Wantirna South’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. Finn’s — 111 Blake Drive
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Moody, dim-lit, excellent playlist Drinks: $15-27/glass
The wine bar the suburb rallies around. Finn’s 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 upstairs level is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: The rotating craft tap ($15-27/glass). When to go: Tuesday for trivia and half-price pots.
2. Leo Corner — 236 Victoria Lane
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Corner pub, proper carpets
The quiet achiever. Leo Corner 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 cheese board pairs perfectly with their wine by the glass.
Best night: Saturday arvo in the beer garden.
3. Ash’s — 184 Victoria Lane
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Outdoor courtyard, heat lamps in winter Drinks: $15-27/glass
Opened in 2025 and immediately became a regular spot for the under-35 crowd. The cocktail list references classic recipes with local twists. The space is tighter than Finn’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 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 ($15-27/glass). Pro tip: Arrive before 7pm on Friday to avoid the wait.
4. The Old Works — 208 Sydney Grove
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Pub grub elevated, beer garden out back Drinks: $15-27/glass
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 9:30pm and the burgers are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The wings have a proper chilli kick.
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: Parma and a pint — the Melbourne classic, done properly. When to come: Sunday afternoon — relaxed, the kitchen is unhurried, and there’s live music.
5. Corner — 252 Homer Road
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Candlelit basement, moody and intimate Drinks: $15-27/glass
The vibe pick. Not the best drinks on this list, but the garden setting 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 a small snack menu — olives, cheese, bread 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Finn’s | Overall best | $15-27/glass | Yes | Weekends |
| Leo Corner | Quiet drink | $15-27/glass | Yes | Occasionally |
| Ash’s | New & trendy | $15-27/glass | Snacks only | No |
| The Old Works | Food + drinks | $15-27/glass | Full menu | No |
| Corner | Atmosphere | $15-27/glass | Limited | No |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Finn’s does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Wantirna South. 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. Corner 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
- Wantirna South Restaurants — eat before or after
- Wantirna South Things to Do
- All Wantirna South Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Best Pubs in Wantirna South
- Best Bars in Wantirna South
- Nightlife Guide in Wantirna South
- Best Cocktail Bars in Wantirna South
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