School’s out for summer, and while the break from the school-year grind is much needed, we know parents are still juggling a lot. If you’re looking for a grown-up outing — whether it’s a solo glass of something crisp and chilled, a casual patio hang with friends, or a full-on wine tasting — this list is for you.
We’ve rounded up our favorite spots to sip wine in Austin, from laid-back and budget-friendly to places that lean a little more luxe. And if you’re up for a short drive, don’t miss our friends at Do512’s guide to Wineries & Distilleries for even more ways to unwind.
— Cape Bottle Room
500 San Marcos Street, Suite 102
This East Austin tasting room, bottle shop, and wholesale distributor features unique and sustainable South African wines. We love the backstory, too! Owners Cory and Donya are parents who dreamed of creating a Cape Bottle room to be focused on community. Cape Bottle Room has events like wine and sushi flights, wine and chocolate nights, and more here.
— APT 115
2025 E 7th St.
This adorable spot is known for its thoughtful selections of wine, cheese, and charcuterie boards, as well as seasonal dishes. They serve wine from all six wine-producing continents and focus on small-production and low-intervention wines. The restaurant is small, so we recommend making a reservation.
— Cru Food & Wine Bar Downtown
238 W 2nd St Unit 13
Cru Wine Bar has two area locations — in The Domain and the downtown 2nd Street district. Cru pairs its wine with Napa-style foods and offers more than a dozen wine flights. You can check out Cru Wine Bar’s Sunday Brunch and specials, Pizza Mondays, and Champagne Social Thursdays here.
— L’Oca d’Oro
1900 Simond Ave
We’re big fans of this Mueller spot for its great food and wine selection. This is a prime location to go for a drink post-playdate with other families. Head in when the kids are worn out and order them something delicious from the children’s menu while you relax with a glass of vino.
— Lenoir
1807 S 1st St.
One of the most romantic spots in town, Lenoir is perfect for a special date night. In the backyard Wine Garden, you can enjoy several small and shareable plates as well as the wine menu. Happy Hour specials are 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm, and you can get more info here.
— Neighborhood Vitner
3663 Bee Caves Rd #4D
This chic Westlake wine shop and modern wine bar has tasting classes, happy hours, a wine club, and more. It’s a great little spot to have a delicious glass of wine, with their accompanying truffle chips, and have a chat with the other patrons.
— Opa! Coffee & Wine Bar
2050 S Lamar Blvd.
This family-owned and operated establishment offers a wide variety of unique wines and beers, a full bar, local coffee, and Greek-inspired food. Enjoy a glass of wine while sitting under the large oak trees, listening to live music on their spacious front patio.
— The Austin Winery
440 E St Elmo Rd A1
Austin’s first urban winery offers high-quality wine sourced from around the world. Their grapes are transported in macro bins to the Austin facility, where they crush, de-stem, press, ferment, filtrate, blend, bottle, and serve you. They also offer a variety of fun events from movie nights to yoga, which you can check out here.
— The Carillon
1900 University Ave.
The Carillon’s wine program is focused on value for rare and interesting wines. Their Happy Hour is Tuesday through Saturday, 5 pm – 6:30 pm, and features half-off prices from their wine list and $2 off cocktails. Walk-ins are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations can be made via OpenTable or by calling (512) 404-3655.
— The Grove Wine Bar & Kitchen
Four Austin Locations Here
Offering 10 wine flights, 50 wines by the glass, and 200 by the bottle, as well as a full bar with craft cocktails. They also have Lola Savannah coffee shop adjacent to each of their four Grove Wine Bar & Kitchen restaurants.
— Vintage Book Store and Wine Bar
1101 E 11th St.
Settle into the “living room” at Vintage Book Store with a great glass of wine and a snack. Their wine list features sparkling, whites, reds, rosé, and orange, as well as beer and canned cocktails.
— Wanderlust Wine Co.
Three Austin Locations Here
Wanderlust’s self-pour system allows you to choose from up to 60 wines from around the world, and you only pay for what you pour. Serving from tap lets Wanderlust Wine Co. offer affordable prices for fresh and sustainable wines, and is a perfect place to gather with friends to try new vinos. There are multiple options for locations and options for wine experiences, so check here before you book. We recently had the pleasure of doing the food and tasting course at the Wine Cave, and it was a delicious and unforgettable experience.
House Wine via Yelp
— House Wine
1711 South 1st St
After 16 years as a local favorite, House Wine has officially reopened at its new home on 1711 South 1st Street. The cozy, pet-friendly spot features an impressive global wine list alongside pizzas, empanadas, charcuterie, and cheese boards, perfect for a casual evening out or a low-key date night. Check out their rotating wine flights, live music nights, and community events, and keep an eye on Instagram for special tastings and seasonal pairings. Bonus: there’s plenty of shaded outdoor seating for sipping in the breeze.
More:
- Romantic Ideas for Your Next Date Night
- Family-Friendly Happy Hours
- Giant List of Where to Sip Wine from our friends at Do512
