Bottle of white, bottle of red? Perhaps 20 wine bars and shops in the Charlotte area instead
One of the reasons I love a good wine bar or wine shop is that you really don’t need to be an aficionado to enjoy the general atmosphere they emanate. They’re the perfect blend of laid back and cool, as inviting at 2 p.m. on a weekday as they are at 9 p.m. on a weekend.
The Charlotte area has continued to diversify its offerings in the wine world, from casual neighborhood hangouts to carefully curated shops and even a few more refined destinations.
Here, we’ve got some 2024 newcomers, like the very charming Frenchy’s in South End and the Mediterranean-focused DTR Plaza Midwood, as well as staples like Foxcroft Wine Co. or Bond Street Wines, open now for nearly 20 years.
Not a drinker? Most of these wine bars and shops also offer bites, non-wine beverages, or even some alcohol-removed wines. No excuses — these 20 wine bars or shops are all well worth a slot on your calendar.
Artisan’s Palate
Location: 1218 E 36th St A, Charlotte, NC 28205
Artisan’s Palate in NoDa is a blend of funky wine bar, full restaurant and attached art gallery. The hybrid space features different local artists monthly for an experience that Artisan’s Palate says was intended to engage all five senses. In addition to a wide variety of wines by the bottle and glass, bottles are also for sale. Its boozy Sunday brunch is a particularly good time to visit.
The bar at Bar a Vins in NoDa. Courtesy of Bar a Vins.
Bar á Vins
Location: 3206 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28205
Bar á Vins is a particular favorite of mine: It’s somehow upscale while also feeling like a cool, neighborhood dive bar you could accidentally wander into. Whether you’re looking to blow off some steam or get in the celebratory mood, the caviar service is an excellent option. Start with a crisp glass of bubbly and then add the “Even Fancier Caviar Service” with Hackleback caviar, Lay’s potato chips and creme fraiche. Don’t want to sit and sip? There is a bottle shop element here, as well, where guests can choose their wine from shelves. Each offering is listed at a retail price point, with a surcharge applied to customers who choose to sip at the bar.
The Bohemian
Location: 1319 Pecan Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205
The Bohemian in Plaza Midwood is a laidback spot with a real neighborhood feel. There’s a small menu of bites like charcuterie and flatbreads alongside 18 rotating wines by the glass. The bartenders are friendly and knowledgeable, quick to suggest wines based on your taste. One of the most charming parts of this place is its patio, quick to fill up during warmer months. The best seat in the house is at one of the indoor bar seats that face out the garage doors. When they’re open, you get the best of both worlds.
Bond Street Wines
Location: 605 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC 28207
This wine shop has been in Charlotte’s Eastover neighborhood since 2005, and a Spartanburg location joined in 2017. Born out of “a love of wine and the traditions that bring people together,” Bond Street sources from top growers in France, Italy, Spain and beyond. The best part about Bond Street lies in its accessibility: You don’t have to be an experienced wine drinker to appreciate this shop’s dedication to bringing wine to every type of sipper. Buy wines by the bottle or glass, enjoy three-for-$10 wine flights Tuesdays through Thursdays, or stop by the Friday evening wine tastings that are themed by the wine region/producer.
Cicchetti
Location: 100 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Cicchetti in uptown is an ideal spot for a date night or an outing with friends. The wine bar, from the same owners as next door Aria Tuscan Grill, serves a variety of small plates and shareable options, and while the food will certainly keep you coming back for more, it’s the dedicated wine program that truly steals the show. Cichetti is a stylish spot with well curated classic red and white wines, like pinot noirs and chardonnays, alongside a full cocktail menu by local mixologist Bob Peters.
DTR
Location: 300 E Tremont Ave, Charlotte, NC 28203
Location: 4905 Ashley Park Ln Suite J, Charlotte, NC 28210
Location: 1413 Central Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205
Dilworth Tasting Room first opened in 2017 as what owners Zoe and Jaffer Kovic call “a humble wine retail shop.” The Dilworth location quickly became a beloved neighborhood hangout serving small plates alongside their large selection of wines. In 2021, SouthPark opened which allowed the Kovics to have their first full kitchen. DTR SouthPark is centered around a Mediterranean-inspired menu, and the newest Plaza Midwood location, opened this year, has a focus on Croatian fare in particular. All three locations maintain the roots of the idea behind the Kovics’ first location, while also each bringing a bit of their own unique flair.
Ebony Wine & Spirits
Location: 7714 Matthews-Mint Hill Rd, Mint Hill, NC 28227
Ebony Wine & Spirits is Charlotte’s only Black-owned wine and spirits company, and owner Camillya Masunda says the brand overall was inspired by her Congolese roots. This is more than just a bottle shop, however: Masunda also runs The Ebony Experience Gallery, a cultural art gallery and event venue at the same location that regularly hosts wine tastings. Ebony brand wines are now sold in all 50 states and have racked up several wine industry awards. Visit the place where it all began in Mint Hill and buy a bottle for your next dinner or give a memorable gift.
Foxcroft
Location: 16915 Birkdale Commons Pkwy Suite A, Huntersville, NC 28078
Location: 1235 East Blvd Charlotte NC 28203
Location: 7824 Fairview Rd Charlotte NC 28226
Location: 7416 Waverly Walk Ave SUITE H-1A, Charlotte, NC 28277
Foxcroft Wine Co., of Dilworth and SouthPark, is predicated on a deceptively simple concept: to combine a wine bar with a full-service kitchen. Naturally, they kicked it up a notch by also sourcing a diverse selection of wines from every major wine-producing region in the world. Foxcroft is one of Charlotte’s most beloved (and biggest) wine bars for good reason. Expect good ambiance, great pours, and delicious food.
