A Local's Guide to the Top Wine Bars in Charlotte, NC

Writing on the wall of a wine bar reads "Cheers, Salud, Cin Cin, and Sante"

The seating area at Substrate, with a disco ball

I haven’t polled people around the globe, but I feel pretty confident making this assumption: most folks are far more likely to associate Charlotte with beer than with wine. I mean, you can’t even share a news article about a new brewery opening without someone chiming in about how we have too many. And whenever a business announces it’s closing? One of the first comments is inevitably a prediction that it’ll be replaced by—what else?—another brewery.

And fair enough—we are a brewery-rich city. It took me two entire years to visit them all. But I’d argue Charlotte is a wine city too—and a good one, at that.

This post is not sponsored but may contain commissionable links. As always, please drink responsibly, friends!

No, we’re not exactly crushing grapes in Plaza Midwood or South End, but we know how to source the good stuff. And more importantly, we know how to create spaces that make wine feel approachable—places where locals and visitors alike can feel comfortable getting curious about wine.

But not all wine bars are created equal.

It’s one thing to pour a great glass. It’s another to create an experience that makes you want to stay. While I probably know more than the average adult about wine, I’d never pretend to be an expert—and nothing kills the vibe faster than being talked down to over something you’re paying to enjoy. Or maybe you’ve seen a stunning photo carousel on Instagram, invited your friends for a night out, dressed for the occasion… and then arrived to find a space that’s only made for photos, not for lingering.

That’s when we start relying on friends, coworkers, and people we actually trust for firsthand advice on where to go.

Looking for more of the best of the Queen City? Find all of my Charlotte guides in one place.

And, occasionally? We turn to our friendly neighborhood bloggers to share their favorite spots.

I’m always honored to be your trusted source for honest, reliable recommendations (after all, everything you see on this site has been curated, experienced, and vetted). I’m always looking for places that deliver on both ambiance and quality, and I’m so excited to share this fun roundup of Charlotte wine bars that do just that.

These are the spots that keep me coming back for another pour—the places I like to visit when there’s something to celebrate (and occasionally, when only a little commiserating will do).

So, let’s raise a glass to my favorite local wine bars:

THE BEST WINE BARS IN CHARLOTTE

Substrate

I debated what order to put these wine bars in, but ultimately decided to kick things off with my most frequently visited spot. Substrate bills itself as a “blue collar enoteca,” stripping all the pretentiousness out of the typical wine bar experience while keeping the great pours intact. I’d describe this Optimist Park hangout as your favorite dive bar’s artsy cousin—complete with funky decor, a lineup of regulars, easygoing bartenders, cool music (spun on vinyl, by DJs, or sometimes live), and yes, cheap beer.

Sure, you can order a High Life and no one will bat an eye. But if you’re reading this post, odds are you’re here for the wine. The team is always sourcing new and unusual bottles of wine and vermouth to pour by the glass, but they’re not trying to stump you—there are always a few crowdpleasers in the mix too. Personally, I like to order things I wouldn’t typically drink at home, and Substrate is one of those places where I always end up trying (and liking) something new. Bonus: they’re happy to let you taste before you commit.

The best days to visit are Wednesdays from 5 – 7 p.m. for free tastings or on Sundays for $7 Spritzes. There’s no kitchen, but they stock snackies and tinned fish, and you’re welcome to bring your favorite takeout (my recommendation: Bird Pizzeria, if you can snag a pie) or catch an onsite food truck. With good vibes come good people, but seating is somewhat limited inside. I recommend visiting during the week or on beautiful weather days when you can linger at the picnic tables on the patio.

→Substrate // 512 E 15th St, Charlotte, NC 28206

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The exterior of Frenchy's Sip and Shop in South End Charlotte

Frenchy’s Sip and Shop

In a neighborhood packed with chains and carbon copies, Frenchy’s Sip and Shop is a breath of fresh air. This South End gem opened in July 2024 and has been serving up “drinks worth drinking” ever since.

