Richmond’s wine bars scene is diverse, sporty, food-obsessed — 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. Stella’s — 53 Victoria Street
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Rooftop terrace, sunset views Drinks: $14-25/glass
The wine bar the suburb rallies around. Stella’s 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 ($14-25/glass). When to go: Tuesday for trivia and half-price pots.
2. White Bench — 87 Victoria Street
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Open-air, fairy lights, garden seats
The quiet achiever. White Bench doesn’t have a PR budget or an Instagram strategy — it has regulars who come three times a week. The beer garden is the draw. The cocktails are made with house-infused spirits.
Best night: Saturday arvo in the beer garden.
3. Little Works — 74 Swan Street
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Small, intimate, conversation-volume 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 Stella’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 natural wine section is surprisingly deep for a bar this size. 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: Ask for the off-menu cocktail — they’ll make something custom.
4. Nell’s — 141 Victoria Street
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Sports screens plus decent food — the rare combo Drinks: $14-25/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 — 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 cheese board with a glass of the house red, $35 total. When to come: Thursday for the midweek special.
5. Happy Place — 196 Church Street
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Rooftop terrace with city views Drinks: $14-25/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 classic cocktails executed cleanly, no gimmicks. Food is limited to bar snacks and a single dessert option 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stella’s | Overall best | $14-25/glass | Yes | Fri-Sat |
| White Bench | Quiet drink | $14-25/glass | Yes | No |
| Little Works | New & trendy | $14-25/glass | Snacks only | No |
| Nell’s | Food + drinks | $14-25/glass | Full menu | Fri |
| Happy Place | Atmosphere | $14-25/glass | Limited | DJs Sat |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Stella’s does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Richmond station, trams on Bridge/Swan/Victoria. 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. Happy Place 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
- Cremorne Wine Bars
- Richmond Restaurants — eat before or after
- Richmond Things to Do
- All Richmond Guides
Last updated: March 2026
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