The Best 7 Wine Bars in Richmond, VA - Boozing Abroad (2024)

If you are looking for a list of the best wine bars in Richmond, you’ve come to the right spot. Richmond offers 7 locally-owned wine bars that range from local Virginia wine to carefully crafted wines from around the world.

Personally, we love Virginia wine (and wine in general) and there are some great options to consider while in Richmond.

Short on Time? Here are the key takeaways:

• Every wine bar serves some food
• Most have some sort of outdoor seating option, while some have more than others
• In our opinion, don’t miss Jardin or Celladora

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Map of Wine Bars in Richmond

1. Jardin

• Hours:
  • Tuesday – Friday: 4 PM – Close
  • Saturday – Sunday: 12 PM – Close
• Reservations Required: No
• Food Available: Yes, cheese boards and small plates
• Outdoor Seating: Yes, large patio (dog friendly too)

Jardin is a vibrant wine haven operated by Richmond locals who are passionate about wine. This bottle-shop-meets-wine-bar is unlike any other wine establishment in Richmond as it focuses on wines meant for immediate enjoyment rather than collectible or investment bottles.

Offering around 150 different wines with an extensive by-the-glass selection, Jardin’s menu features cheese, charcuterie, tinned fish, sandwiches on house-made focaccia, and seasonal soups.

For those choosing to drink on-premise, a modest $10 corkage fee applies, reduced to $5 for Wine Club members (which is FREE and non-committal with no automatic subscription). It’s as simple as signing up to receive their monthly newsletter with a link to buy wine for the upcoming month. No purchase is actually required.

Jardin was recognized with the 2024 Quality Business Award for Best Wine Bar in Richmond and we love this place too!

2. Celladora Wines

• Hours:
  • Monday – Thursday: 3 PM -9 PM
  • Friday & Saturday: 2 PM – 10 PM
  • Sunday: 1 PM – 7 PM
• Reservations Required: Basically – as there are only 4 tables
• Food Available: Small Snacks
• Outdoor seating: No

Located in Richmond’s Fan District, Celladora is an intimate natural wine shop with just four tables and a warm, inviting ambiance. The shop offers a rotating selection of wines by the glass, with any retail bottle available for a $15 corkage fee. With over 100 wines from around the world, including unique selections from biodynamic and small-batch producers, there’s always something new to discover.

Owner Megan Lee Hopkins has crafted a homey space where both seasoned winos and newbies can explore a diverse array of natural wines. Their down-to-earth, no-snob guidance makes the experience enjoyable and accessible.

Praised as one of Wine Enthusiast’s Best Wine Shop in America in 2022 and referenced in The Best American Restaurants This Year Are Wine Bars, 2023, Celladora encapsulates Richmond’s contemporary wine scene, providing a refined yet unpretentious tasting experience. With so many accolades (and we are sure there will be more to come), it’s easy to see why this makes our list of the best wine bars in Richmond.

Reservations are highly recommended due to its popularity and very limited seating.

3. Echelon Wine Bar

• Hours:
  • Monday – Thursday: 3 PM – 9 PM
  • Friday & Saturday: 3 PM – 10 PM
  • Sunday: Closed
• Happy Hour: Monday – Thursday: 3 pm – 5pm
• Reservations Required: No, but encouraged for parties up to 4
• Food Available: Yes, small plates, fine dining menu
• Outdoor Seating: No

Nestled on East Cary Street in the charming Shockoe Slip, Echelon Wine Bar is where rustic charm meets modern elegance. Owned by Todd and Aimee Henkle, also proprietors of The Vineyards and Winery at Lost Creek in Northern Virginia, they’ve brought their wine magic to Richmond following the success of their original Echelon Wine Bar in Leesburg.

The Richmond version opened its doors in November 2023 and boasts over 150 wines by the bottle and more than 30 by the glass featuring selections from their Lost Creek Winery and numerous international vineyards.

Echelon not only offers a superb wine bar experience but also hosts weekly wine classes, monthly dinners, WSET certification courses, and an engaging wine club. Their classes cover a range of topics, from “Intro to Wine” to “Guide to Port Wine” and “World of Bubbles.” Wine dinners feature meticulously paired courses, ranging from three to five dishes, each complemented by a selected wine.

Street parking can be a bit of a hassle, but there are several parking garages nearby. We recommend the 100 Virginia Street Garage at the corner of East Cary St and Virginia St which is only a block-ish away.