Descending the stairs into the main bar and shop, you’ll notice how well the design team worked with the existing layout. The marble bar and leather banquette could skew a bit cold and stiff, but they’ve managed to keep everything feeling grounded and comfortable by leaving the cinderblock walls and exposed beams in the ceiling. It’s cool without trying too hard.

Beyond appreciating having a space that feels refreshing for the neighborhood, I also really appreciate that they know their stuff (and they have a lot of stuff—more than 700 natural wines and craft beers, per signage on the building) but keep things approachable. The by-the-glass menu follows the usual path from light to full-bodied, but in addition to listing the region and varietal, they also refer to their options in plain English. Who doesn’t enjoy the ease of ordering “The Chilled Red” after a stressful summer Friday that lasted far longer than it had any right to?

There’s usually some kind of special going on—Remote Monday, Free Focaccia Friday, and more (check their site for the full lineup). I keep meaning to go on Wine Thursday when they host free tastings, but budget-minded friends might prefer Tuesdays when they waive corkage fees. Meet you there?

→Frenchy’s Sip and Shop // 200 W Tremont Ave #103, Charlotte, NC 28203

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Exterior of Bar à Vins in the NoDa neighborhood of Charlotte

View of the dining area and bottle selection at Bar à Vins in Charlotte

Alyssa clinks a glass of orange wine with a friend

Bar à Vins

Tucked in the artsy NoDa neighborhood is natural wine-focused Bar à Vins. While their website says they’re “NoDa’s Neighborhood Wine & Dive Bar,” the vibe is decidedly more wine bar than dive bar, in my opinion. Don’t get me wrong—I do love a quirky dive bar, but I think the fact that the Bar à Vins menu includes two caviar service options excludes it from the category.

Labels aside, Bar à Vins is an easygoing space to gather with friends or wind down solo with a great glass. During the day, the light pours in through the windows, and it shifts into something a little more intimate as the sun begins to set. The by-the-glass list is short but intentional, so you won’t get stuck in decision fatigue. And if you’re settling in for a while? The bottle list is both impressive and reasonably priced.

This is the perfect place to finally pull that long-delayed outing out of the group chat (and hey, as the night goes on, you just may make a few new friends!) or to simply revel a little bit in NoDa’s laid-back energy.

→Bar à Vins // 3206 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28205

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Exterior of Flight Wine Bar in Charlotte

The bar with velvet seating at Flight Charlotte

A plate of broccolini with a romesco sauce and meatballs

Flight

I try to keep an open mind when visiting somewhere new, but I’m not above admitting that a travel-themed wine bar already had my attention before I even walked in. Add in a clever name? Sold.

You can find Flight over in the Elizabeth neighborhood, a charming community that houses several of my local favorite restaurants (and more spots on my to-try list than I care to admit). Walking through the door, you’ll notice that the space feels bigger than it looks from the outside—kind of like Mary Poppins’ bag, only with better lighting. Really, though, it’s more like Goldilocks: just the right size for good conversation.

As the name suggests, wine flights are on offer here—a curated set of four pours from either the old world or new. But honestly, the pour sizes are so generous that I usually just stick with wine by the glass. Flight has an impressive number of bottles open and available at any given time, a testament to how quickly things are moving in this busy space (even on a random Tuesday, you can expect the place to be packed). Servers are incredibly knowledgeable and eager to help guide you to a glass that will please—like the Ams Tram Gram orange we eeny, meeny, miny, moed our way to selecting together.

If you’re with a non-wine drinker, don’t worry: there’s a solid beer and cocktail list too (I found myself swayed into ordering a Dingle Gin and Tonic after a recent visit to the charming Irish town). And while this isn’t a food post, I can’t skip over the fact that the food here is really good. This is the kind of place where you can linger for hours, ordering whatever sounds good, whenever you’re ready for it. That said, I also watched a solo diner enjoy her glass and small plates unaccompanied—and honestly, what a perfect solo date night: great wine, great food, great ambiance, and not a single bite you have to share. What more could you want?

→Flight // 1949 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28204

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The Bohemian

If you’re not looking for it, you just might miss The Bohemian in Plaza Midwood. But frankly? That’s part of the appeal. Set back from the main strip of businesses on Central Avenue, this casual wine bar feels like a true neighborhood spot—the kind of place most people walk to from their homes and apartments on the surrounding streets.

