Toronto, a bustling metropolis, is not just famous for its iconic skyline and vibrant culture, but also for its exceptional wine bars. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a casual enthusiast, the city’s wine scene offers a plethora of options that cater to every palate. Dive into our article on the best bars in Toronto, where you’ll find a wide range of venues serving up delicious cocktails, craft beers, and much more. In this guide, we delve into the best wine bars in Toronto, showcasing spots where the wine flows as freely as the conversations. From intimate, cozy nooks to sophisticated, upscale establishments, Toronto’s best wine bars boast a stunning array of local and international wines. Prepare to embark on a vinous journey through some of the top wine bars in Toronto, where each glass poured tells a story and each venue offers a unique experience. Whether you’re in search of the best wine clubs in Toronto or simply the perfect spot for a night out, this article is your ultimate companion to the city’s finest wine havens. Get ready to uncork the secrets of Toronto’s vibrant wine bar scene!
Top 15 Wine Bars in Toronto
- Archive
- Bar Alo
- Grey Gardens
- Henry’s
- Midfield Wine Bar & Tavern
- Paris Paris
- Paradise Grapevine
- Sakai Bar
- 360 Restaurant
- Aburi Hana
- Alo
- Bar Isabel
- Barberian’s Steakhouse
- BlueBlood Steakhouse
- Don Alfonso
Archive
Located at 909 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON, Archive stands out as one of Toronto’s best wine bars. It’s a gem with a neighborhood feel, where exposed brick walls and chalkboard menus create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Archive is renowned for its ever-rotating selection of local and international glass pours, ranging from fun to funky. For a change of pace after savoring the finest wines in Toronto’s wine bars, hit the high notes at one of Toronto’s most popular karaoke bars. Wine enthusiasts are particularly drawn to its comprehensive Gamay selection, one of Canada’s most extensive. The bar also offers a unique challenge for the adventurous – a blind wine challenge that adds an element of excitement to the experience. With a list brimming with vinous gems and the option to purchase many selections as part of their bottle shop, Archive is a must-visit for anyone exploring wine bars in Toronto.
Address: 909 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1V9, Canada
Contact: +1 647-748-0909
Bar Alo
Bar Alo, situated at 162 Cumberland Street, Toronto, provides an elegant escape in the Yorkville neighborhood. This extension of the Alo Food Group distinguishes itself with a more robust à la carte experience than its downtown counterpart, while still maintaining a casually elegant vibe. Bar Alo is known for its perfectly crafted cocktails and an eclectic wine list that takes guests on a journey to less-traveled wine regions. The spot’s ambiance, combining luxury with relaxation, makes it a top choice among the best wine bars in Toronto. Guests are encouraged to explore exciting selections by the glass or delve into the bottle list for an exceptional wine experience.
Address: 162 Cumberland St, Toronto, ON M5R 1A8, Canada
Contact: +1 416-961-1222
Grey Gardens
Grey Gardens, located at 199 Augusta Ave, Toronto, ON, is a part of the local restaurateur Jen Agg’s impressive portfolio. Nestled in the bustling Kensington Market neighborhood, it’s elegantly designed and appointed, offering a serene and stylish ambiance. This wine bar is known for its extensive international wine list, featuring boutique low-intervention producers. Grey Gardens specializes in a seafood and vegetable-focused menu, perfectly paired with their wines. A standout feature is their house label orange wine, embodying the innovative spirit of Toronto’s best wine bars. The knowledgeable staff, led by Wine Director & General Manager Jake Skakun, enhances the experience, making Grey Gardens a prime destination for wine lovers.
Address: 199 Augusta Ave, Toronto, ON M5T 2L4, Canada
Contact: +1 647-351-1552
Henry’s
Henry’s, nestled at 922 Queen Street West, Toronto, is a notable addition to the Queen West neighborhood and a standout among the best wine bars in Toronto. This wine bar is named after the owner’s son and reflects a deep passion for classic wines and convivial entertaining. It’s particularly known for its focus on global benchmark producers with a special emphasis on Burgundy wines. The rotating glass pour list at Henry’s offers a clear and unpretentious lens into the world of fine wines. The ambiance strikes a balance between unassuming refinement and a welcoming atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for both wine aficionados and casual drinkers. The globally influenced menu, featuring an array of snacks and plates, perfectly complements the wine selections. Queen Street West boasts a thriving bar scene of its own. With the best bars on Queen Street West, you’ll find an exciting mix of establishments to continue your night in style.”
