Aintree’s wine bars scene is affordable, diverse, developing — and the wine bars reflect it. Whether you want a quiet midweek drink or a full Friday night, there are options that don’t require leaving the suburb.
Standard prices: pint $10-12, cocktail $15-20. Happy hour (usually 5-7pm) knocks $3-5 off at most places.
Our Top Picks
1. Mabel — 92 William Lane
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Moody, dim-lit, excellent playlist Drinks: $12-24/glass
The wine bar the suburb rallies around. Mabel gets the fundamentals right — good drinks, comfortable room, staff who know the menu. The spirits selection rotates monthly, which keeps regulars from getting bored. The upstairs level is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: A glass of the house red ($12-24/glass). When to go: Any weeknight for a quiet drink.
2. Nina — 110 George Crescent
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Corner pub, proper carpets
The quiet achiever. Nina doesn’t have a PR budget or an Instagram strategy — it has regulars who come three times a week. The beer garden is the draw. The parma is legitimately one of the best in the area.
Best night: Saturday arvo in the beer garden.
3. River’s — 94 Market Place
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Big, loud, dancing on weekends Drinks: $12-24/glass
Opened in 2025 and immediately became a regular spot for the under-35 crowd. The spirits selection includes hard-to-find local gins. The space is tighter than Mabel — maybe 50 people before it feels packed — but that’s part of the appeal.
What makes it work is the attention to detail. The glassware is considered, the ice is proper, and the bartenders actually taste what they make before serving. The natural wine section is surprisingly deep for a bar this size. If you hit capacity, put your name down and walk around the block — turnover is quick.
Drink this: The house old fashioned ($12-24/glass). Pro tip: Arrive before 7pm on Friday to avoid the wait.
4. The Southern Lane — 84 William Lane
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Sports screens plus decent food — the rare combo Drinks: $12-24/glass
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 10:30pm and the share plates are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The steak sandwich is the sleeper hit.
The drinks list complements the food — an approachable wine list that doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s the kind of place where you come for one beer and stay for dinner because you smell the kitchen.
Best combo: Share plates for two plus a bottle of wine, under $90. When to come: Sunday afternoon — relaxed, the kitchen is unhurried, and there’s live music.
5. Ivy Store — 195 William Lane
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Laneway entrance, exposed brick, jazz on the stereo Drinks: $12-24/glass
The vibe pick. Not the best drinks on this list, but the candlelit basement creates an atmosphere the others can’t match. It’s the place to bring someone you’re trying to impress, or to photograph, or both.
The drinks list is classic cocktails executed cleanly, no gimmicks. Food is limited to empanadas and dip plates but you’re not here for the food.
Best for: A nightcap after dinner somewhere nearby.
Comparison
| Venue | Best For | Drink Price | Kitchen | Live Music |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mabel | Overall best | $12-24/glass | Yes | Weekends |
| Nina | Quiet drink | $12-24/glass | Yes | Sun sessions |
| River’s | New & trendy | $12-24/glass | Snacks only | No |
| The Southern Lane | Food + drinks | $12-24/glass | Full menu | Yes |
| Ivy Store | Atmosphere | $12-24/glass | Limited | DJs Sat |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Mabel does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Aintree. Don’t drive on Friday/Saturday nights — parking is scarce after 6pm.
Dress code: None of these are bottle-service-and-bouncers. Clean casual everywhere. Ivy Store skews slightly smarter but won’t turn away anyone in jeans.
Age check: All venues are 18+. Bring ID if you look under 25 — they will ask.
Nearby
- Melbourne CBD Wine Bars
- Aintree Restaurants — eat before or after
- Aintree Things to Do
- All Aintree Guides
Last updated: March 2026
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