For over five years, the garage doors at this eclectic wine bar have rolled up on those perfect Carolina days, letting in the breeze while keeping things comfortable in the shade or inside at the bar. With twelve bottles available by the glass (kept ultra-fresh on their preservation system) and a smart bottle list, there’s something for everyone—from classic wine regions like California and the Loire to underappreciated gems from Austria, Greece, and Portugal.

How long you stay—and how much you sip—depends entirely on your mood. Settle in for a quick pour or linger over a bottle with friends. Hungry? You can build your own charcuterie board or go all in with The Godfather, which comes with four meats and cheeses. I haven’t had the chance to try their food yet, but every time I visit, it looks amazing. Beat me to it? Leave a comment and let us know how it is.

→The Bohemian // 1319 Pecan Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205

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Vin Master

Even though I’m a Charlotte transplant, I’ve seen rapid change and growth in the city since moving here in 2019, but to me, South End has always been vibrant, youthful, and busy. I’m told, though, that back in 2011 when Vin Master first opened as a retail wine shop, this neighborhood had a very different vibe.

Today, Vin Master is a full-fledged wine bar and bottle shop located in character-filled Atherton Mill. The interior still nods to the building’s industrial past, but on beautiful evenings, you’ll find me and Michael out on the patio along the Rail Trail, glass of house red in hand. We’re usually there on Wednesdays—when glasses are just $8.

But even if you’re visiting on another night, you should come enjoy the energy of this part of South End. Grab a glass or bottle—maybe a Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand or a rich Malbec from Argentina—and take a front-row seat to some of the best people- and dog-watching in town. Just don’t forget to check their daily specials before you go.

→Vin Master // 2000 South Blvd #610, Charlotte, NC 28203

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Entrance to Rosie's Coffee & Wine Garden

Bottles of wine on a shelf at Rosie's Coffee & Wine Garden

Rosie’s Coffee & Wine Garden

Wait—isn’t Rosie’s Coffee & Wine Garden in your Charlotte coffee shops guide?

Yes, yes it is. But Rosie’s is also one of my top picks for wine in the Queen City.

Open since 2019, Rosie’s Coffee & Wine Garden lets you grab a glass of wine (or coffee) from the colorful bar and enjoy it in one of the most enchanting spaces in Charlotte: the historic McGill Rose Garden. This little urban oasis has been around since 1967 and is now city-owned, offering a peaceful, flower-filled escape from the city’s hustle.

Pick something fun from the by-the-glass menu or select a bottle from the wall, then head outside to enjoy the blooms. I love visiting throughout the year and watching the garden shift with the seasons, but it’s especially dreamy on those mild spring and fall days.

Just a heads up—Rosie’s occasionally closes for weddings and private events, so it’s a good idea to check their calendar of closures before you swing by, especially on weekends in warmer months. Instagram is also a reliable source for the latest updates, including food truck schedules and specials (like $5 glasses on Tuesdays!).

→Rosie’s Coffee & Wine Garden // 940 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28206

ON THE MAP: TOP CHARLOTTE WINE BARS

THE LAST SIP: MY FINAL THOUGHTS ON CHARLOTTE’S WINE SCENE

For a city so synonymous with beer, Charlotte has no shortage of excellent wine bars. And best of all? They’re all wonderfully unique. Some are polished and refined, others are cozy and low-key—but each one brings its own kind of charm. I hope this guide helped you discover a new spot to match your current mood… and another for when the next one strikes.

I’ll continue updating this list as I discover more favorites, so feel free to bookmark it for later or send it to a fellow wine-lover planning a visit. Want to nominate another spot for this guide? Head here to buy me a ~~coffee~~ glass and be sure to include your recommendation!

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Questions for you

Quick—you can only drink one for the rest of your life. Which are you choosing: Red, White, Rose, or Orange?

Do you have a particular favorite wine region?

Thirsty for more? Keep the revelry going with one of these related posts:

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Charlotte Uncorked: My Go-To Wine Bars in the Queen City