Address: 922 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1G6, Canada
Contact: +1 416-386-5352
Midfield Wine Bar & Tavern
Located at 1434 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON, Midfield Wine Bar & Tavern is a relaxed and casual spot, distinguishing itself in the landscape of wine bars in Toronto. Known for its focus on small plates, cheese, and charcuterie, it complements an interesting and always changing wine list. Midfield offers a unique experience that blends a laid-back atmosphere with a sophisticated selection of wines. This bar is a go-to destination for those who enjoy exploring new and intriguing wines in a comfortable setting. The wine list at Midfield is carefully curated to offer a diverse range of options, catering to both seasoned wine lovers and those new to wine tasting.
Address: 1434 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1Y7, Canada
Contact: +1 647-345-7005
Paris Paris
Paris Paris, recently relocated to a larger space at 146 Ossington Avenue, Toronto, has quickly become a modern classic among Toronto’s best wine bars. Known for its bright and airy space, it’s the perfect place to explore an extensive selection of low intervention, natural, and classic wines. Whether you’re enjoying drinks and snacks inside or al fresco on their extensive patio, Paris Paris offers a vibrant and inviting atmosphere. This bar is particularly favored for its approachable yet sophisticated ambiance, making it ideal for both group gatherings and solo wine explorations. The unique decor, adorned with plants, adds to the charm of this wine bar, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking top wine bars in Toronto.
Address: 146 Ossington Ave, Toronto, ON M6J 2Z5, Canada
Contact: +1 437-983-8774
Paradise Grapevine
Paradise Grapevine, located at 841 Bloor Street West, Toronto, is a standout destination among the best wine bars in Toronto. It’s not just a wine bar; it’s a celebration of the wine experience. Known for its lush, rain-or-shine garden patio, Paradise Grapevine is a haven for lovers of beer, cider, and, of course, wine. The ambiance is uniquely welcoming, blending the coziness of a neighborhood spot with the excitement of a bustling social hub. The bar offers robust selections from international low-intervention and natural producers, alongside their locally made house label wines & piquette. The experience is further enhanced by their well-stocked bottle shop, allowing guests to take a piece of Paradise home with them.
Address: 841 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6G 1M3, Canada
Contact: +1 416-536-7178
Sakai Bar
Sakai Bar, at 1576 Dundas Street West, Toronto, offers a unique twist among Toronto’s best wine bars. It’s a cozy fixture on Dundas West, perfect for both starting and continuing an exploration of the sake world. The bar provides a distinctive experience with its array of sake selections, complemented by delicious snacks. While it specializes in sake, its wine offerings are equally commendable, providing a delightful contrast for guests. The ambiance is intimate and inviting, ideal for both sake novices and aficionados. At Sakai Bar, the journey through Japan’s prefectures is as educational as it is enjoyable, with the staff ready to guide you through each selection.
Address: 1576 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6K 1T8, Canada
360 Restaurant
360 Restaurant, located at the CN Tower, 301 Front St W, Toronto, ON, is not just a wine bar but a landmark destination. Boasting the world’s highest wine cellar, it offers breathtaking views of the city skyline, making it a must-visit among the top wine bars in Toronto. Wine connoisseurs looking for a change of scenery after visiting Toronto’s wine bars can explore the city’s skyline at Toronto’s premier rooftop bars. The wine list is a testament to Canadian viticulture, featuring a comprehensive selection of Canadian wines from Ontario and British Columbia. The glass pour list, predominantly Canadian, also includes ten rotating international wines. The ambiance is unparalleled, offering a dining and wine-tasting experience 351 meters above ground. The pricing is fair for both current and maturing selections, making 360 Restaurant a unique spot for wine lovers seeking an unforgettable experience.
Address: 290 Bremner Blvd, Toronto, ON M5V 3L9, Canada
Contact: +1 416-362-5411
Aburi Hana
Aburi Hana, located at 102 Yorkville Ave, Unit 4 Lower Level, Toronto, is a distinguished addition to the best wine bars in Toronto. It’s known for its elegant Yorkville ambiance and a choice of two 15-course blind Kyō-Kaiseki menus, which blend Japanese and local ingredients with traditional and modern techniques. While Aburi Hana offers an à la carte wine list, the sake and/or wine pairings are what truly complete the experience. This bar stands out for its well-chosen selections, promising a seamless and exquisite journey for wine enthusiasts. The ambiance is upscale yet intimate, making it perfect for a special occasion or a sophisticated night out and falls under the category of best wine clubs in Toronto as well.
