We talk a lot about wine, but can you blame us? So it’s no surprise that wine bars are high on our list of favourite places to hang out. In the spirit of spreading more wine love further, we’ve put together a list of wine bars you should think about putting on your to do list. Some are newer than others, some involve more cheese than others, but all worth a look in and a glass or two.

For when you want to take some home too- Harry and Frankie

Harry & Frankie just makes you want to drink better wine. You walk in, breathe in all the beautiful aromas, and feast your eyes on the bottles that line the walls. A bottle shop and wine bar, it has the best of both worlds. You can linger with a bite to eat and a glass of the good stuff, or leave with a bottle or two in hand. You might find yourself walking away with a bottle of 2010 Mount Mary Pinot Noir, a 2008 Donnhoff Hermannshohle Grosses Gewache Riesling from Germany, or maybe a 2012 Shaw & Shaw M3 Chardonnay. You’re in charge of the wine for that dinner party later on.

Harry & Frankie
317 Bay Street, Port Melbourne
(03) 96645 4414

For special occasions- Cumulus Up 

The mini version of Cumulus Inc, there is nothing but good things up the stairs in Cumulus Up. There are around 16 wines by the glass, catering to your budget. Maybe splurge on a NV Laherte Preres ‘Grand Brut’ Champagne from France at $24 a glass, or keep things a little more reserved with the 2013 Chrismont Merlot Sangiovese ‘Casa Rosso’ from the King Valley for $9. Oh and you have to order the duck waffles with foie gras and prunes. Yes they have a cult following and yes they’re worth it.

Cumulus Up
Upstairs, 45 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
(03) 9650 1445

For the little Italy experience- Kirk’s Wine Bar

Tucked into Hardware Lane and all its Italian feel in Melbourne’s CBD, Kirk’s Wine Bar is the brainchild of Con Christopoulos, Ian Curley, and John Brisbane (City Wine Ship, Siglo, European).  With a rustic exterior, seats outside for people watching, and drinks and nibble combinations, you’ll think you stepped off the beaten track in Florence. The specials aren’t bad either. House made wagyu sausages served with a 2011 Vietti Langhe Perbacco Nebbiolo, anyone? Or maybe a class of Curly Flat Pinot Noir for $16 a glass. Check the specials before you choose your poison.

Kirk’s Wine Bar
Cnr Hardware lane & Little Bourke Street, Melbourne
(03)9600 4550

For the cheese lover- Milk the Cow

Wine and cheese flights are something of pure genius. And that is where Milk the Cow really shines. Over two levels, diners can order from the 120 different cheeses that are expertly matched to the great selection of wines from across the globe. They get into the true wine spirit in their cheese making as well with cheeses being matured in Barolo wine barrels. Someone needs to give these guys an award.

Milk the Cow
323 Lygon Street, Carlton
(03) 9537 2225

> Another bottle shop meets bar that we love? Carwyn Cellars
> Want to try your hand at making wine? Too easy!
> Missed our last Wine Bars guide? Catch up here