The 14 Best Wine Bars in Edinburgh Serving Fine Wine and Good Company
There’s something about Edinburgh that just suits a glass of wine. Maybe it’s the cobbled streets, the quiet hum of conversation from tucked-away basements, or that warm glow spilling out of a bar window on a chilly night.
Still, with so many places pouring the good stuff, finding the right one can take some trial and error. Some are all about rare vintages, others lean into relaxed, local charm, but only a few strike that perfect balance.
We’ve done the legwork and found the best wine bars in Edinburgh. They’ve all got great pours, cosy ambience, and that “let’s come back here” feeling.
Bar Zero Zero
– Media from zero.zerowine
Location: 18 S Clerk St
Contact: +44 131 275 5522
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Friday & Saturday: 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
- Sunday: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Pricing: $$
Bar Zero Zero is our go-to spot when we want a relaxed evening with something a bit different from your standard wine bar.
They focus on natural wines, so everything you try has minimal intervention. Nothing added, nothing taken away. It’s a subtle difference, but it really comes through in the taste.
We’ve spent a few nights there sampling by the glass, and the rotating list keeps things interesting. Their selection covers whites, reds, and sparkling, so there’s always a new bottle to try.
Pairing a fresh glass with a small cheese or charcuterie board makes it a really easy night out.
What we like most is the vibe. It’s low-key, welcoming, and not intimidating if you’re not a wine expert.
Pro tip:
- Ask about the current natural wine arrivals. They often have limited bottle
Le Di-Vin
– Media from le_di_vin
Location: 9 Randolph Place
Contact: +44 131 538 1815
Operating hours: Monday to Saturday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Pricing: $$
Le Di-vin is the kind of place we go to when we want a quiet evening with good wine and simple, well-paired food.
They have a wide selection of wines, and it’s clear they take care with their choices. For example, on their by-the-glass menu, we found the Sancerre, Lucien Crochet 2011. On the red side, there was the Rioja, Domino de Heredia.
The food is straightforward but really complements the wine. The staff suggested the Sancerre with the fish board, and that turned out to be a smart pairing—clean, fresh, and not too heavy. The charcuterie went nicely with the deeper red, giving a decent contrast.
What makes it stand out is the relaxed atmosphere in the West End. It doesn’t feel stuffy, even when the place is busy, and the staff are friendly and approachable.
Pro tip:
- Ask for the current ‘by the glass’ list and mention a region you like, and the staff will pull something interesting for you.
Cask and Vine
– Media from caskandvine_royalmile
Location: 244 Canongate
Contact: +44 131 563 2468
Operating hours:
- Tuesday & Wednesday: 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Thursday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM
- Friday & Saturday: 11:30 AM – 12:00 AM
- Sunday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Pricing: $$
What we like about Cask and Vine is their thoughtful selection of drinks.
Their wine list has over 100 bottles, and the whisky selection is even bigger, with more than 200 options! It’s fun to try a few wines by the glass and discover flavours you don’t usually come across.
The small plates are perfect for sharing. We went for a mix of charcuterie and cheese, and each pairing seemed to highlight the wines differently. A crisp white worked surprisingly well with the richer cheeses.
The vibe is another highlight. The Royal Mile location feels lively but never overwhelming.
Pro tip:
- Try one of their whisky flights, even if you came for wine. It’s a fun way to explore different flavours and compare them side by side, and it pairs nicely with a small plate.
Nott
– Media from nott_edinburgh
Location: 13 Crighton Place
Contact: +44 131 629 2700
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Friday & Saturday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Pricing: $$
Nott has an approachable, independent feel that works for both wine lovers and casual visitors.
The menu makes it easy to explore wines by the glass or bottle alongside sharing boards. The boards come in different sizes and include vegan and vegetarian options.
We tried a few wines with a medium board, and it was fun to see how the flavours of the cheese, charcuterie, and vegan dishes complemented each sip.
The atmosphere feels casual yet special, with a family-run vibe that makes it welcoming and personal.
Pro tip:
- Check out the mezzanine seating for a slightly quieter spot with a good view of the bar.
Spry Wines
– Media from spry_wines
Location: 1 Haddington Place
Contact: +44 131 557 0005
Operating hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 1:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Pricing: $$
If you’re up for a relaxed evening with some interesting wines, Spry Wines is a spot we’ve really enjoyed. It’s tucked into the top of Leith Walk, so it feels more like a neighbourhood bar than a touristy place.