Address: 102 Yorkville Ave, Unit 4 Lower Level, Toronto, ON M5R 1B9, Canada
Contact: +1 647-343-8887
Alo
Situated at 163 Spadina Avenue, 3rd Floor, Toronto, ON, Alo is more than just a wine bar – it’s a contemporary French restaurant and cocktail bar that has made its mark as the best wine bar in Toronto. Voted as Canada’s Top Restaurant in 2018, Alo is celebrated for its multi-course tasting menus and a wine program that pairs perfectly with the ever-changing offerings. The sommelier team at Alo is renowned for their expertise in wine pairing, elevating each dining experience to a new level. The ambiance is both modern and warm, offering a luxurious setting that’s ideal for an immersive gastronomic experience.
Address: 163 Spadina Ave., Toronto, ON M5V 2L6, Canada
Contact: +1 416-260-2222
Bar Isabel
Bar Isabel, located at 797 College Street, Toronto, is a cornerstone in the landscape of Toronto’s best wine bars. It’s known for starting Toronto’s Iberian revolution, with a warm wood and colorful glass setting that accentuates its bustling atmosphere. The wine list at Bar Isabel predominantly features Spanish wines, with both well-known and lesser-known gems from exciting producers. The menu, filled with big flavors, includes smaller tapas dishes and balanced larger plates, perfectly complementing the wine selections. This bar’s ambiance is lively and inviting, making it a prime spot for those who enjoy an energetic and flavorful wine and dining experience.
Address: 797 College St, Toronto, ON M6G 1C7, Canada
Contact: +1 416-532-2222
Barberian’s Steakhouse
Barberian’s Steakhouse, located at 7 Elm St, Toronto, ON, is not only a top destination for steak lovers but also ranks among the best wine bars in Toronto. Established in 1959, it offers a nostalgic old-school steakhouse experience. What sets Barberian’s apart is its massive wine list, featuring over 30,000 bottles, with a remarkable selection of wines from regions like California, Tuscany, Piedmont, and Burgundy. The ambiance of this steakhouse reflects its rich history, with multi-room dining spaces that showcase over 60 years of operation. Barberian’s combines its expertly grilled steaks with a wine experience that is both deep and diverse, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking the intersection of fine dining and exquisite wining.
Address: 7 Elm St, Toronto, ON M5G 1H1, Canada
Contact: +1 416-597-0335
BlueBlood Steakhouse
BlueBlood Steakhouse, situated within Casa Loma at 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto, ON, offers a unique experience among Toronto’s best wine bars. It’s a modern steakhouse set in a Gothic revival castle-style mansion, adding a touch of historical grandeur to your wine-tasting experience. BlueBlood boasts an extensive steak program with options like Canadian, American, Japanese, and Australian beef. The cellar, partially housed in the original tunnels of Casa Loma, features a wide array of wines that perfectly complement their steak selections. The ambiance of BlueBlood, combining contemporary style with historical elegance, offers guests a luxurious and unforgettable dining and wine-tasting experience.
Address: Casa Loma, 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto, ON M5R 1X8, Canada
Contact: +1 416-353-4647
Don Alfonso
Don Alfonso, located at 1 Harbour Square 38th Floor, Toronto, represents the pinnacle of Italian fine dining and wine experience in the city. As the first North American outpost for Michelin Star chefs Alfonso & Ernesto Iaccarino, it has already garnered acclaim as the #1 Best Italian Restaurant in the world outside of Italy. The restaurant offers both tasting and à la carte menus, accompanied by an impressive wine list curated by a skilled sommelier team. The wine selections are exquisite, with a focus on pairing each dish with the perfect wine. The ambiance of Don Alfonso, featuring stunning waterfront views and elegant interior design, provides a backdrop that complements the luxury and sophistication of its wine offerings, making it a distinguished entry among Toronto’s best wine bars. For those seeking a change of scenery after wine tasting in Toronto’s wine bars, explore the city’s best waterfront dining options.
Address: 1 Harbour Square 38th Floor, Toronto, ON M5J 1A6, Canada
Contact: +1 416-214-5888
After a delightful evening of wine tasting in Toronto’s wine bars, continue the fun with a visit to one of the city’s board game bars and cafes.
Special Features of Toronto’s Best Wine Bars
Toronto’s best wine bars are not just about the wine; they’re about the unique experiences they offer. Each bar brings its own special features, ensuring that every visit is memorable. For instance, bars like Archive and Grey Gardens are known for their wine tasting events that cater to both beginners and connoisseurs. These events often feature rare and exclusive collections, providing an opportunity to taste wines not commonly available.
