Very Toronto
NewsEatsBlogEventsBest OfNew & Hot
Best of Toronto

The Best Wine Bars in Toronto

Our curated guide to the best wine bars in Toronto — researched, ranked, and recommended by Very Toronto editors.

Updated recently•8 Destinations
No.1
Archive
Bar• Little Portugal / Dundas West

Archive

“Don't miss their ever-changing by-the-glass selection, often featuring unique and hard-to-find bottles from their impressive 400+ collection.”

— Very Toronto Editors

Archive has been a cornerstone of the Dundas West scene since 2012, established by brothers Josh and Joel Corea. It feels less like a polished, corporate wine bar and more like a well-loved living room where the focus is entirely on the liquid in your glass. The space is intimate and snug, characterized by exposed brick, warm lighting, and a vibe that manages to be both sophisticated and deeply unpretentious. It is the kind of place where you can comfortably settle in for hours, surrounded by shelves of bottles and the hum of genuine conversation, making it a natural habitat for local industry folks and wine enthusiasts alike. When you go, lean into their expertise; the staff are incredibly knowledgeable and genuinely love guiding you through their massive, ever-evolving list, which features a heavy emphasis on Ontario producers and natural wines. For a first-timer, start with one of their rotating wine flights to get a sense of their range, and definitely order the charcuterie and cheese boards, which are consistently excellent. The menu focuses on thoughtful, European-influenced small plates that are designed to pair perfectly with wine. It is a small room, so if you are planning a weekend visit, booking ahead is a smart move to avoid a wait. Prices are reasonable for the quality, and the atmosphere is best suited for quiet, focused conversation rather than a loud night out.

Read Full Review
Website
No.2
Grape Witches Dundas
Bar• Dundas West

Grape Witches Dundas

“Head to their idyllic back patio in warmer months for a truly transportive experience, and take advantage of no corkage fees on Sundays.”

— Very Toronto Editors

Founded in 2015 by industry veterans, Grape Witches began as a series of spirited parties and educational events aimed at making natural wine accessible and fun. They eventually landed on Dundas West, establishing a space that feels less like a traditional wine bar and more like a clubhouse for the curious. The vibe is unpretentious, vibrant, and deeply knowledgeable, anchored by a team that genuinely loves the small-production, organic, and biodynamic wines they pour. The shop is packed with hundreds of rotating bottles, making it a go-to for both seasoned natural wine enthusiasts and those just starting to explore the category. The real crown jewel, however, is their back patio—a dreamy, fountain-adorned oasis that is arguably one of the best spots in the neighbourhood to spend a sunny afternoon. For a first-timer, the best approach is to ask the staff for a recommendation based on your mood; they are excellent at matching you with something you will love. The menu of seasonal, chef-plated snacks is designed to pair perfectly with their wine list and rotates weekly, so there is always something new to try. They generally do not take reservations, so it is best to just walk in, though they do book out their back patio for larger groups. It is a fantastic spot for a casual date or a relaxed catch-up with friends. Expect a mid-range price point that feels fair for the quality of the unique, hard-to-find bottles they curate.

Read Full Review
Website
No.3
Grey Gardens
Restaurant• Kensington Market

Grey Gardens

“Indulge in their oysters and a glass from their eclectic collection of Old World wines, often featuring unique and offbeat selections.”

— Very Toronto Editors

Opened in 2017 by restaurateur Jen Agg, Grey Gardens brought a much-needed dose of polished, contemporary energy to the gritty, bohemian heart of Kensington Market. The space is a masterclass in casual sophistication, featuring a soft pastel palette, marble accents, and a mural of grey-toned foliage that feels both airy and intimate. It is fundamentally a wine bar that takes its food as seriously as its cellar, with a menu that leans heavily into fresh seafood, vibrant vegetable dishes, and expertly crafted house-made pastas. The atmosphere is boisterous and hip, making it a perfect spot for a lively date or a long, wine-fuelled catch-up with friends, while still maintaining the kind of confident charm that has earned it consistent recognition from the Michelin Guide. For a first-timer, the strategy is simple: order a mix of snacks and small plates to share. You absolutely cannot skip the fresh oysters or the house-made pastas, which are consistently the stars of the menu. The wine list is the real draw here, focusing on private-order, low-intervention, and hard-to-find bottles that the knowledgeable staff are always happy to help you navigate. Prices are moderate for the quality, but expect to spend more if you dive deep into their impressive cellar. Reservations are highly recommended for the dining room or kitchen counter, though the bar is often held for walk-ins if you are feeling lucky. It is a seasonal, mercurial menu, so be prepared for the offerings to shift based on what is freshest at the market.

