Upper Ferntree Gully’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. Mabel’s — 117 Bridge Drive
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Rooftop terrace, sunset views Drinks: $14-26/glass
The wine bar the suburb rallies around. Mabel’s 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 ($14-26/glass). When to go: Friday after 7pm for live music.
2. Finn’s — 312 Bridge Drive
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Corner pub, proper carpets
The quiet achiever. Finn’s 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 parma is legitimately one of the best in the area.
Best night: Sunday sessions with live jazz.
3. The Old Press — 65 Victoria Avenue
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Cozy wine den, candlelit Drinks: $14-26/glass
Opened in 2025 and immediately became a regular spot for the under-35 crowd. The spirits selection includes hard-to-find local gins. The space is tighter than Mabel’s — 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: Whatever the bartender recommends ($14-26/glass). Pro tip: The back corner booth is the best seat.
4. The Sunny Press — 324 Bridge Drive
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Sports screens plus decent food — the rare combo Drinks: $14-26/glass
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 10:30pm and the burgers 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: Parma and a pint — the Melbourne classic, done properly. When to come: Thursday for the midweek special.
5. Ada’s — 14 Market Road
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Laneway entrance, exposed brick, jazz on the stereo Drinks: $14-26/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 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: Sunset drinks on warmer evenings — arrive by 6pm for the golden hour.
Comparison
| Venue | Best For | Drink Price | Kitchen | Live Music |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mabel’s | Overall best | $14-26/glass | Yes | No |
| Finn’s | Quiet drink | $14-26/glass | Yes | Occasionally |
| The Old Press | New & trendy | $14-26/glass | Snacks only | No |
| The Sunny Press | Food + drinks | $14-26/glass | Full menu | Fri |
| Ada’s | Atmosphere | $14-26/glass | Limited | No |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Mabel’s does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Upper Ferntree Gully. 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. Ada’s 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
- Lilydale Wine Bars
- Upper Ferntree Gully Restaurants — eat before or after
- Upper Ferntree Gully Things to Do
- All Upper Ferntree Gully Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Best Pubs in Upper Ferntree Gully
- Best Bars in Upper Ferntree Gully
- Nightlife Guide in Upper Ferntree Gully
- Best Cocktail Bars in Upper Ferntree Gully
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