Templestowe Lower’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. Pilgrim — 79 Lygon Street
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Warm, busy, neighbourhood local Drinks: $15-25/glass
The wine bar the suburb rallies around. Pilgrim 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 upstairs level is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: The house lager on tap ($15-25/glass). When to go: Any weeknight for a quiet drink.
2. Little Corner — 71 Lygon Street
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Hidden behind an unmarked door
The quiet achiever. Little Corner 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: Friday DJs from 9pm.
3. Sol — 100 Park Avenue
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Big, loud, dancing on weekends Drinks: $15-25/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 Pilgrim — 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: The house old fashioned ($15-25/glass). Pro tip: The back corner booth is the best seat.
4. Max Depot — 225 Lygon Street
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Sports screens plus decent food — the rare combo Drinks: $15-25/glass
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 9:30pm and the sliders are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The steak sandwich is the sleeper hit.
The drinks list complements the food — local pale ales and lagers that pair with the menu. 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: Any weeknight for a quick meal and drink without the weekend crowd.
5. Bench — 297 Bourke Grove
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Rooftop terrace with city views Drinks: $15-25/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 classic cocktails executed cleanly, no gimmicks. Food is limited to charcuterie and cheese boards only 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pilgrim | Overall best | $15-25/glass | Yes | Weekends |
| Little Corner | Quiet drink | $15-25/glass | Yes | No |
| Sol | New & trendy | $15-25/glass | Snacks only | No |
| Max Depot | Food + drinks | $15-25/glass | Full menu | Fri |
| Bench | Atmosphere | $15-25/glass | Limited | No |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Pilgrim does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Templestowe Lower. 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. 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
- Templestowe Lower Restaurants — eat before or after
- Templestowe Lower Things to Do
- All Templestowe Lower Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Best Pubs in Templestowe Lower
- Best Bars in Templestowe Lower
- Nightlife Guide in Templestowe Lower
- Best Cocktail Bars in Templestowe Lower
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