Caroline Springs’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. The Red Larder — 298 Margaret Avenue
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Moody, dim-lit, excellent playlist Drinks: $13-28/glass
The wine bar the suburb rallies around. The Red Larder gets the fundamentals right — good drinks, comfortable room, staff who know the menu. The wine list rotates monthly, which keeps regulars from getting bored. The front bar is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: Their signature negroni ($13-28/glass). When to go: Friday after 7pm for live music.
2. Common Depot — 170 Fitzroy Road
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Wine-focused, small plates
The quiet achiever. Common Depot doesn’t have a PR budget or an Instagram strategy — it has regulars who come three times a week. The front bar is the draw. Their natural wine selection is surprisingly deep.
Best night: Friday DJs from 9pm.
3. Rosa’s — 227 Margaret Avenue
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Small, intimate, conversation-volume Drinks: $13-28/glass
Opened in 2025 and immediately became a regular spot for the under-35 crowd. The cocktail list references classic recipes with local twists. The space is tighter than The Red Larder — 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: A glass of the pet-nat ($13-28/glass). Pro tip: The back corner booth is the best seat.
4. Atlas’s — 219 Flinders Street
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Sports screens plus decent food — the rare combo Drinks: $13-28/glass
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 9:30pm and the share plates are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The wings have a proper chilli kick.
The drinks list complements the food — local pale ales and lagers that pair with the menu. 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. Common Quarter — 346 Margaret Avenue
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Rooftop terrace with city views Drinks: $13-28/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 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: First dates, anniversary drinks, or impressing out-of-town visitors.
Comparison
| Venue | Best For | Drink Price | Kitchen | Live Music |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Red Larder | Overall best | $13-28/glass | Yes | Fri-Sat |
| Common Depot | Quiet drink | $13-28/glass | Yes | No |
| Rosa’s | New & trendy | $13-28/glass | Snacks only | No |
| Atlas’s | Food + drinks | $13-28/glass | Full menu | No |
| Common Quarter | Atmosphere | $13-28/glass | Limited | Acoustic sets |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. The Red Larder does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Caroline Springs. 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. Common Quarter 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
- Altona Wine Bars
- Caroline Springs Restaurants — eat before or after
- Caroline Springs Things to Do
- All Caroline Springs Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Best Pubs in Caroline Springs
- Best Bars in Caroline Springs
- Nightlife Guide in Caroline Springs
- Best Cocktail Bars in Caroline Springs
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