Read Full Review
Website
No.4
Paradise Grapevine
Bar• Bloorcourt Village / Dovercourt Village

Paradise Grapevine

“Experience their unique 'winery in Toronto' offerings, and don't miss their guided wine and cheese tastings for an unpretentious introduction to natural wines.”

— Very Toronto Editors

Founded by Bar Volo alumni Christian Davis and David Everitt, Paradise Grapevine transformed the former Menalon Restaurant space into a cornerstone of the Bloorcourt scene. It is a rare, multi-hyphenate establishment that functions as a serious wine bar, a well-curated bottle shop, and a functional winery producing its own labels using Niagara-grown fruit. The atmosphere is effortlessly cool and unpretentious, defined by its lush, vine-covered patio that remains a year-round draw—enclosed and heated during the colder months. It is the kind of place where the staff is genuinely enthusiastic about the low-intervention and natural wine list, happy to guide you through funky pét-nats or elegant, timeless pours without a hint of snobbery. For a first-timer, the move is to grab a seat on the patio and order a glass from their daily-changing wine list, or pick a bottle from the shop to enjoy at your table for a reasonable corkage fee. The snack menu is designed for grazing, so do not skip the sourdough—sourced from local bakers—or the "Everything Plate" if you are with a group. Prices are fair for the quality, and because they operate on a walk-in-only basis, it is best to arrive early on weekends to secure a spot. It is a vibrant, inclusive space that stays open late, making it the perfect anchor for a night out in the neighbourhood.

Read Full Review
Website
No.5
The Daughter
Bar• Davisville Village

The Daughter

“Embrace the adventure and let the knowledgeable staff surprise you with a perfect natural wine pairing for their delicious challah-based snacks.”

— Very Toronto Editors

Tucked away on a stretch of Bayview Avenue, The Daughter has become a staple for Davisville locals who prefer their wine with a side of personality. Founded by Julie Marchesseault, this boutique spot eschews the stuffy, encyclopedic wine lists found elsewhere in the city. Instead, the experience is entirely conversational; the staff acts as your personal sommelier, asking about your flavour profile and mood before pulling a bottle from their curated selection of natural, organic, and biodynamic wines. The space itself is intimate and unpretentious, feeling more like a friend’s cozy living room than a high-end bar, making it the perfect spot to settle in for a long evening of discovery without the intimidation factor often associated with natural wine. When you visit, don’t stress about picking a label; just tell the staff what you usually enjoy and let them guide you. The food menu is small but intentional, focusing on elevated comfort snacks that pair perfectly with the rotating wine selection. You absolutely must order the challah toast, which changes seasonally and consistently hits the mark as the best bite in the house. Prices are mid-range, reflecting the quality of the small-batch producers they support. It’s a popular spot, so if you’re planning a weekend visit, booking a table in advance is highly recommended. It’s the kind of place where you’ll likely end up chatting with your neighbours, so come prepared to linger.

Read Full Review
Website
No.6
Bar Reyna
Restaurant• Yorkville

Bar Reyna

“Seek out their hidden year-round back patio for a charming escape while enjoying their halloumi souvlaki and a glass of crisp white wine.”

