Craigieburn’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. The Northern Press — 55 James Parade
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Moody, dim-lit, excellent playlist Drinks: $13-25/glass
The wine bar the suburb rallies around. The Northern Press 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 back room is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: A glass of the house red ($13-25/glass). When to go: Friday after 7pm for live music.
2. The Good Local — 145 James Parade
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Open-air, fairy lights, garden seats
The quiet achiever. The Good Local 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. Their natural wine selection is surprisingly deep.
Best night: Friday DJs from 9pm.
3. Luna’s — 57 Bell Grove
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Outdoor courtyard, heat lamps in winter Drinks: $13-25/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 Northern Press — 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 house negroni uses a local amaro. If you hit capacity, put your name down and walk around the block — turnover is quick.
Drink this: Whatever the bartender recommends ($13-25/glass). Pro tip: The back corner booth is the best seat.
4. Marco — 248 James Parade
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Neighbourhood corner pub, proper and unpretentious Drinks: $13-25/glass
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 9:30pm and the pizza 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: The cheese board with a glass of the house red, $35 total. When to come: Thursday for the midweek special.
5. Vera’s — 146 Bell Grove
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Hidden garden bar behind a bookshelf door Drinks: $13-25/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 designed around the aesthetic — photogenic serves that actually taste good. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Northern Press | Overall best | $13-25/glass | Yes | Fri-Sat |
| The Good Local | Quiet drink | $13-25/glass | Yes | Sun sessions |
| Luna’s | New & trendy | $13-25/glass | Snacks only | No |
| Marco | Food + drinks | $13-25/glass | Full menu | No |
| Vera’s | Atmosphere | $13-25/glass | Limited | DJs Sat |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. The Northern Press does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Craigieburn. 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. Vera’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
- South Morang Wine Bars
- Craigieburn Restaurants — eat before or after
- Craigieburn Things to Do
- All Craigieburn Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Best Pubs in Craigieburn
- Best Bars in Craigieburn
- Nightlife Guide in Craigieburn
- Best Cocktail Bars in Craigieburn
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