Mernda’s wine bars scene is working-class, authentic, community-focused — 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 New Cellar — 275 Church Place
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Industrial-chic, conversation-friendly Drinks: $13-23/glass
The wine bar the suburb rallies around. The New Cellar 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 back room is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: The rotating craft tap ($13-23/glass). When to go: Friday after 7pm for live music.
2. White Store — 124 King Parade
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Corner pub, proper carpets
The quiet achiever. White Store 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. Their natural wine selection is surprisingly deep.
Best night: Sunday sessions with live jazz.
3. The High Kitchen — 194 Willow Terrace
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Big, loud, dancing on weekends Drinks: $13-23/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 The New Cellar — 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: Their signature sour ($13-23/glass). Pro tip: Ask for the off-menu cocktail — they’ll make something custom.
4. Remy’s — 95 Spring Avenue
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Pub grub elevated, beer garden out back Drinks: $13-23/glass
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 10:30pm and the share plates are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The charcuterie board feeds three.
The drinks list complements the food — craft beers on rotation with consistent quality. 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: Any weeknight for a quick meal and drink without the weekend crowd.
5. The Old Mill — 238 King Parade
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Hidden garden bar behind a bookshelf door Drinks: $13-23/glass
The vibe pick. Not the best drinks on this list, but the garden setting 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 charcuterie and cheese boards only 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The New Cellar | Overall best | $13-23/glass | Yes | Fri-Sat |
| White Store | Quiet drink | $13-23/glass | Yes | No |
| The High Kitchen | New & trendy | $13-23/glass | Snacks only | No |
| Remy’s | Food + drinks | $13-23/glass | Full menu | No |
| The Old Mill | Atmosphere | $13-23/glass | Limited | DJs Sat |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. The New Cellar does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Mernda. 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. The Old Mill 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
- Mernda Restaurants — eat before or after
- Mernda Things to Do
- All Mernda Guides
Last updated: March 2026
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