It is always the perfect time to enjoy a smooth pour of your favorite wine. While South Florida might not be home to countryside vineyards, Greater Fort Lauderdale boasts a delightful array of offerings to order a glass of vino or uncork a bottle to share with friends. From cozy wine shops to full-service restaurants with tasting rooms, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Sit back, relax, and unwind while touring some of Greater Fort Lauderdale’s best wine bars.
Wine Garden
While this Fort Lauderdale beach hotspot was very much a hidden gem to locals a few years back, it’s been gaining popularity — and for good reason. Between the intimate outdoor garden space dappled in twinkle lights and lush scenery, Wine Garden has the makings of a perfect date night or cozy dinner spot. Be sure to book a reservation in advance as the restaurant fills up. Happy Hour runs Monday to Sunday from 4 to 6 p.m., featuring $8 happy hour bites and discounted wines and beers. Or stop by for dinner to enjoy Italian-inspired delights.
Ann’s Florist & Coffee Bar
While strolling along Las Olas Boulevard, you can’t help but be captivated by Ann's Florist & Coffee Bar's charm. The cafe's aroma of freshly brewed coffee is enough to entice passersby to take a peek inside. But Ann's extends far beyond its blooming florals and delicious coffee menu; the cafe is known for serving a vibrant selection of offerings, including a tempting array of wines. For those exploring Fort Lauderdale for the first time, a visit to Ann's during happy hour is a must. Gather with friends to share a bottle of wine and savor the cafe's light bites, all while people-watching along the bustling boulevard.
Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurants
With locations in Fort Lauderdale, Dania Beach, Pembroke Pines, and Coconut Creek, you will never be too far from a Cooper's Hawk. The full-service restaurant features a tasting room and retail store to satisfy all your wine needs. In addition to contemporary American cuisine, the restaurant houses its own winery, where skilled vintners create an impressive selection of award-winning wines. Indulge in wine tastings and discover the perfect pairing for your meal.
Rebel Wine Bar
Nestled in the Oakland Park neighborhood is one of Greater Fort Lauderdale’s newer wine bars: Rebel Wine Bar. Created to be a “new generation-style,” this establishment offers a cozy space to unwind. Here, you can enjoy happy hour from 4 to 7 p.m., Monday through Sunday, with buy one, get one rosé and sangria on Sundays, as well as a variety of tapas and cheese boards to pair with your wine. Plus, they feature live music on weekends and a poetry night that add to its unique atmosphere and charm. Be sure to check their calendar of events to stay up to date on their weekly happenings.
Small Wine Shop
Locals can’t get enough of this Flagler Village–based wine bar. It’s nestled amongst an array of locally-owned shops and apartments in downtown Fort Lauderdale and is so worth the visit. \With its warm and inviting atmosphere, the Small Wine Shop offers an impressive selection of wines from natural, organic, and biodynamic wineries carefully curated by a knowledgeable husband-and-wife team. Stop by for a wine tasting, purchase a bottle, and chat with the duo, who will happily share some cool wine facts.
Vinos on Las Olas
If you're staying on Fort Lauderdale Beach or anywhere near Las Olas Boulevard, check out Vinos on Las Olas. Once a quaint wine bar on the boulevard has now grown and moved to a larger space to accommodate locals and visitors alike for a night of wining and dining. "Wine Down Wednesdays" is a great time to enjoy all-day 50% off wine when you purchase a cheeseboard. If you’re up for an adventure, look for the lounge’s secret door to unveil a speakeasy.
The Cook and the Cork
The Cook and The Cork embraces the art of gastronomy, ensuring a delightful food and drink experience within a laid-back ambiance. The Coral Springs restaurant creates every dish from scratch, offering a variety of options from cured and smoked meats to charcuterie, pastas, and gelato. The Cook and The Cork boasts an exceptional collection of rare and highly allocated bottles available year-round, making it the perfect place to savor a bottle at your table.
The Best Cellar Retail Wine Tasting Bar & Lounge
Beyond a typical wine store, The Best Cellar is a delightful wine boutique with a special focus on curating high-quality wines primarily from small estate vineyards. At this Wilton Manors haunt, you can relish weekly sit-down wine tastings and connect with fellow wine enthusiasts, enriching your passion as a wine connoisseur.
Vienna Wine Bar
Tucked away in a discreet shopping center, Vienna Wine Bar in Davie exudes elegance and offers an array of schnitzel and other European classics. However, the true star of the show is the extensive wine collection. With more than 170 bottle selections and 20 wines by the glass, Vienna Wine Bar's wine list impresses; a well-stocked full liquor bar is also available to make craft cocktails to complement your dining experience.