Taylors Hill’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. Vera Lane — 349 West Grove
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Rooftop terrace, sunset views Drinks: $17-28/glass
The wine bar the suburb rallies around. Vera Lane 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 upstairs level is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: The rotating craft tap ($17-28/glass). When to go: Tuesday for trivia and half-price pots.
2. The Lucky Bench — 55 Bourke Avenue
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Wine-focused, small plates
The quiet achiever. The Lucky Bench 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. The cheese board pairs perfectly with their wine by the glass.
Best night: Saturday arvo in the beer garden.
3. The Golden Bench — 218 Rowan Crescent
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Big, loud, dancing on weekends Drinks: $17-28/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 Vera Lane — 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 tap list rotates every two weeks with a Victorian-only policy. If you hit capacity, put your name down and walk around the block — turnover is quick.
Drink this: Their signature sour ($17-28/glass). Pro tip: Tuesday is the quietest night and the bartender has more time to chat.
4. Nico’s — 79 Bourke Avenue
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Pub grub elevated, beer garden out back Drinks: $17-28/glass
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 10:30pm and the pizza 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. Cellar — 4 West Grove
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Laneway entrance, exposed brick, jazz on the stereo Drinks: $17-28/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 heavier on wine and bubbles than beer. Food is limited to a small snack menu — olives, cheese, bread 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vera Lane | Overall best | $17-28/glass | Yes | Fri-Sat |
| The Lucky Bench | Quiet drink | $17-28/glass | Yes | Sun sessions |
| The Golden Bench | New & trendy | $17-28/glass | Snacks only | No |
| Nico’s | Food + drinks | $17-28/glass | Full menu | Fri |
| Cellar | Atmosphere | $17-28/glass | Limited | DJs Sat |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Vera Lane does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Taylors Hill. 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. Cellar 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
- Taylors Hill Restaurants — eat before or after
- Taylors Hill Things to Do
- All Taylors Hill Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Best Pubs in Taylors Hill
- Best Bars in Taylors Hill
- Nightlife Guide in Taylors Hill
- Best Cocktail Bars in Taylors Hill
Useful tools:
💬 Discussion
Join the conversation — no account needed