledgeable and friendly. Without a doubt, it’s a unique and excellent place to enjoy with friends.”
Carlos Espana, Google Review
