Well, it’s an open secret that wine bars in Calgary have seen a steady rise in popularity over the last few years. And, that means that those who are making an effort to join it are rewarded with a fiercely devoted following. Rightfully so- the right wine can make or break an evening out.
Here are the best wine bars in Calgary, plus a couple of restaurants that are sure to impress.
Frenchie Wine Bar
Located at the back of Bread and Circus, this tiny 15-seat space is the perfect date spot. Unless you decide to just body some fondue one night after work. Either way, you’ll walk away happy. Just make sure you arrive early enough to actually get a seat.
Where: 618 17 Avenue SW
Vin Room
Probably the OG wine bar in the city, with 3 locations (including the one in the airport). Try over a hundred different wines available by the glass as you munch on charcuterie and small plates. Or, get a flight of tasters and see which ones spring out at you.
Where: 2310 4 Street SW and 8561 8A Avenue SW
Bar Von Der Fels
A relative newcomer that is guaranteed to be sought out for years to come. Bar Von Der Fels is our favourite place to pull up, describe what we want to drink, and let the servers take it from there. We’ve yet to be disappointed.
Where: 1005A 1st Street SW
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Winebar Kensington
The best place in Kensington to grab a glass of wine by far. With an emphasis on making wine approachable, they have a relaxed atmosphere and a great food menu to accompany the glass (or glasses) you decide on each night.
Where: 1131 Kensington Road NW
Escoba Bistro & Wine Bar
Mediterranean plates paired with wines from around the globe. Sounds nice, right? Well, Escoba has perfected that double dose of deliciousness and become a favourite spot for wine & snacks in downtown Calgary.
Where: 624 8 Ave SW
Bar Annabelle
Another newcomer to the scene, Bar Annabelle could get the nod just for being associated with Blink restaurant. But no, they have to go above and beyond with a sublime wine list, live vinyl music, and great food.
Where: 109A 8th Avenue SW
Teatro
Now we get into the wine heavyweights. Teatro boasts a solid and well-priced glass list. But the real way to do it here is head down with a few like-minded friends and grab something off of the 800-label deep reserve list.
Where: 200 8th Avenue SE
Rouge Restaurant
Consistently ranked as one of the best restaurants in the city, Rouge maintains a fantastic wine list to boot. Sorted by old and new world varieties, you’ll be able to find a glass or a bottle that suits your needs every time.
Where: 1240 8th Avenue SE
Model Milk/Pigeonhole
Perfect for those who want a contemporary spot that features really solid (and really reasonably priced) reserve wines. Or, pop over to Pigeonhole and see what they’re pouring that day instead. Word on the street is that they have some truly special bottles waiting for the right customers.
Where: 308 17th Avenue SW
There you have it folks, our favourite spots in Calgary for a quality glass of wine. (Plus a couple of dark horse restaurants we really enjoy!) Now get out there and get exploring, you’ve earned this treat, we know you have.