Folia
Location: 1440 S Tryon St # 102, Charlotte, NC 28203
Folia joined South End earlier this year, bringing with it a tropical garden-theme, a full menu by acclaimed Charlotte chef Chris Coleman, and a bar program led by veteran mixologist Bob Peters. Technically, Folia is more cocktail bar than wine bar, but thanks to the expertise at the helm, lounge-like vibe, and the well-curated wine list, this spot deserves a nod.
Frenchy’s
Location: 200 W Tremont Ave #103, Charlotte, NC 28203
Frenchy’s is one of the most charming new additions to South End. It’s a quintessential bottle shop and tasting room with more than 700 wine and beer options and wines that come from six different continents. It’s a perfect neighborhood spot to post up with friends or an after work drink, or to swing by to pick up the goods for a weekend gathering or party. There are some prepared snack options to nosh on while you drink, but Frenchy’s is best for drinks first and a meal elsewhere later.
The Hobbyist
Location: 2100 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28205
The Hobbyist offers a little bit of everything: hand-crafted coffee and tea, draft beers and wine by the glass, a full bottle shop, hand crafted cocktails, and locally made baked goods. The Hobbyist is in Villa Heights, just outside of NoDa. Because of the cafe-meets-wine-bar vibe, there’s plenty of different seating options: come with a group or post up by yourself with a laptop to get some work done in an inviting environment.
Mere’s CLT
Location: 2400 Park Rd suite h, Charlotte, NC 28203
Mere’s is a very cute little bottle shop on Park Road with a stellar assortment of meats and cheeses that you can buy for a single charcuterie board or bring home in larger quantities. The wines range in price, and there are quite a few wines that you won’t easily find elsewhere in Charlotte. Inside, there are several seats as well as a few patio seats out front. Or, just chat with the experts at Mere’s and grab your goods to take with you. But don’t delay trying this one: Mere’s will close at the end of December.
Postino
Location: 5210 Bowl St, Suite 103, Charlotte, NC 28277
Postino, now open at The Bowl in Ballantyne, calls itself a “wine cafe.” There’s a food menu designed for shareability and multiple plates, and they offer around 30 different wines by the glass. The drink menu also has craft cocktails, North Carolina beers and plenty of non-alcoholic options. It’s a large, colorful space with a buzzy bar, several lounge-like seating options inside and a spacious patio outside.
Rosemont Market and Wine Bar
Location: 1942 E. 7th Street, #107. Charlotte, NC, 28204
Rosemont is an all-day restaurant, approachable wine bar, and convenient neighborhood market all rolled into one. Open from 7 a.m. - 10 p.m. daily, the wine bar component takes its inspiration from “classic wine pairing cuisines from countries such as France, Italy, and Spain” while the dinner menu spotlights comfort food meant to pair well with the wine program. It’s a casual hangout in Elizabeth, and you’ll often see people posted up with their laptop, getting work done and enjoying a glass, or groups of friends sharing a bottle.
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Side Bar Bottle Co.
Location: 208 S Main St, Davidson, NC 28036
Side Bar is a bit of a hidden gem in Davidson. Located on the second floor of a classic Davidson building, this wine bar is cozy and stylish, featuring a big fireplace and exposed limewash brick walls. Side Bar offers an ever-changing selection of rare wines and natural wines, as well as a few bites and snacks. Or, just walk downstairs to Mandolino’s, a casual Davidson pizza spot, to finish out your evening.
Sixty Vines
Location: 1415 Vantage Pk Dr #100, Charlotte, NC 28203
Sixty Vines has a particular dedication to wine drinking. The open kitchen restaurant features a unique, sustainable 60-tap wine system. The menu is structured around foods that pair well with wine, so you can expect pizzas, pastas, and shareable plates. Depending how you want to sip, you can order wines by the flight, half glass, full glass, or bottle.
Substrate
Location: 512 E 15th St, Charlotte, NC 28206
Substrate is a lovely addition to Optimist Park. It’s a dimly lit, effortlessly cool wine bar with a unique focus on grapes from less recognized wine growing regions—think Croatia, Macedonia, Lebanon, Southern Chile and more. They also offer one of Charlotte’s best array of natural wines. Substrate sells half bottles, full, and wines by the glass. While there’s no food served onsite, it’s easy to wander into any one of Optimist Hall’s many offerings.
Stablehand
Location: 125 Remount Rd B, Charlotte, NC 28203
Stablehand, in South End, is part community cafe, part wine bar, and part bottle shop. While the food menu changes frequently, you can expect lots of fresh, healthy options, vegan plates, and local goods. There are lots of natural wines and unique bottles to be enjoyed by the glass or for purchase to take with you.
The Wine Loft
Location: 2201 South Blvd #120, Charlotte, NC 28203The Wine Loft is a cute little spot on South Boulevard near Atherton Mill. It’s ideal for when you’re waiting on reservations to dinner at one of the nearby hotspots like Yunta or Indaco, or simply as a destination on its own. Wine Loft offers over 30 wines by the glass and 100 different bottles and often hosts live music evenings. It also has a full liquor bar for your favorite classics or craft cocktails.
The Wine Vault
Location: 9009-1 J M Keynes Drive Charlotte, NC 28262
Location: 401 Hawthorne Ln #130. Charlotte, NC 28204
The Wine Vault, with locations in University City and Elizabeth, is a longtime staple if you’re looking for a casual hangout with an array of wines at different price points. The University location opened over 30 years ago and has continued to offer live music every weekend, weekly wine tastings, and monthly wine events. The Wine Vault also has a significant selection of beers and a few snacks to enjoy while you sip.