The wine list is all about natural, small-batch options. We tried a light, floral Riesling and a juicy Gamay, both by the glass, and it was cool to taste wines that feel more “alive” and reflect the grower’s style.
The food is made to pair with the wines, and the small plates are creative and seasonal. We had mushroom and walnut pâté, goose rillettes with piccalilli, and sardines with fermented tomato. Each dish brought out different flavours in the wine.
Pro tip:
- Ask about any current tasting menus or paired events. They’re a fun way to dive deeper into the natural wine selection.
Whighams Wine Cellars
– Media from whighamswinecellars
Location: 13 Hope Street
Contact: +44 131 225 8674
Operating hours:
Pricing: $$$
If you’re looking for a spot that balances wine and food really well, Whighams Wine Cellars is a solid choice. It has a warm, character-filled vibe.
The wine list focuses on smaller producers, many of them organic, biodynamic, or eco-conscious. We tried a zesty Albariño and a smooth Malbec by the glass, and it was fun exploring new flavours from their weekly wine spotlight.
The food is just as thoughtful. Their kitchen uses locally sourced Scottish produce, and seafood is a highlight. We had a fresh smoked salmon starter and a seasonal seafood dish, both of which paired nicely with our wines.
The menu rotates with the seasons, so there’s always something new to try.
The atmosphere is lively but relaxed. On certain nights, live jazz plays in the background, which makes it feel extra special without being over the top.
Pro tip:
- Check out Whigham’s events calendar before you go. Their tasting evenings and themed wine dinners fill up fast, and you can reserve a spot here.
Caru by Candlelight
– Media from carubycandlelight
Location: Arch 2, East Market Street
Contact: Book here
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 4:00 PM – 11:30 PM
Pricing: $$
Caru by Candlelight is a cosy spot with a slightly different twist worth checking out.
The deep-red décor and intimate lighting make it feel perfect for a relaxed evening or a date. It’s Edinburgh’s first specialty brandy and artisanal wine bar, which gives it a unique character.
We tried a Welsh Caru brandy liqueur, which was rich and slightly spiced with hints of vanilla, and a light, floral Italian Pinot Grigio that had crisp apple and citrus notes.
The wine list leans toward British vineyards and small European producers.
The space hosts fun events like candlelight concerts and sketch-and-sip nights, which make it a spot worth revisiting.
Pro tip:
- If you’re planning to catch one of their candlelight concerts or sketch-and-sip nights, book a table here. The cosy spots fill up fast.
Smith and Gertrude Stockbridge
– Media from smithandgertrude
Location: 26 Hamilton Place
Contact: +44 131 629 6280
Operating hours:
- Wednesday to Thursday: 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 1:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Sunday: 1:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Pricing: $$
Smith & Gertrude in Stockbridge feels like the kind of spot you go to when you want wine and food that actually make sense together. It’s calm and roomy inside, with that casual warmth that makes you want to stay for another glass.
We tried a few by the glass, including a bright, citrusy Albariño and a smooth Pinot Noir with soft cherry notes. Both paired beautifully with their cheese board, served with local bread, butter, and chutney.
Pro tip:
- They have a small retail section where you can buy bottles from their wine list to take home.
The Green Room Wine Bar
– Media from thegreenroomedinburgh
Location: 19‑25 William Street
Contact: +44 131 225 1358
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday: 2:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Pricing: $$
We went to The Green Room one evening after hearing good things about their focus on small, independent winemakers, and it didn’t disappoint. The place has that relaxed, candle-lit feel that makes it easy to settle in for a long chat over drinks.
We tried a few wines by the glass, including a crisp, mineral-led Chardonnay and a bold Tempranillo with deep red fruit notes. Both were full of character and paired nicely with the baked Camembert on toast we ordered to start.
Everything felt considered and well-matched, from the pour to the plate.
The food menu is short but interesting. You can tell they’re going for quality over quantity. The prawn and chorizo risotto stood out for its balance, and the goat cheese panna cotta was a surprisingly good finish.
Pro tip:
- Pair your glass with their bar snacks instead of a full plate. The portions are generous enough for a mini meal and actually complement the wine better than some of the mains.
Veeno Edinburgh
– Media from veeno_uk
Location: 76 Rose Street
Contact: +44 131 225 3239
Operating hours:
Pricing: $$
Veeno Edinburgh is where we usually end up when we’re in the mood for something Italian but relaxed. The place has a warm, modern feel with a nice balance between casual and classy. It’s great for both catch-ups and low-key dates.
