Gardenvale’s wine bars scene is creative, walkable, authentic — 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 $12-14, cocktail $19-25. Happy hour (usually 5-7pm) knocks $3-5 off at most places.
Our Top Picks
1. The Good Press — 364 Chapel Terrace
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Warm, busy, neighbourhood local Drinks: $15-28/glass
The wine bar the suburb rallies around. The Good Press gets the fundamentals right — good drinks, comfortable room, staff who know the menu. The cocktail menu rotates monthly, which keeps regulars from getting bored. The front bar is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: The rotating craft tap ($15-28/glass). When to go: Any weeknight for a quiet drink.
2. Theo’s — 64 Murray Terrace
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Wine-focused, small plates
The quiet achiever. Theo’s doesn’t have a PR budget or an Instagram strategy — it has regulars who come three times a week. The wine list is the draw. The parma is legitimately one of the best in the area.
Best night: Saturday arvo in the beer garden.
3. Northern Press — 366 Chapel Terrace
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Big, loud, dancing on weekends Drinks: $15-28/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 The Good 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 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 ($15-28/glass). Pro tip: Ask for the off-menu cocktail — they’ll make something custom.
4. Leo’s — 342 Murray Terrace
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Pub grub elevated, beer garden out back Drinks: $15-28/glass
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 9:30pm and the sliders are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The wings have a proper chilli kick.
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 burger with their house lager — simple and perfect. When to come: Sunday afternoon — relaxed, the kitchen is unhurried, and there’s live music.
5. Bright Quarter — 117 Maple Terrace
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Laneway entrance, exposed brick, jazz on the stereo Drinks: $15-28/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: A nightcap after dinner somewhere nearby.
Comparison
| Venue | Best For | Drink Price | Kitchen | Live Music |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Good Press | Overall best | $15-28/glass | Yes | No |
| Theo’s | Quiet drink | $15-28/glass | Yes | Occasionally |
| Northern Press | New & trendy | $15-28/glass | Snacks only | No |
| Leo’s | Food + drinks | $15-28/glass | Full menu | No |
| Bright Quarter | Atmosphere | $15-28/glass | Limited | No |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. The Good Press does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Gardenvale. 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. Bright 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
- Brighton Wine Bars
- Gardenvale Restaurants — eat before or after
- Gardenvale Things to Do
- All Gardenvale Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Best Pubs in Gardenvale
- Best Bars in Gardenvale
- Nightlife Guide in Gardenvale
- Best Cocktail Bars in Gardenvale
Useful tools:
💬 Discussion
Join the conversation — no account needed