Port Melbourne’s wine bars scene is established, leafy, well-maintained — 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 $13-15, cocktail $22-28. Happy hour (usually 5-7pm) knocks $3-5 off at most places.
Our Top Picks
1. River’s — 283 Bridge Road
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Rooftop terrace, sunset views Drinks: $13-27/glass
The wine bar the suburb rallies around. River’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 front bar is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: A glass of the house red ($13-27/glass). When to go: Tuesday for trivia and half-price pots.
2. New Kitchen — 239 Blake Road
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Wine-focused, small plates
The quiet achiever. New Kitchen 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. The parma is legitimately one of the best in the area.
Best night: Saturday arvo in the beer garden.
3. Humble Corner — 46 Blake Road
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Outdoor courtyard, heat lamps in winter Drinks: $13-27/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 River’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 ($13-27/glass). Pro tip: Ask for the off-menu cocktail — they’ll make something custom.
4. Otto’s — 355 Blake Road
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Modern gastropub with craft focus Drinks: $13-27/glass
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 9:30pm and the share plates are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The charcuterie board feeds three.
The drinks list complements the food — a cocktail list designed around the kitchen’s flavours. It’s the kind of place where you come for one beer and stay for dinner because you smell the kitchen.
Best combo: Share plates for two plus a bottle of wine, under $90. When to come: Sunday afternoon — relaxed, the kitchen is unhurried, and there’s live music.
5. Humble Lane — 19 East Crescent
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Laneway entrance, exposed brick, jazz on the stereo Drinks: $13-27/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 short but curated — they do six cocktails and all of them are solid. Food is limited to bar snacks and a single dessert option 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| River’s | Overall best | $13-27/glass | Yes | No |
| New Kitchen | Quiet drink | $13-27/glass | Yes | No |
| Humble Corner | New & trendy | $13-27/glass | Snacks only | No |
| Otto’s | Food + drinks | $13-27/glass | Full menu | Yes |
| Humble Lane | Atmosphere | $13-27/glass | Limited | No |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. River’s does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Port Melbourne. 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. Humble Lane 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 Yarra Wine Bars
- Port Melbourne Restaurants — eat before or after
- Port Melbourne Things to Do
- All Port Melbourne Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Best Pubs in Port Melbourne
- Best Bars in Port Melbourne
- Nightlife Guide in Port Melbourne
- Best Cocktail Bars in Port Melbourne
Useful tools:
💬 Discussion
Join the conversation — no account needed