Best Wine Bars in Durham, NC: Shops, Wineries and Restaurants
Durham's wine scene runs from natural wine bars in Brightleaf, to French bistros with deep cellar lists, to neighborhood bottle shops that will make you the star of the next dinner party. Food writer, and wine lover, Matt Lardie, shares his favorite places for wine in Durham, NC.
I don’t remember exactly when I fell in love with wine, but when I did I fell hard. It was more than just the taste, it was the science, the history and the stories that wine can tell. One of the oldest beverages on earth, wine can be a connection to past, present and future. And, luckily for those of us here in Durham, great wine is incredibly easy to get a hold of these days.
We are lucky to have one of North Carolina’s best wine scenes in Durham. Like the rest of food and beverage scene in Durham, our quality standards are high. Our breweries and distilleries are award winning, and we care about our wine just as much: bottle shops run by people who know their wine, wine bars where a natural orange Sancerre sits next to a Natty Boh and restaurants with curated wine lists that win awards. You won’t go lacking for good grapes here in the Bull City.
As someone who used to work in the wine industry I’ve certainly got my fair share of opinions on what constitutes an amazing wine selection, but who am I to gatekeep? Without further ado, here are some of my favorite wine bars, restaurants with great wine lists and wine shops here in Durham.
Wine Bars in Durham, NC
Apéritif
3105 Shannon Rd., Ste. 203
For a cozy date night or after dinner dessert and a glass of wine, head to Apéritif at UHill. Their extensive wine list features bottles from around the world, offering both recognizable classics and newly trending varietals. Their seasonally rotating menu of petite, shareable desserts pair excellently with each glass.
Delafia
1103 S. Roxboro St.
Wine geeks that have been around for a while will remember Bar Lusconi, the divey East Main Street joint that was at the forefront of introducing the Bull City to natural wines (among other excellent selections). Well, good news — Jesse Gerstl, one of the founders, has opened a new bar on the outskirts of Hayti. Delafia continues what Bar Lusconi started, further developing Durham's natural wine scene in a way that is both reminiscent of the bar's roots and emblematic of the Bull City of today. Delafia has all the dark, intimate vibes of Lusconi with updated offerings like an excellent chilled red on tap, a by-the-glass list that changes almost daily and a generous curated selection of retail wine.
For more from Gerstl, head to SOIF for both traditional cocktails and creative, low-ABV cocktails made with sherry or vermouth.
LouElla Wine, Beer and Beverage
316 W. Geer St., A
On Geer Street in the Central Park District, LouElla Wine, Beer & Beverage offers an excellent wine selection paired with an expertly curated bottle shop – get a glass at the bar and then take a bottle to go! The back bar plays host to regular free tastings from wine reps across the region, and the front patio is perfect for people-watching. They’re also dog-friendly, so if your four-legged children like to tag along on your wine adventures, LouElla is the place for you!
Oak House
126 W. Main St.
One of my favorite spots for a quick glass... especially if it’s technically past working time but I’ve got a few things to finish up. Oak House is a downtown coffee shop that also happens to have a really great little wine list. One of my favorite things to do is to grab a glass and perch at the front window while I finish up some writing – it’s one of the best people-watching spots downtown.
Pinheiro
304 S. Driver St., Unit 103
This East Durham wine bar was created by and for true wine lovers. At Pinheiro, Sergio Ramos shares both his heritage and his passion through the establishment's focus on Portuguese wines. This spot has a serious neighborhood bar vibe, welcoming all who walk through its doors. Take a stroll through down the block in Old East Durham and discover your next favorite wine.
RTP Uncorked
900 Park Offices Dr.
This small shop in Boxyard RTP will surprise you with its large selection of wine. Independently owned and operated by a local team that loves sharing wine just as they love drinking it, you'll discover a rotating selection of wines by the glass and bottles from around the world. Ask for a recommendation pair it with a meal from another Boxyard restaurant.
Sol House Wines
905 W. Main St., #20d
If you're near the Brightleaf District, you will definitely want to set aside some time to pop into Sol House Wines. Sol House has curated an excellent selection of natural wines you can enjoy at their bar or at home. Their focus on natural wines ensures that each bottle comes from a wine maker that prioritizes clean farming, low intervention and minimizes additives. They often host free tastings, so you can find your next favorite bottle. Sip a glass on their outdoor patio or search their shelves for a bottle to take home.
Wine Bottle Shops in Durham, NC
The Common Market
1821 Green St.
Located in between Broad and 9th Streets near Duke’s East Campus, The Common Market offers a welcome addition to Durham's wine scene. This Bull City outpost of a beloved Charlotte neighborhood sandwich joint boasts a really neat basement bar and bottle shop. Order a sandwich and head downstairs for a glass, or just pick up a bottle to take home with you. The selection is varied and you’ll be able to find everything from Chardonnay and Merlot to more unique varietals and styles.
Wine Authorities
2501 University Dr.
Each wine from Wine Authorities is hand picked and judiciously selected exclusively from small, family farms. The prioritize minimal-intervention estate wines, making sure every bottle that his their shelves was made with the care and precision of human hands, from grape to bottle. Wine Authorities is an independent company with just two locations, one in Durham and one in Raleigh, that has gained national recognition through their commitment to good, clean wine.
While this shop is a great spot to just swing by and pick up a bottle, Wine Authorities truly shines for those looking to learn more about wine, how it's made and who makes it. You may not have heard of many of the wines on their shelf, but their expert staff are ready and waiting to introduce you to everything they have on offer.
