Best Local Wine Bars

This upbeat wine bar and gift shop is a charming neighborhood spot with a beachy vibe. You’ll find a menu of 200+ wines of every variety available by the bottle or glass (even the pricey ones) and a sizeable beer, cider and malternative list. 

Named after Chef Alex and wife Kelly’s adopted Golden Retriever, Lola (Lolita when she’s sassy), this wine shop-meets-coffee shop quickly became a local favorite for its incredible boutique wine selection and create-your-own charcuterie. Not a wine lover? Don't worry! Choose from a few local brews, too, plus food items to munch on. Take your wine to go or sit and relax for awhile. Be sure to check out their second concept, Sophia’s Cucina + Enoteca -- the lasagna is to die for! 

If you’re looking for libations and a friendly atmosphere with quirky hip-hop vibes (think The Notorious B.I.G.), then look no further. Hawthorne Bottle Shoppe delivers a carefully curated beer and wine selection and locally-sourced deli offerings with sandwiches named after music festivals such as Coachella, Lollapalooza and more!

Located in the heart of Safety Harbor, Sips Wine Bar fits right into the quaint-and-cozy vibe of this small town’s Main Street. Featuring 70+ wines with 40 available by the ounce (in a self-serve format, no less!), there’s enough to please a wine novice, casual drinker or aspiring sommelier all in a low-key atmosphere.

Local brothers, Maxim and Sébastien Thurière, opened this new wine cocktail lounge in the EDGE District in October 2019. It’s a middle ground for wine and beer lovers, small plate enthusiasts and simply those who are looking for an upbeat environment without the congestion of a late night. Enjoy wine based spirit cocktails and world infused tapas along buzzing Central Ave in their upscale outdoor lounge seating. 

Pop-up turned brick-and-mortar, this hand-selected wine and cheese loft is focused on balanced appellation-driven wine, imported and domestic cheese and charcuterie. Be sure to check out one of their many expert courses such as Vermouth 101 or Sipping with a Somm!

Labeled a bookstore with wine and a wine bar with books, this concept is an alternative approach to a typical wine bar. You’ll find the best in both literary fiction and wine, offering book club nights and wine tasting every week. So, if you’re looking for a great read or a wine recommendation, this is the place for you.

Brainchild of two locals, wine industry veteran Ryan Rugg and Certified Sommelier Kory Lynn, bring their expertise to St. Pete’s EDGE District. Equal parts retail store and wine bar, CellarMasters offers premier fine wines with a focus on small production and ethically-farmed vineyards -- think natural wines -- in addition to beer and non-alcoholic fare. 

Featuring 88 wines on Tap, Try Wine let’s you build and take flights or sip and savor them at the store location. More than 1000 wine selections are available for bottle service, and patrons can pair their drinks with charcuterie and more. The store has a new location at 1 Beach Drive SE in downtown St. Pete. 

With $4.50 small plates and house selected wines, Bacchus’ every day happy hour is three hours of wine goodness from 4 to 7 p.m. However, for the full experience on a special occasion, plan on the 7-course feast of bacchus while savoring a curated selection of wine by the glass.