— Very Toronto Editors

Tucked away in a charming, two-storey Victorian house on Cumberland Street, Bar Reyna has been a Yorkville staple since 2016. Conceived by industry veteran Nicki Laborie, the space balances casual sophistication with an energetic, convivial atmosphere that feels worlds away from the surrounding high-end retail buzz. The interior is defined by warm gold accents and Moroccan-inspired lanterns, but the real draw is the all-season back patio, which offers a cozy, fairy-lit escape regardless of the weather. It is the kind of place where the vibe is just as important as the drink in your hand, making it a reliable spot for everything from a lively after-work cocktail to a relaxed weekend catch-up. For a first-timer, the menu is best approached as a shared experience. You absolutely must order the herb-infused falafel—they are consistently some of the best in the city—and the manchego croquettes, which are perfectly crispy on the outside and rich and melty within. If you are with a group, the mezze platters are essential for grazing. The cocktail program is playful and elevated, often featuring house-made syrups and spices. Prices are reflective of the Yorkville location, so expect a moderate to higher spend depending on how many rounds you order. Reservations are highly recommended via OpenTable, especially for the patio, though they do accommodate walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis.

Read Full Review
Website
No.7
Bossanova Wine & Beer
Bar• Roncesvalles Village

Bossanova Wine & Beer

“Dive into their extensive collection of funky pét nats and unique craft beers, and enjoy the screen-free environment for genuine conversation.”

— Very Toronto Editors

Founded during the pandemic by wine principal Ben Plisky-Somers and beer steward Dan Grant, Bossanova Wine & Beer has become a cornerstone of Roncesvalles Village. Housed in a beautiful red-brick building with a stunning Victorian tin ceiling, the space feels less like a retail shop and more like a curated extension of the neighbourhood’s living room. The atmosphere is intentionally laid-back, screen-free, and devoid of loud music, prioritizing genuine conversation over distraction. They are known for an expertly curated selection of over 400 small-batch, low-intervention wines and craft beers—many of which you simply won't find at the LCBO. It is a place where you can geek out on funky pét-nats or rare Belgian geuzes, all while feeling completely at ease. For a first-timer, the best approach is to ask for a recommendation; Dan and Ben are incredibly knowledgeable and love helping you find something you didn't know you needed. If you are drinking on-site, grab a glass of whatever is currently open on their rotating list or sample a beer flight. While the focus is heavily on the liquid, they offer simple, thoughtful snack bites to pair with your drink, and they occasionally host local culinary pop-ups, including oyster shucking events. Prices are fair for the quality, and the bar is perfect for a low-key afternoon or early evening. It is an intimate space, so while it is generally casual, it can fill up quickly on weekends. No reservations are needed, just walk in and settle into the rhythm of the shop.

Read Full Review
Website
No.8
Ladybug Wine Bar
Bar• King Street East / Corktown

Ladybug Wine Bar

“Perfect for a cozy evening, pair their seasonal croquettes with a lesser-known bottle from their thoughtfully curated list.”

— Very Toronto Editors

Ladybug Wine Bar is a refreshing departure from the city’s often-stuffy wine scene, bringing a slice of British pub-inspired warmth to King Street East. Founded by Charles Co and Jessica Blewett—who drew inspiration from their time living in the U.K.—the space feels intentionally unpretentious and deeply personal. Jessica designed the interior herself, transforming the former coffee shop into a cozy, modern nook featuring curved wall alcoves and floor-to-ceiling shelves stocked with bottles you are encouraged to browse and select yourself. It’s the kind of neighbourhood spot where the goal is to make wine culture feel accessible, whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or just looking for an easy-going place to unwind after work. The atmosphere is lively and intimate, making it a perfect anchor for the quieter stretch of Corktown. For a first-timer, the move is to order a wine flight, which comes with a self-guided map to help you navigate the theme without feeling intimidated. Pair your drinks with the baked Camembert, which is a reliable crowd-pleaser, or the croquettes served with house-made jam for a perfect balance of textures. The menu is globally inspired and seasonal, so expect variety, but the shareable plates are consistently thoughtful. Reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekend brunch or busy Friday evenings, as the space is petite and fills up quickly. It’s reasonably priced for the quality, and if you find a bottle you love, you can often purchase it to take home, bridging the gap between a bar and a bottle shop.

Read Full Review