Durham Co-Op
1111 W. Chapel Hill St.
If I told you one of the best places to buy wine in Durham was a grocery store, would you believe me? If not, I beg you to head on over to the Durham Co-op Market on Chapel Hill Street and check out their excellent wine selection. It’s so much more than your basic grocery-store wine - they’ve got wines in every style and at every price point, It’s my number one spot to pick up a quick bottle while I’m running errands.
The Wine Feed
307 S. Roxboro St.
The Wine Feed does it all. First and foremost, this spot is a bottle shop offering a diverse selection of wines, wine classes, tastings and a wine club. In addition to all of this, they also have a full kitchen and bar where you can order food and your favorite wine by the glass. In a rush or hosting an event? The Wine Feed will also deliver wine directly to you.
More Bottle Shops
Wineries in Durham, NC
HERitage Wines
5107 NC Hwy. 55, Ste. 102
HERitage wines creates wines "for her, by her." Ashley Rawlinson founded HERitage Wines to support, educate and enrich the lives of Black women who enjoy wine through her own line of wines, wine classes, accessories and experiences. Not only can you enjoy the wines, but you can also take part in wine tastings and gain access to the HERSquad Membership program, which offers exclusive monthly tastings and get-togethers.
Melanated Wine and Spirits
4608 Industry Ln. F
Lashonda Fort-Modest, the founder of Melanated Wine and Spirits, invites you "uncork the culture" at Melanated Wine. Lashonda created Melanated Wine after realizing that the wine industry was missing something in regards to people of color. From their wine offerings to their tasting and events, Melanated Wine fills in what wine culture is missing.
ZincHouse Winery and Brewery
6225 Wake Forest Hwy.
ZincHouse is a spot that defies definition, but I’m going to include here with the other wine bars. Located in Northeastern Durham, it’s part winery, part brewery, part event space, part bar and 100% one of the most unique spots to grab a drink in the entire Triangle. While they have plans to eventually produce their own wine (you’ll see the vines as your drive onto the property), for now they offer a great selection of domestic and foreign bottles that can be enjoyed in the cavernous barn space or on the expansive outdoor patios.
Durham Restaurants with Exceptional Wine Lists
Cucciolo Osteria
601 W. Main St., Ste C
Featured in Wine Spectator as part of its national "Authentic Italy in the U.S.A." feature, Cucciolo Osteria clearly has a wine list worth writing about. This is the spot to go if you're looking for authentic Italian flavors. Not only do they have a full wine list for before and during dinner, but their menu also features an after-dinner drink menu complete with wine, amaro, cordials and more.
Mateo Bar de Tapas
109 W. Chapel Hill St.
If you’ve had your fill of Italian wines, just take a little swim across the Adriatic (aka stroll down Chapel Hill Street) to Mateo Bar de Tapas for a taste of some of the best wines and sherries, Spain has to offer. Order a glass of Txakoli from the Basque region, not only is it one of my favorite wines in the world, but the bartender can help you learn how to pronounce it as well. And lest you think sherry is a grandma drink, Mateo is here to change your mind. They have one of the largest lists of Spanish sherries in the country and can definitely lead you through an impromptu sherry tasting.
Nanasteak
345 Blackwell St.
As a recipient of Wine Spectators award of excellence in 2026, Nanasteak approaches their wine selection with pride and care. They offer over 150 different wines ranging from classic reds and whites to dessert wines and rare selections from around the world. Perfect for special occasions, date nights, or times when you're just looking for a great glass, Nanasteak is well worth the trip for wine lovers.
Nikos
905 W. Main St., Unit 21B
Nikos isn't just a MICHELIN Guide Recommended Greek restaurant. It's also a perfect spot to sip wines from Greece and across the Mediterranean. Looking to explore a little? Every Wednesday, Nikos has Wine Wednesday where you can enjoy a flight of three different wines. Keep an eye on their socials to see special wine social events where you can experience all their great wine program has to offer.
Pizzeria Toro
105 E. Chapel Hill St.
Something else I love, aside from wine, is pizza. One of the best places to combine the two is at Pizzeria Toro. Their wood-fired pies pair perfectly with a well-edited list of Italian wines that span the length of the country from North to South. I prefer Northern Italian whites like a Malvasia from the Veneto, but they’ve also got full-bodied reds from Southern Italy if you like something robust to stand up to your pizza.
Vin Rouge
2010 Hillsborough Rd.
Sometimes you’re in the mood for classics, both in terms of wine and food, and when that mood strikes there is no better place in town to go than Vin Rouge. Wine is literally in the name. I mean, steak frites and a nice glass of Burgundy? What could be better than that? You can also do oysters and Muscadet (another classic combo that is a favorite of mine), or make reservations for their uber-popular brunch and split a bottle of Champagne with friends.
Lakewood Social
1920 Chapel Hill Rd.
One of the best spots in town for a casual (but absolutely delicious) meal and a glass or two of wine is Lakewood Social. Located in the Lakewood Shopping Plaza, they’ve got plenty of space to spread out with friends or family, and a great, accessible wine list. I dare you to find a better lunch in town than the Mortadella sandwich and crisp, cold glass of white wine. They also have a small bottle shop on site and don’t charge corkage fees.
More Restaurants with Great Wine
We've got our fair share of wine bars here in Durham, each offering something unique. From shops to restaurants to wine bars, an oenophile (fancy term for wine geek) has plenty to choose from when searching for that next great glass. Whether you just want a simple glass of easy-drinking wine after a long day of work or you’re looking to grow your wine knowledge by tasting your way through some unique, hard-to-find wine styles, you won’t go lacking for good grapes here in the Bull City.
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