Another unique aspect is the specialized wine selections that some bars offer. Places like Bar Alo and Don Alfonso stand out with their extensive collections of international wines, allowing patrons to explore tastes from around the globe. Meanwhile, bars like Paradise Grapevine emphasize low-intervention and natural wines, catering to a more eco-conscious clientele.
Moreover, the ambiance and design of each bar add to the allure. Sakai Bar, for example, offers an exploration of the sake world, which is a unique offering among wine bars in Toronto. The historical charm of places like BlueBlood Steakhouse, set in a Gothic revival castle, adds a touch of elegance to the wine-tasting experience.
Pairing and Culinary Delights
At the heart of the experience in Toronto’s best wine bars is the art of pairing wine with exquisite culinary offerings. These establishments understand that the right food can elevate a wine, and vice versa, turning a simple meal into an unforgettable experience.
For example, Barberian’s Steakhouse, known for its extensive wine list, pairs its wines with classic steakhouse dishes, cooked to perfection. The robust flavors of the steaks complement the depth and complexity of the wines, creating a harmonious dining experience. Similarly, Bar Isabel’s focus on Spanish wines is complemented by a menu of flavorful tapas and larger plates, providing a taste of Iberia in the heart of Toronto.
In places like Alo and Aburi Hana, the pairing goes a step further, with wine and food menus designed to enhance each other. The chefs and sommeliers work together to create pairings that bring out the subtle nuances of both the food and the wine. This could be a delicate white paired with a light seafood dish or a bold red complementing a rich meat course.
The quality of the food at these wine bars is paramount, with an emphasis on fresh, high-quality ingredients that match the standard of the wines on offer. This commitment to quality ensures that every bite and every sip at Toronto’s best wine bars is a delight to the senses.
Key Takeaways
- Toronto’s best wine bars offer an extensive range of wines, from local Canadian varieties to rare international selections, catering to all palates and preferences.
- Many of these wine bars host special wine tasting events and feature exclusive wine collections, providing unique experiences that go beyond the typical wine bar offerings.
- Alongside their wine selections, these bars boast high-quality culinary delights, with menus carefully crafted to complement their wines, enhancing the overall tasting experience.
- Each wine bar in Toronto has its own unique ambiance, from the historic charm of places like BlueBlood Steakhouse to the modern elegance of spots like Alo, offering a setting for every occasion.
- Several bars, such as Paradise Grapevine, emphasize eco-friendly practices by offering a selection of low-intervention and natural wines.
- For both beginners and connoisseurs, these wine bars offer educational experiences, including guided tastings and discussions led by knowledgeable staff.
- Toronto’s top wine bars cater to a diverse range of customers, ensuring that everyone from casual drinkers to serious wine enthusiasts can find a place that suits their tastes and interests.
FAQs
- Can I find eco-friendly wine options in Toronto’s wine bars?
Yes, Paradise Grapevine specializes in low-intervention and natural wines. Extend your eco-conscious choices to your wardrobe with the top sustainable fashion brands in Canada to explore ethical and sustainable fashion brands that reflect your commitment to the environment.
- Do Toronto wine bars offer food pairing with their wines?
Absolutely, many, like Barberian’s Steakhouse and Bar Isabel, offer exquisite food pairings.
- Are there wine tasting events at these Toronto wine bars?
Yes, bars like Archive and Grey Gardens frequently host wine tasting events.
- What makes Alo unique among Toronto’s wine bars?
Alo combines contemporary French cuisine with an extensive wine selection and expert pairings.
- Is there a wine bar in Toronto that specializes in sake?
Sakai Bar offers a unique experience focusing on sake alongside its wine offerings.
- Can I find Canadian wines at these Toronto wine bars?
Yes, many bars, including 360 Restaurant, feature a selection of Canadian wines.
- Which wine bar in Toronto has a large wine cellar?
Barberian’s Steakhouse boasts a 30,000-bottle wine cellar.
- Can I find a wine bar in Toronto with a modern elegance?
Alo is known for its modern elegance and upscale wine and dining experience.
- Do any Toronto wine bars have a focus on Spanish wines?
Bar Isabel specializes in Spanish wines and pairs them with Iberian cuisine.
- Is there a wine bar in Toronto that combines steak and wine?
Both Barberian’s Steakhouse and BlueBlood Steakhouse offer an excellent steak and wine experience.