Best Wine Bars in Clayton — 2026 Guide

Clayton’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. Remy — 321 Glenferrie Road

Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Rooftop terrace, sunset views Drinks: $14-24/glass

The wine bar the suburb rallies around. Remy gets the fundamentals right — good drinks, comfortable room, staff who know the menu. The tap list rotates monthly, which keeps regulars from getting bored. The courtyard is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.

Drink this: A glass of the house red ($14-24/glass). When to go: Thursday is the sweet spot — good crowd, no queue.

2. The Red Table — 253 Chapel Terrace

Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Open-air, fairy lights, garden seats

The quiet achiever. The Red Table 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. Standard — 341 Johnston Terrace

Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Outdoor courtyard, heat lamps in winter Drinks: $14-24/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 Remy — 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: The house old fashioned ($14-24/glass). Pro tip: The back corner booth is the best seat.

4. Marco — 269 Johnston Terrace

Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Modern gastropub with craft focus Drinks: $14-24/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 wings have a proper chilli kick.

The drinks list complements the food — a cocktail list designed around the kitchen’s flavours. 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: Thursday for the midweek special.

5. Nell’s — 260 Mary Lane

Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Laneway entrance, exposed brick, jazz on the stereo Drinks: $14-24/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 charcuterie and cheese boards only but you’re not here for the food.

Best for: Small group celebrations — book the corner section.

Comparison

Practical Info

Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Remy does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.

Getting there: Public transport options in Clayton. 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. Nell’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
• Clayton Restaurants — eat before or after
• Clayton Things to Do
• All Clayton Guides

Last updated: March 2026

Keep Exploring

More in this area:

• Best Pubs in Clayton
• Best Bars in Clayton
• Nightlife Guide in Clayton
• Best Cocktail Bars in Clayton

Useful tools:

• Melbourne Nightlife Guide
• Compare Melbourne Suburbs
• Explore Clayton