The Best Austin Wine Bars To Visit Right Now

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    Best Places To Drink Wine In Austin, Texas, For Every Occasion

    Whether you’re local to Austin, or just visiting the live music capitol, here are the best Austin wine bars to visit right now.

    There’s something for every occasion. What are you waiting for? Go!

    Cheers,

    the Lone Star Lass

    Austin, Texas

    Keep Austin wined.

    Austin Texas, is the 11th largest city in the US. While it’s known for keeping it weird – the city is all about music, food, and outdoor patios.

    There’s always something new to do in Austin, a new bar, a new restaurant, a new event. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with too much choice.

    This guide introduces you to some of the best wine bars in Austin right now, some established, some brand new. Hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

    Cheers, the Lone Star Lass

    Best For Trying Texas Wines –
    CL Butaud

    The best Texas wines in the city limits.

    If you’re new to Texas wine, then you’re in great hands. CL Butaud has so many options to choose from so I recommend trying a tasting flight (or two).

    Nothing makes me happier than having enthusiastic people geek out about wines with me, and at CL Butaud their passion is obvious. If you haven’t been bitten by the wine bug yet, just wait.

    For me, I love the wines I can’t try everywhere I go: the Blanc de Noir, their Carbonic Counoise (coo-nwah), yum. Just thinking about them makes my mouth water. Their bold Texas reds are amazing too.

    What’s great about CL Butaud is that they have a range of wines. You can buy their Papa Frenchy blends in HEB too (the best grocery store in Texas for the uninitiated). White, Rose, and Red (collect ’em all), they’re so reasonably priced, delicious, you can pick them up with your groceries, and then drink – guilt free. Drink them on the couch, on the porch, in the pool, there is no wrong occasion.

    If you’re just starting out in wine tasting, don’t get overwhelmed. This is the right opportunity and safe space to try! Remember, that’s what tasting are about – trying! I hope you find something you love here.

    Best For Trying Something New –
    Cape Bottle Room

    Take a wine tour to South Africa via Austin, Texas.

    The Cape Bottle Room is tucked away off the street. Step down a few stairs, and you’re in for a treat with a range of South African wines to try.

    Wine tastings are available here, but the format is a little different than some other wineries – you have to make all of your choices up front and you’ll receive your whole flight at the same time. But don’t worry, they’re more than happy to give suggestions about what to try.

    It’s the first time that I’ve consciously drank South African wines. The wines are interesting – some delicate, some bold. They have a little bit of everything – sparkling, white, orange, rose, red.

    There is a unique wine that you need to try – pinotage (pee-no-taj). This is a grape that was engineered in South Africa, so something special to try.

    Best For Date Night – Cork & Screw

    Buy a bottle and relax in the outdoor space with a slice.

    Pizza and wine tends to pair perfectly, so Cork & Screw makes for a great relaxed date night.

    Grab a bottle of wine then head out back, and order some delicious pizza. You may be able to see some live music too, this is Austin after all.

    Cork & Screw specializes in natural wines, and have plenty of selection. I grabbed a delicious chilled Italian Red Blend as it’s the perfect partner for pizza. Keep the cork, and take the rest to go!

    The space is perfect for chatting and getting to know your date, and not open too late. So perfect for deciding if you want to take your date home, head out to the next location, or call it a night.

    Best For A Catch Up – Vintage Bookstore & Wine Bar

    The cutest wine bar on the list.

    I first visited Vintage Bookstore and Wine Bar for a wine tasting event and fell in love. This historic building has been converted into a book store and wine bar where you can relax with a book and a glass of wine, or head out to the patio to chat and catch up with a friend.

    This place is so relaxing and, as an independent book store, have so many titles for you to browse, including their antique section of older pre-loved booked, including some first editions.

    As with so many other Austin establishments, Vintage has a dog friendly patio, so you can bring your furry best friend too.

    Best For A Group – RSRV

    The newest wine bar on the east side.

    RSRV opened this past May, but I’ve already visited a few times. It’s been a great place for a last minute wine hook up with friends.

    The decor is stunning, but you still feel relaxed and right at home on the cosy couches. They have all kinds of wine to try, and all the favs of the servers listed on the menu too. They’re happy to let you try a splash or two, so you can find something you like.

    It has a great patio too, and plenty of parking. I’m definitely stopping by every time I’m in the area. Last time I visited, they didn’t have a food truck, but were happy to let us bring food from the next door restaurant if we wanted.

    Best For A Casual Bite – Flo’s Wine Bar

    Pizza, wine, and bottles to go.

    Flo’s Wine Bar is one of my favorite places to drop in for a slice of pizza and a glass or two of wine. It’s a little further out of the center than the other bars on the list, but it’s worth few extra minutes in traffic.

    They have a little of everything on the menu, and will let you try a sip before you commit to a glass. They even have non-alcoholic wine options.

    While it’s not technically the wine bar, adjoining allday pizza serves up delicious pizzas (my newly crowned favorite pizza in Austin). Their flavor combinations are deliciously unique, and being able to buy by the slice is a massive plus.

    There’s a large patio here, and indoor seating too. Family friendly, and dog friendly on the patio, there’s plenty space to enjoy in a relaxed setting. Pro-tip: park along Pecos street and it’s a short walk to the bar.

    Best For A Quick Drink – Freddo ATX

    The best Texas wines.

    Freddo ATX – with a beautiful historic house, ample patio space, and across from a HEB – you don’t really have an excuse not to pop in for a cheeky drink before you adult, and buy food for the week.

    With an amazing happy hour, and incredible house wines you can feel guilt free as you run your “errands”.

    Bring friends, family, the dog, or a book. This location just off South Congress is perfect for a quick sip.

    Best For Group Celebrations – Wanderlust Wine Co

    Three unique locations around Austin: events, a “secret” wine cave, and wines on tap.

    Wanderlust Wine Co always has something special going on. They have three locations in the city, all pretty close to the center. The east location holds regular events in it’s instagramable mural clad space; the downtown location boasts the largest selection of wines on tap; and the Barton Springs location has a new secret wine cave bar.

    These locations are great for a special event: birthday, batchelor(ette) party, Friday – you pick the occasion and go celebrate in style.

    Honorable Mentions

    There’s always more wine.

    There are so many delicious places to visit in Austin, here are a few others to consider.

    Neighborhood Vintner – this wine bar and ship comes highly recommended, but is farther away from the others in this list. I can’t wait to go sip!

    Austin Winery – located in St Elmo, close to CL Butaud, this winery specialized in natural wines. All the wines bring something unique to the table with bold colors, and interesting flavors. Worth a try when you’re feeling adventurous.

    Lolo Natural Wine Bar – Another natural wine bar, located in the busy East 5th area surrounded by bars, restaurants, and live music.

    Violet Crown Wine Shop – This cute coffee shop and wine bar specializes in natural wines.

    Water2Wine – A wine bar and bottle shop with wines made on site and a unique “make your own” batch of wine experience.

    I hope you enjoyed these wine bar recommendations – feel free to comment below, let me know your favorites and where should I try next?

    Cheers!

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