Calling on all seasoned wine drinkers. You know who you are—you gotta wind down on Wednesday, you love a thirsty Thursday, Fri-yay’s always end with a vino and what’s a Sunday without a sneaky arvo session?
The Gold Coast is fast becoming a wine lover’s paradise, with a rapidly growing wine bar scene. Biodynamic, natural, exotic and locally made wines are the stars of wine bars, and when combined with delectable food and groovy venues, you’ve got some top-notch wine bars. We’re big fans of a tipple, which is why we’ve put in the hard yards for you and rounded up 18 of the best wine bars on the Gold Coast, all in the name of research.
Paloma Wine Bar
Burleigh Heads
This relaxed, neighbourhood-style wine bar from the team behind Labart boasts an extensive wine list with a special focus on championing unique Australian and international producers and a strong focus on minimal intervention methods. Read: juicy Pet Nats. We love that Paloma’s broad by-the-glass selection will give you the chance to taste different varietals, discover exciting winemakers and potentially find a new favourite tipple. Pull up a chair on the James Street sidewalk and settle in for some prime people-watching, with a top-notch vino in hand.
La Bella Cellar
Burleigh Heads
Hidden in a Burleigh back lane and marked only by a wooden door and a cactus, it would be easy to walk past La Bella Cellar. What a foolish mistake that would be. This boutique wine bar serves up some choice drops, paired with delectable bites—you can even design your own cheese board to pair with your vino. The date-night-worthy cellar features wines from Spain, Italy and France and has a notable section dedicated to Australian wines. The cellar list also includes trendy and delicious pet nats, orange wine, and all manner of bubbles, whites and reds that’ll take you on a fragrant journey you won’t soon forget.
Fig + Frankie’s
Broadbeach
Fig + Frankie’s is the intimate laneway bar of your dreams. That is if your dream is cosy dining under fairy lights, an exposed brick bar and an incredible wine list. This hidden Broadbeach gem boasts an extensive wine list, with an emphasis on locally sourced drops, in addition to specialty cocktails, small bites and a concise but delicious range of pasta. Fig + Frankie’s is one of our favourite Gold Coast wine bars—we rate it for romantic date nights or a sweet girl’s night out.
Rosella’s
Burleigh Heads
If there’s something Aussies are proud of, it’s our bloody great culture. Rosella’s is a quirky Burleigh joint that pays homage to all things Australiana—think Australian animal prints, bunches of wattles adorning the counter and a nostalgic-with-a-twist menu. What we’re really here to talk about is the impressive range of natural Australian wines and the reserve list of unusual wines from local small-batch producers. Available by the bottle and the glass, the expansive list focuses on natural, biodynamic ingredients that are all Australian-made, vegan and perfect for drinking in the Queensland climate.
Lockwood Bar
Burleigh Heads
In true speakeasy spirit, until you’re in the know, Lockwood, Burleigh's secret bar, is not easy to hunt down, and even when you do know where to look, you still must request entry via text message. In this intimate space designed for fifty patrons, you can pull up a stool at the bar and be assured you’ll get quality service from stylish bartenders. Slinging up an impressive range of local and international wines, you’ll spend many a night nursing a glass in this classic speakeasy.
Mr P.P’s Deli and Rooftop
Southport
Hidden behind the guise of a deli, Mr P.P.’s Deli & Rooftop is a cosy wine bar, perfect for knock-off drinks and sociable Saturday nights. The impressive wine list boasts a range of Australian, French, Italian and New Zealand specialities and is perfect for pairing with gourmet pizza, pasta, deli meats and cheese. Wander upstairs to the rooftop pizzeria and soak up sunset urban vista views over a glass of vino.
The Wine Barrel
Mudgeeraba
What’s in a name? Well, this spot had us at ‘wine’ and we’re pretty much best friends already. The Wine Barrel, located in a quaint and leafy spot in Mudgeeraba is an absolute gem. With a rustic interior of recycled old railway sleepers and 25-year-old wine barrels, this place is just the perfect spot for a tipple. Their wine list is one of the most extensive on the Coast, with local and international whites, reds, fortified and dessert vinos on offer. Be sure to check out the blackboard as soon as you enter for a tantalising daily cheese selection, perfect for pairing with your vino.
Destino
Sanctuary Cove
Located in Sanctuary Cove, this lush Greek-inspired paradise is the wine-sipping destination of your dreams. Owners Marc and Lisa were passionate about bringing a little taste of Europe to the area, a feat which they have absolutely successfully pulled off with Destino. This whitewashed wine bar showcases Italian, Spanish, Greek, French and Australian wines, plus they have a whole part of their menu dedicated to espresso martinis. As the sun sets against the glittering marina, try your hand at crafting your own cheese platter to pair with your vino—we definitely recommend you just splurge on all the cheeses.
