Templestowe’s wine bars scene is down-to-earth, multicultural, accessible — 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 $11-13, cocktail $17-23. Happy hour (usually 5-7pm) knocks $3-5 off at most places.
Our Top Picks
1. The Common Mill — 296 Henry Lane
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Industrial-chic, conversation-friendly Drinks: $14-25/glass
The wine bar the suburb rallies around. The Common Mill gets the fundamentals right — good drinks, comfortable room, staff who know the menu. The cocktail menu rotates monthly, which keeps regulars from getting bored. The courtyard is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: Their signature negroni ($14-25/glass). When to go: Tuesday for trivia and half-price pots.
2. Black Union — 157 Sydney Parade
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Corner pub, proper carpets
The quiet achiever. Black Union doesn’t have a PR budget or an Instagram strategy — it has regulars who come three times a week. The snack menu is the draw. The cocktails are made with house-infused spirits.
Best night: Sunday sessions with live jazz.
3. Nico — 226 Mary Road
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Outdoor courtyard, heat lamps in winter Drinks: $14-25/glass
Opened in 2025 and immediately became a regular spot for the under-35 crowd. The tap list leans towards Victorian craft breweries. The space is tighter than The Common Mill — 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 house negroni uses a local amaro. 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. Hugo Depot — 249 Pine Lane
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Pub grub elevated, beer garden out back Drinks: $14-25/glass
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 10pm and the pizza are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The loaded fries are the move.
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: The burger with their house lager — simple and perfect. When to come: Thursday for the midweek special.
5. Local — 262 Mary Road
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Hidden garden bar behind a bookshelf door Drinks: $14-25/glass
The vibe pick. Not the best drinks on this list, but the laneway entrance 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 empanadas and dip plates 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 Common Mill | Overall best | $14-25/glass | Yes | No |
| Black Union | Quiet drink | $14-25/glass | Yes | Occasionally |
| Nico | New & trendy | $14-25/glass | Snacks only | No |
| Hugo Depot | Food + drinks | $14-25/glass | Full menu | Fri |
| Local | Atmosphere | $14-25/glass | Limited | Acoustic sets |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. The Common Mill does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Templestowe. 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. Local 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
- Box Hill Wine Bars
- Templestowe Restaurants — eat before or after
- Templestowe Things to Do
- All Templestowe Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Best Pubs in Templestowe
- Best Bars in Templestowe
- Nightlife Guide in Templestowe
- Best Cocktail Bars in Templestowe
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