Blackburn South’s wine bars scene is unpretentious, multicultural, value-driven — 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. Nina — 298 Glenferrie Crescent
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Rooftop terrace, sunset views Drinks: $12-27/glass
The wine bar the suburb rallies around. Nina 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: The house lager on tap ($12-27/glass). When to go: Thursday is the sweet spot — good crowd, no queue.
2. The Blue House — 261 Glenferrie Crescent
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Wine-focused, small plates
The quiet achiever. The Blue House 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 cocktails are made with house-infused spirits.
Best night: Saturday arvo in the beer garden.
3. The Red Larder — 134 Elm Grove
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Cozy wine den, candlelit Drinks: $12-27/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 Nina — 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 tap list rotates every two weeks with a Victorian-only policy. If you hit capacity, put your name down and walk around the block — turnover is quick.
Drink this: Their signature sour ($12-27/glass). Pro tip: Arrive before 7pm on Friday to avoid the wait.
4. Oliver’s — 128 Bourke Drive
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Neighbourhood corner pub, proper and unpretentious Drinks: $12-27/glass
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 10:30pm and the burgers are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The loaded fries are the move.
The drinks list complements the food — craft beers on rotation with consistent quality. 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: Sunday afternoon — relaxed, the kitchen is unhurried, and there’s live music.
5. Mia’s — 59 Collins Avenue
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Hidden garden bar behind a bookshelf door Drinks: $12-27/glass
The vibe pick. Not the best drinks on this list, but the laneway entrance 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 designed around the aesthetic — photogenic serves that actually taste good. Food is limited to charcuterie and cheese boards only but you’re not here for the food.
Best for: Small group celebrations — book the corner section.
Comparison
| Venue | Best For | Drink Price | Kitchen | Live Music |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nina | Overall best | $12-27/glass | Yes | Weekends |
| The Blue House | Quiet drink | $12-27/glass | Yes | Sun sessions |
| The Red Larder | New & trendy | $12-27/glass | Snacks only | No |
| Oliver’s | Food + drinks | $12-27/glass | Full menu | Yes |
| Mia’s | Atmosphere | $12-27/glass | Limited | No |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Nina does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Blackburn South. 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. Mia’s 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
- Blackburn South Restaurants — eat before or after
- Blackburn South Things to Do
- All Blackburn South Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Best Pubs in Blackburn South
- Best Bars in Blackburn South
- Nightlife Guide in Blackburn South
- Best Cocktail Bars in Blackburn South
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