The Cambus Wallace
Nobby Beach
Moodily lit and with effortlessly cool bartenders working the space, this nautically-themed bar is an after-dark destination in its own right. While the gang at Cambus Wallace produce damn tasty rum and apple juice combos they’re also experts when it comes to the power couple—wine and cheese, of course. Pair a couple of creamy cheeses with one of their many vinos and you’re golden.
Moo Moo Wine Bar & Grill
Broadbeach
When it has ‘wine bar’ in the name, you know it’s going to be good. Moo Moo’s is a great night out for any occasion whether it be date night, after-work drinks, or a night out with the gang. Moo Moo’s wine list extends over 21 pages, so you’re sure to find a tipple (or ten) that’s going to suit your tastes. After sipping on a couple of your favourite glasses, we recommend you stay for one of the finest cooked steaks on the Coast.
Orzo
Broadbeach
Sister venue to the iconic Social Eating House + Bar, Orzo is one of our favourite spots for vino on the Gold Coast, bringing sophisticated Italian dining to Broady. Orzo’s concise yet impressive Italian-inspired menu includes a playful smattering of Asian and native Australian ingredients and of course, a wine list to match. The extensive range of wines represents the unique regions of Italy and pairs perfectly with the impressive menu.
Little Truffle
Mermaid Beach
If fine dining and intimate settings are your thing, then Little Truffle will definitely be up your alley. The food at this multi-award-winning restaurant is good, seriously good, and when paired with an impressive wine lineup, you’ve got a winner. Explore the exceptional wine list, which showcases a range of local and international specialities, and settle in for an evening of indulgence.
SOMM Wine Store
Nobby's Beach
SOMM Wine Store may not be a wine bar, but if we’re talking about wine it absolutely needs to be mentioned. If you’re a wine connoisseur looking for some fun wines for your fun times, the sommelier-owned SOMM Wine Store has got you covered. The owners are all about supporting family-owned and small-scale wine producers with their hand-picked selection of delicious and intriguing bottles. SOMM's sweeping selection of wines covers Australia and the world all over, and the friendly owners know a thing or two about food pairings if you need a hand in the selection process.
Baskk
Coolangatta
Inspired by the south of Italy, BASKK Italian is a Cooly favourite that is full of flavour, passion and top-notch tipples. Settle on the deck outside, watch as the sun dips over the ocean and sip on one (or a few) of their quality drops. Sommelier Andrew Crabtree has poured his energy into a solid wine list specialising in French, Italian, New Zealand and Australian offerings. If you’re struggling to choose, the knowledgeable staff will provide you with great recommendations.
Gemellini
Nobby’s Beach
Handmade pasta, woodfired pizza and Italian wines? We’re listening. Although it’s not a wine bar, Gemellini has firmly established its place as one of the best Italian restaurants on the Coast and its wine list is not to be scoffed at. The cellar has a strong focus on Italian wines, featuring varieties and styles from all over Italy. Just like in Italian culture, the connection between food and wine is pivotal, with each bottle holding its purpose to match perfectly with Gemellini’s authentic Italian menu.
Glass Dining & Lounge Bar
Main Beach
Sip on your fave glass of grapes while you admire the stunning vista of Marina Mirage at Glass Dining & Lounge Bar. Glass is an iconic Gold Coast favourite and with their extensive twenty-page wine and cocktails list it has to make our list. Fuel your afternoon of wine with one of their delicious cheese platters filled with international and local cheeses, dried fruit, nuts, crackers and some of the sweetest truffled honey you’ll ever taste.
The Roosevelt Lounge
Broadbeach
No expense was spared to create Roosevelt Lounge, a game-changing 1930s American-inspired lounge bar and restaurant in Broadbeach. If you’re not made of money, you’ll definitely feel like it after a night spent lounging around looking glamorous in sinkable leather chesterfields and red velvet booths, nursing a glass of vino. Swoon-worthy.
Honour
Brunswick Heads
Explored the Gold Coast’s best wine bars and thirsty for more? Hop over the border and check out Brunswick Head’s Honour. The European-style after-hours natural wine and salumi bar is well worth the drive, trust us. Tuck into charcuterie plates and natural wines which take centre stage with their simple, authentic and delicious flavours, bringing uncomplicated yet indulgent delicacies into our lives. Honour boasts a solid wine list of Australian, French and Italian wines and a rotating blackboard of interesting and hard-to-find wines by the glass.
If your bank account is looking a little dry after your splurging on all these bars, don’t worry because we’ve got you covered with a drool-worthy lineup of the Gold Coast’s best cheap eats.
Image credit: La Bella Cellar, Destino, Kaitlin Maree & Brooke Darling Photography