As South Africa’s wines continue to flourish, a new generation of wine-sipping venues is redefining how we experience local wine culture. From speakeasy-style, Black-owned concepts to nostalgic cassette-DJ nights and self-serve enotecas, these places are reshaping our relationship with terroir, heritage, and innovation.
Each venue offers its own interpretation of South African wine culture, celebrating transformation and thoughtful concepts. Whether you’re seeking intimate neighbourhood charm or something more edgy, these wine bars reflect the spirit of modern wine hospitality.
We’ve pulled together a selection of exciting bars across the country, from trendy inner-city hotspots to unexpected gems in small towns, each offering something unique.
Bellevue Café
Located in the scenic KwaZulu-Natal town of Kloof, Bellevue Café combines stunning Durban views with a dedicated wine and whisky bar. This passion project offers a curated selection of wines, whiskies, and cocktails alongside a changing menu designed to enhance the drinks. The venue operates from early morning until late evening, seamlessly transitioning from day-time café to sophisticated wine bar as the day progresses. With outdoor seating to enjoy the beautiful location and an atmosphere described as “a space of magic,” Bellevue represents the best of KwaZulu-Natal’s emerging wine culture.
Location: 5 Bellevue Road, Kloof, KwaZulu-Natal
Bellevue Café
Bohemia Art Gallery and Wine Bar
In the artistic heart of Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth), this unique venue seamlessly blends visual arts with wine appreciation. Bohemia showcases local South African wines alongside rotating art exhibitions. Handcrafted spice pairings elevate the wine experience while you’re surrounded by works from local artists. This first-floor gallery-bar creates an intimate atmosphere where conversation flows as freely as the wine, making it a cultural cornerstone for both tourists and locals seeking an authentic Eastern Cape experience.
Location: 29 8th Avenue, Walmer, Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape
Cassette Tiny Wine Bar
With only 16 seats, this micro wine bar in Sea Point delivers maximum atmosphere through its nostalgic 80s and 90s cassette tape theme. Run by respected sommelier and Vice Chair of the SA Sommeliers Association Erica Taylor, Cassette combines throwback tunes with a thoughtfully curated wine list featuring small boutique South African producers alongside timeless classics. The intimate setting encourages conversation and connection, while the rotating wine selection ensures there’s always something new to discover. It’s the perfect spot to geek out over wine while enjoying the soundtrack of your youth.
Location: 206 Main Road, Sea Point
Casette Tiny Wine Bar
Cultivar Wine Bar
Cultivar opened its doors at V&A Waterfront’s Time Out Market in November 2024. This boutique wine bar offers over 120 carefully selected South African wines, including rare and premium bottles available by the glass. Sommelier-led wine tastings guide guests through regional terroirs from Stellenbosch to Swartland, while collaborations with market food vendors create interesting pairings.
Location: Time Out Market, V&A Waterfront
Leo’s Wine Bar
This central spot on Cape Town’s beloved Bree Street transforms a bagel shop into Leo’s Wine Bar at night, creating one of the Mother City’s most innovative dual-concept venues. Leo’s focuses on low-intervention, natural, and organic wines from smaller local producers. The wine list features a handful of options, rotating frequently to keep the experience fresh and exciting. The cosy, eclectic atmosphere is enhanced by regular vinyl sessions, creating a multisensory experience.
Location: 120 Bree Street, Cape Town
Leo’s Wine Bar
Lunacy Wine
In the culturally rich District Six area, this moody wine bar on Harrington Street has quickly established itself as one of Cape Town’s most compelling new wine destinations. Lunacy specializes in a carefully curated selection of exceptional wines paired with an evolving menu of seasonal sharing plates designed to complement rather than compete with the wines. What sets Lunacy apart is its approach to hospitality, the playful, talkative staff create an environment where wine knowledge is shared freely, and every guest feels part of an ongoing conversation about South African wine culture.
Location: 48 Harrington Street, District Six, Cape Town
Mr. Pants Wine Bar
Mr Pants Wine Bar offers South Africa’s most adventurous, rare, and premium wines, many of which you can enjoy by the glass. The selection varies from local boutique producers to older international flavours. Hungry guests can also opt for the available charcuterie and small plates. Mr. Pants also regularly collaborates with artists, adding a creative dimension to the wine experience. This wine bar in Joburg’s Blairgowrie neighbourhood has developed such a devoted following that the team recently expanded to Cape Town with the opening of Cooper Wine Bar in Sea Point (sadly now closed).
Location: 74 Hillcrest Avenue, Blairgowrie, Randburg
Nkula Cocktail and Wine Boutique
Breaking barriers and celebrating excellence, Nkula is Cape Town’s first Black-owned wine bar, exclusively showcasing wines crafted by Black producers. But it’s more than a wine bar; it’s a statement of empowerment and a celebration of African winemaking heritage. The carefully curated wine selection offers guests the opportunity to discover exceptional wines while supporting transformation in the industry. Alongside their wine selection, Nkula serves tasty cocktails that complement their mission of showcasing Black excellence.
Nkula Cocktail and Wine Boutique
Location: 188A Long Street, Cape Town
Novel Wine Bar
Salt River’s newest cultural hub perfectly captures the modern South African lifestyle with its innovative day-to-night concept. By morning, Novel functions as a coffee shop and co-working space with a welcoming atmosphere for the creative community. As evening approaches, it transforms into a sophisticated wine bar showcasing carefully selected South African vintages. It reflects the contemporary South African approach to hospitality: community-focused and effortlessly stylish. The space also serves as an events venue, hosting private events, workshops, and artistic gatherings that celebrate local talent.
Location: Unit C3, 45 Yew St, Salt River, Cape Town
Vine Wine Bar
At 2 100 metres above sea level, Vine Wine Bar in Dullstroom claims the title of South Africa’s highest wine bar. This mountain retreat offers an impressive selection of over 800 South African wine labels alongside a unique lounge-to-table dining concept. The cosy atmosphere, complete with crackling fireplaces, creates the perfect setting for exploring great wines while enjoying panoramic mountain views. The regularly changing menu is thoughtfully created to complement the wine selection, making it a destination worth the journey to the Mpumalanga highlands.
Location: Beelaerts, Dullstroom
Vine Wine Bar
Winebar. (By Father Coffee)
Winebar. has established itself as Joburg’s go-to destination for natural, low-intervention wines from both local producers and international boutique vineyards. The casual atmosphere encourages exploration and conversation, while thoughtful small plates like homemade pickles and sourdough with whipped French butter complement the funky, terroir-driven wines.
Location: 19 Dartfield Road, Kramerville, Johannesburg
Dining and Cooking