We tried a few by the glass, including a bright, zesty Grillo with citrus and melon notes and a smooth Nero d’Avola with dark cherry and spic. Both came from their family vineyard, Caruso & Minini, in Sicily, which makes the experience feel more personal.
The wines paired well with their Italian sharing boards—simple, generous, and clearly built for conversation.
The menus are filled with familiar comfort dishes like pizzas, bruschettas, and pastas.
Pro tip:
- If you’re not sure what to order, ask for the wine flight. It’s an easy way to sample a few Sicilian wines and figure out your favourite without committing to a bottle.
Decanter Winery and Dinery
– Media from decanter_bruntsfield
Location: 183 Bruntsfield Place
Contact: +44 131 466 5359
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Friday & Saturday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Pricing: $$
Decanter Winery and Dinery has a relaxed, local vibe, feeling more like a neighbourhood hangout than a tourist spot. The space is warm and welcoming. And you can enjoy the wines without needing to know all the technical terms.
Our favourites here are a zesty Sauvignon Blanc with bright citrus and green apple notes, and a smooth Merlot with soft plum and subtle chocolate hints.
The staff suggested pairing them with the fish tacos and Korean chicken, which complemented the wines perfectly without overpowering the flavours.
Pro tip:
- Come for a midweek evening if you want a quieter experience. The neighbourhood vibe really comes through without the weekend crowd.
The Black Grape
– Media from blackgrapewinebar
Location: 240 Canongate
Contact: 0131 237 7419
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 5:00 PM – 11:30 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 11:30 PM
Pricing: $$
The Black Grape is a spot with real character. The space is stylish yet relaxed, with soft lighting, comfortable seating, and a calm bar area. It’s a place you can go for a proper drink and a few plates without it being overly formal.
The small plates and wine pairing really stood out. We tried two by the glass: a crisp Sauvignon Blanc with bright citrus melon notes, and a fuller-bodied Malbec with dark fruit and gentle spice.
Both were picked to match our food, or rather, our food felt picked to match them. We went for the cured sea trout with San Marzano gazpacho and the wild mushroom spring roll with tempura enoki and black garlic.
What we really appreciated is that this place doesn’t rely on the fact that it’s on a tourist path. It just works as a proper wine bar/diner (you can find more like it in our guide to the best diners in Edinburgh).
Pro tip:
- Their mid-week chef’s menu (two courses + a glass of wine) is a smart choice if you want to try this place without stretching the budget.
Good Brothers Wine Cellars
– Media from goodbrotherswinecellars
Location: 34 Northumberland Street
Contact: +44 131 285 8003
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday: 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Thursday to Friday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Saturday: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Pricing: $$
Good Brothers feels like a wine-lover’s hideaway. The cellar shop and bar setup makes it easy to browse bottles or just stay for a glass in a relaxed, unpretentious space.
The wine selection is eclectic. It includes classic Bordeaux and Burgundy, as well as quirky, lesser-known producers from Italy and Spain. There are also some natural and organic options.
We tried a crisp Sauvignon Blanc with zesty lemon and green apple notes, and a smooth Tempranillo with dark cherry and subtle spice. Both were easy to sip on their own and paired nicely with the small plates we grabbed while exploring the cellar.
The staff are friendly and knowledgeable. They’re more than happy to guide you toward something new or suggest a wine that fits your taste.
Pro tip:
- Visit on Thursday evenings to try special bottles pulled from the cellar at cost price, often including rare or older vintages.
Bacco Wine
– Media from bacco_wine
Location: 136 Dundas Street
Contact: 07388 306503
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday: 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM
- Sunday: 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Pricing: $$
Walking into Bacco felt like wandering into a tiny Italian wine corner. The warm, golden lighting bounced off the exposed brick walls, and the cosy tables made it feel intimate without being cramped.
There was a quiet buzz of people chatting over glasses of wine, and the air smelled faintly of cured meats and fresh bread from the deli next door.
We tried a couple by the glass: a clean, zingy Vermentino with lemon and peach notes, and a richer Sicilian Nero d’Avola with black cherry and earthy undertones. Both were approachable but still interesting enough to make you want to ask questions.
The staff suggested pairing them with the antipasti board of Italian meats and cheeses from the deli next door, and it worked surprisingly well.
The best thing about Bacco is how effortless it feels. No fuss, just solid wine, simple plates, and staff who actually care.
Pro tip:
- Pair a white and a red to share with a friend so you can experience the contrast and find your personal favourite.