Sunbury’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 Good Kitchen — 248 Railway Lane
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Moody, dim-lit, excellent playlist Drinks: $18-27/glass
The wine bar the suburb rallies around. The Good Kitchen 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 courtyard is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: Their signature negroni ($18-27/glass). When to go: Thursday is the sweet spot — good crowd, no queue.
2. Finn Depot — 79 Willow Street
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Hidden behind an unmarked door
The quiet achiever. Finn Depot 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: Saturday arvo in the beer garden.
3. Mill — 375 Willow Street
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Big, loud, dancing on weekends Drinks: $18-27/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 The Good Kitchen — 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 ($18-27/glass). Pro tip: Arrive before 7pm on Friday to avoid the wait.
4. The Northern Depot — 260 Charles Avenue
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Pub grub elevated, beer garden out back Drinks: $18-27/glass
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 10pm and the burgers are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The wings have a proper chilli kick.
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: Thursday for the midweek special.
5. The Northern Bench — 160 Charles Avenue
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Hidden garden bar behind a bookshelf door Drinks: $18-27/glass
The vibe pick. Not the best drinks on this list, but the rooftop view 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 bar snacks and a single dessert option 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Good Kitchen | Overall best | $18-27/glass | Yes | Fri-Sat |
| Finn Depot | Quiet drink | $18-27/glass | Yes | Sun sessions |
| Mill | New & trendy | $18-27/glass | Snacks only | No |
| The Northern Depot | Food + drinks | $18-27/glass | Full menu | Yes |
| The Northern Bench | Atmosphere | $18-27/glass | Limited | Acoustic sets |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. The Good Kitchen does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Sunbury. 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 Northern 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
- Sunbury Restaurants — eat before or after
- Sunbury Things to Do
- All Sunbury Guides
Last updated: March 2026
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