Ringwood East’s wine bars scene is affordable, diverse, developing — 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. Hazel Works — 186 Spring Place
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Rooftop terrace, sunset views Drinks: $13-26/glass
The wine bar the suburb rallies around. Hazel Works gets the fundamentals right — good drinks, comfortable room, staff who know the menu. The wine list rotates monthly, which keeps regulars from getting bored. The courtyard is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: Their espresso martini ($13-26/glass). When to go: Friday after 7pm for live music.
2. Ruby’s — 126 Bridge Lane
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Hidden behind an unmarked door
The quiet achiever. Ruby’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 cheese board pairs perfectly with their wine by the glass.
Best night: Friday DJs from 9pm.
3. Good Mill — 192 Spring Place
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Big, loud, dancing on weekends Drinks: $13-26/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 Hazel Works — 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: The house old fashioned ($13-26/glass). Pro tip: Arrive before 7pm on Friday to avoid the wait.
4. The Bright Store — 207 Bridge Lane
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Pub grub elevated, beer garden out back Drinks: $13-26/glass
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 10:30pm and the sliders are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The steak sandwich is the sleeper hit.
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: Parma and a pint — the Melbourne classic, done properly. When to come: Sunday afternoon — relaxed, the kitchen is unhurried, and there’s live music.
5. Bright Depot — 160 West Drive
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Candlelit basement, moody and intimate Drinks: $13-26/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 designed around the aesthetic — photogenic serves that actually taste good. Food is limited to a small snack menu — olives, cheese, bread but you’re not here for the food.
Best for: Small group celebrations — book the corner section.
Comparison
| Venue | Best For | Drink Price | Kitchen | Live Music |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hazel Works | Overall best | $13-26/glass | Yes | Fri-Sat |
| Ruby’s | Quiet drink | $13-26/glass | Yes | No |
| Good Mill | New & trendy | $13-26/glass | Snacks only | No |
| The Bright Store | Food + drinks | $13-26/glass | Full menu | Fri |
| Bright Depot | Atmosphere | $13-26/glass | Limited | DJs Sat |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Hazel Works does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Ringwood East. 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 Depot 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
- Ringwood East Restaurants — eat before or after
- Ringwood East Things to Do
- All Ringwood East Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Best Pubs in Ringwood East
- Best Bars in Ringwood East
- Nightlife Guide in Ringwood East
- Best Cocktail Bars in Ringwood East
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