9 Toronto Wine Bars By Neighbourhood

*By Erin Nicole Davis*

A glass of wine serves many purposes: can break the ice on a first date, offer a celebratory reward for work well done or provide as good of a reason as any to catch up with old friends.  

Lucky for the wine-lovers, Toronto is full of venues dedicated to sipping and swirling, from intimate and unassuming, to bustling spots to see and be seen.

Whether you’re in search of rich and full-bodied, or dry and crisp, here are nine wine bars throughout the city to choose from…

1. Kensington Market – Grey Gardens  (199 Augusta Ave.)

If you’re in the “market” for a relaxed and casually sophisticated backdrop to your wining – and definitely dining – experience, Kensington Market’s Grey Gardens is a solid choice for everything from date night to birthday dinners. Open for business from 5pm to 12am nightly, this vibrant, eclectically designed spot is always bustling with people happily clinking wine glasses, slurping down oysters and enjoying comforting, foodie-approved meals. The long wine list is extensive, with a heavy focus on private-order wines, and features what could easily be your next favourite white, red, rose or orange wine by the glass or bottle. 

2. King West – Cibo Wine Bar (522 King St. W)

If the bustle and “scene” of King West is what you’re craving – in addition to a solid wine selection, naturally – you’ll find all of the above at Cibo Wine Bar. More of a sprawling restaurant than a cozy wine bar, Cibo offers a vast menu of comforting Italian classics and creative spins on old favourites. The multi-page wine list at Cibo features varietals from around the world, including a well-rounded Italian selection, as expected. What’s nice about Cibo is that you can opt for a $40 bottle of wine, or go big with an assortment of bottles that cost hundreds – there’s even one French Bordeaux with a $2100 price tag.

3. Queen West – Après (1166 Queen St. W)

One of the latest additions on Toronto’s wine bar scene is Queen West’s Après. The sister restaurant to Canis, Après is designed specifically with organic wine as the top priority. All of the wines found within its walls are natural and low-intervention and the spot features a list of 200-plus bottles from around the world, with many of the by-the-glass options approachable and classified as entry-level. While the wine is the star of the show, Après serves up a selection of small plates selected to complement the clinking wine glasses, including things like beef tartare, oysters and Fogo Island snow crab.  

4. Yorkville – Bar Reyna (158 Cumberland St.)

While Bar Reyna is best-known for its memorable snacks and creative cocktails, its intimate and comfortable vibe, sharing plates and thoughtful wine list make it one of Yorkville’s best spots for vino-lovers. The wine list features bottles from around the world, with a heavy focus on European and American varieties (priced from $48 to $168), and a handful of white, rose and red options available by the glass. Aside from the flowing wine and crowd-pleasing snacks to pair it with – like crispy calamari, halloumi souvlaki, fresh burrata and tuna tartare – one of the best parts about this spot is its hidden year-round back patio.

5. Little Portugal – Archive (909 Dundas St. W)

In Toronto’s west end, Archive makes a reliable option for those seeking an unpretentious vibe and a well-curated wine list that is small enough that it won’t overwhelm. Open daily at 5 pm, Archive offers cheese and charcuterie, as well as a handful of European-inspired small plates, like gnocchi, spinach croquettes, mushroom conserva and beef tartare, to name a few. Every wine served here is available by the glass (three-ounce or 5-ounce), and flights of wine are an option for those who crave variety and getting acquainted with new labels.

6. Summerhill – Carens Rosedale (1118 Yonge St.)

Carens has been a beloved Toronto staple for wine and cheese lovers for decades, previously at its Yorkville location as Carens Wine and Cheese Bar, and in recent years in its cozy Summerhill/Rosedale spot. A favourite of both locals and the in-the-know set who will travel from across the city, Carens is known for its extensive wine collection that pairs well with an assortment cheeses from around the world, as well as charcuterie boards. Here, you’ll find a well-rounded assortment of wine, with bottles ranging from $38 CAD to $620 CAD, with most under $100.

7. St. Lawrence Market – Barsa Taberna (26 Market St.)

If quality sangria is your idea of a wine date, you’ll find some of the best in the city at Barsa Taberna. To accompany this memorable sangria, the relaxed spot offers an assortment of Barcelona-inspired tapas and fare, like paella, grilled octopus or flavourful mussels.  As easy on the bank account as its colourful tapas are on the eye (and on the Instagram feed), Barsa Taberna features deals to please wine-lovers, like half-priced pitchers of sangria on Mondays and half-priced bottles of wine on Tuesdays.

8. Financial District – REDS Wine Tavern (77 Adelaide St. W)

The professional set in search of a high-energy après-work spot to unwind over wine with a side of personal and professional networking will feel right at home at REDS Wine Tavern. Located in the financial district, this spacious spot offers at least 10 options of both red and white 6-ounce or 9-ounce glasses of wine, in addition to an extensive selection of wine by the bottle that range in price from $44 to $925 CAD. Helping your happy hour cause, REDS offers half-price bottles (all bottles) of wine Monday through Wednesday from 4pm to close. If you decide to stay for dinner, the restaurant serves up elevated comfort food, all strictly made from scratch.   

9. Leslieville – Chez Nous (798 Queen St. E)

At Leslieville’s Chez Nous, they stick to what they know best: wine. The wine list – which changes almost weekly – is approachable and attainable, with an exclusive focus on Ontario wine. Because the food offerings are limited (with a tiny selection of changing snacks), this evening and nighttime spot works best either before or after dinner at one of Leslieville’s nearby restaurants – especially for those looking to discover wines produced in our own backyard.