Doncaster’s wine bars scene is suburban, welcoming, family-oriented — 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 $11-13, cocktail $17-23. Happy hour (usually 5-7pm) knocks $3-5 off at most places.
Our Top Picks
1. Marco’s — 285 George Road
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Rooftop terrace, sunset views Drinks: $14-25/glass
The wine bar the suburb rallies around. Marco’s 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 upstairs level is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: The rotating craft tap ($14-25/glass). When to go: Thursday is the sweet spot — good crowd, no queue.
2. Wide Store — 322 Chapel Grove
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Wine-focused, small plates
The quiet achiever. Wide Store 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: Saturday arvo in the beer garden.
3. Hazel Social — 246 Plenty Grove
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Outdoor courtyard, heat lamps in winter Drinks: $14-25/glass
Opened in 2025 and immediately became a regular spot for the under-35 crowd. The wine list focuses on small Australian producers. The space is tighter than Marco’s — 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: Whatever the bartender recommends ($14-25/glass). Pro tip: Tuesday is the quietest night and the bartender has more time to chat.
4. New Place — 33 Plenty Grove
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Neighbourhood corner pub, proper and unpretentious Drinks: $14-25/glass
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 10pm and the share plates are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The charcuterie board feeds three.
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: Thursday for the midweek special.
5. Max Works — 92 Plenty Grove
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Rooftop terrace with city views Drinks: $14-25/glass
The vibe pick. Not the best drinks on this list, but the rooftop view 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 heavier on wine and bubbles than beer. Food is limited to a small snack menu — olives, cheese, bread 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marco’s | Overall best | $14-25/glass | Yes | Fri-Sat |
| Wide Store | Quiet drink | $14-25/glass | Yes | No |
| Hazel Social | New & trendy | $14-25/glass | Snacks only | No |
| New Place | Food + drinks | $14-25/glass | Full menu | Fri |
| Max Works | Atmosphere | $14-25/glass | Limited | No |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Marco’s does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Doncaster. 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. Max Works 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
- Box Hill Wine Bars
- Doncaster Restaurants — eat before or after
- Doncaster Things to Do
- All Doncaster Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Best Pubs in Doncaster
- Best Bars in Doncaster
- Nightlife Guide in Doncaster
- Best Cocktail Bars in Doncaster
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