Heathmont’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. Gus’s — 335 Flinders Street
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Moody, dim-lit, excellent playlist Drinks: $12-25/glass
The wine bar the suburb rallies around. Gus’s 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 courtyard is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: A glass of the house red ($12-25/glass). When to go: Any weeknight for a quiet drink.
2. Kai Cellar — 297 Oak Crescent
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Hidden behind an unmarked door
The quiet achiever. Kai Cellar 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. The cheese board pairs perfectly with their wine by the glass.
Best night: Sunday sessions with live jazz.
3. The White Corner — 18 Oak Crescent
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Small, intimate, conversation-volume Drinks: $12-25/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 Gus’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 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 ($12-25/glass). Pro tip: Arrive before 7pm on Friday to avoid the wait.
4. The Bright Yard — 294 Barkly Crescent
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Modern gastropub with craft focus Drinks: $12-25/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 — 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: The cheese board with a glass of the house red, $35 total. When to come: Saturday from 5pm — it fills up by 7pm.
5. Long Bench — 226 Barkly Crescent
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Candlelit basement, moody and intimate Drinks: $12-25/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 heavier on wine and bubbles than beer. Food is limited to empanadas and dip plates 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gus’s | Overall best | $12-25/glass | Yes | Fri-Sat |
| Kai Cellar | Quiet drink | $12-25/glass | Yes | Sun sessions |
| The White Corner | New & trendy | $12-25/glass | Snacks only | No |
| The Bright Yard | Food + drinks | $12-25/glass | Full menu | No |
| Long Bench | Atmosphere | $12-25/glass | Limited | Acoustic sets |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Gus’s does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Heathmont. 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. Long Bench 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
- Heathmont Restaurants — eat before or after
- Heathmont Things to Do
- All Heathmont Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Best Pubs in Heathmont
- Best Bars in Heathmont
- Nightlife Guide in Heathmont
- Best Cocktail Bars in Heathmont
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