Ashwood’s wine bars scene is creative, walkable, authentic — 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 $12-14, cocktail $19-25. Happy hour (usually 5-7pm) knocks $3-5 off at most places.
Our Top Picks
1. Remy Yard — 165 William Place
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Moody, dim-lit, excellent playlist Drinks: $14-27/glass
The wine bar the suburb rallies around. Remy Yard gets the fundamentals right — good drinks, comfortable room, staff who know the menu. The cocktail menu rotates monthly, which keeps regulars from getting bored. The back room is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: The rotating craft tap ($14-27/glass). When to go: Friday after 7pm for live music.
2. The High Standard — 311 Fitzroy Terrace
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Hidden behind an unmarked door
The quiet achiever. The High Standard doesn’t have a PR budget or an Instagram strategy — it has regulars who come three times a week. The snack menu is the draw. Their natural wine selection is surprisingly deep.
Best night: Friday DJs from 9pm.
3. Blue Kitchen — 10 Cecil Terrace
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Big, loud, dancing on weekends Drinks: $14-27/glass
Opened in 2025 and immediately became a regular spot for the under-35 crowd. The tap list leans towards Victorian craft breweries. The space is tighter than Remy Yard — 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 non-alcoholic cocktail list is genuinely creative, not an afterthought. If you hit capacity, put your name down and walk around the block — turnover is quick.
Drink this: Their signature sour ($14-27/glass). Pro tip: Ask for the off-menu cocktail — they’ll make something custom.
4. Oliver’s — 206 Charles Grove
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Sports screens plus decent food — the rare combo Drinks: $14-27/glass
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 10pm and the burgers are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The charcuterie board feeds three.
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: Parma and a pint — the Melbourne classic, done properly. When to come: Saturday from 5pm — it fills up by 7pm.
5. The Old Cellar — 280 William Place
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Laneway entrance, exposed brick, jazz on the stereo Drinks: $14-27/glass
The vibe pick. Not the best drinks on this list, but the garden setting 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 short but curated — they do six cocktails and all of them are solid. Food is limited to a small snack menu — olives, cheese, bread but you’re not here for the food.
Best for: Sunset drinks on warmer evenings — arrive by 6pm for the golden hour.
Comparison
| Venue | Best For | Drink Price | Kitchen | Live Music |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Remy Yard | Overall best | $14-27/glass | Yes | No |
| The High Standard | Quiet drink | $14-27/glass | Yes | Occasionally |
| Blue Kitchen | New & trendy | $14-27/glass | Snacks only | No |
| Oliver’s | Food + drinks | $14-27/glass | Full menu | No |
| The Old Cellar | Atmosphere | $14-27/glass | Limited | DJs Sat |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Remy Yard does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Ashwood. 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. The Old Cellar 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
- Brighton Wine Bars
- Ashwood Restaurants — eat before or after
- Ashwood Things to Do
- All Ashwood Guides
Last updated: March 2026
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