4. Penny’s Wine Shop

• Hours:
  • Wednesday & Thursday: 5 PM – 10 PM
  • Friday: 3 PM – 10 PM
  • Saturday: 12 PM – 10 PM
  • Sunday – Tuesday: Closed
• Reservations Required: Reservations encouraged
• Food Available: Yes
• Outside Seating: Yes, very limited

Penny’s Wine Shop epitomizes the mantra of “good wine and good food.” Founded by two childhood friends, the shop builds on their success with RichWine, an online wine service known for its focus on biodynamic, organic, and clean-crafted wines.

Located in the historic Jackson Ward neighborhood, Penny’s offers a delightful combination of natural wines and showcases a local and seasonal menu crafted to complement their wine (and beer offerings too).

Recognized as VinePair’s 2023 Retailer of the Year, Penny’s continues to set the standard for wine and culinary excellence in Richmond. Given their intimate spot seating only around 20 guests, reservations are strongly encouraged.

5. Henley on Grace

• Hours:
  • Tuesday – Thursday: 5 PM – 10 PM
  • Friday: 5 PM – 11 PM
  • Saturday
    • Brunch 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM
    • Dinner 5 PM – 11 PM
  • Sunday
    • Brunch 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM
    • Dinner 5 PM – 9 PM
  • Monday: CLOSED
• Reservations Required: No, but recommended
• Food Available: Yes
• Outside Seating: Yes, limited

Established in Monroe Ward, Henley on Grace is redefining the local dining scene with its innovative approach to Californian-Asian fusion cuisine.

Henley has an extensive selection of over 100 wines by the glass, alongside numerous options by the bottle. The wine list features a rotating selection of reds, whites, sparkling rosés, and even an orange wine.

Henley on Grace offers a cozy and intimate dining experience with a warm and inviting atmosphere. The food menu at Henley on Grace focuses on lighter, fresher fare with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients. Diners can expect a variety of salads, appetizers, and small plates.

The nearest parking garage is located at 107 N 2nd Street, just a three-minute walk to the restaurant.

6. Brambly Park Winery

• Hours:
  • Tuesday to Friday: 12pm – 10pm
  • Saturday: 11am – 12am
  • Sunday: 11am – 8pm
• Reservations Required: No
• Food Available: Yes, a few different options on site
• Outdoor Seating: TONS

Located in the back corner of boozy Scott’s Addition, Brambly Park spans two acres of lush green space featuring a winery, restaurant, large park, and event space.

As their name suggests, Brambly Park is an urban winery producing six flagship wines: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Rosé, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon. They source their grapes and juice from various wine regions in the U.S.

In addition to their wine, the full beverage menu includes spirits, co*cktails, beer, and an extensive selection of national and international wines. The restaurant serves family-style entrees, pizzas, charcuterie boards, and more that perfectly pair with their wines.

The Pavilion, designed to resemble a train station platform, enhances the park’s charm. The outdoor area includes picnic tables, a live music stage, a grassy hill, the Container Bar and various games such as croquet, bocce, cornhole, Giant Jenga, and more. If that wasn’t enough, they also have Yurts, yes Yurts, that you can rent that offer private, cozy lodge-style seating for up to 8 people.

Brambly Park offers a unique blend of great wine, delicious food, and engaging activities, making it a must-visit destination in Richmond if you want to break out of the ordinary for some wine tastings. Make sure you visit their events calendar before going as they host trivia night, concerts and more.

While this spot is first-and-foremost a winery, we think it earned a spot on our list as one of the best wine bars in Richmond given its extensive wine offerings.

7. C’est Le Vin

• Hours:
  • Wednesday: 4 PM – 10 PM
  • Thursday: 4 PM – 10 PM
  • Friday & Saturday: 3 PM – 11 PM
  • Monday & Tuesday: Closed
• Reservations Required: No
• Food Available: Yes, small plates and tapas
• Outdoor Seating: Yes, but limited

C’est Le Vin offers an ultra-chic experience in Richmond’s vibrant Shockoe Bottom district. This locally owned gem combines a tapas menu with an eclectic array of wines and showcases local artistry.

Renowned for its historic charm and romantic ambiance, this venue stands out for its impeccable service, innovative menu, and extensive wine selection.

Indulge in their curated wine list boasting over 200 selections from around the globe, making C’est Le Vin a destination for wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike.

Looking for more places to explore in Richmond?Check out our guide toall craft breweries in Richmondor look for alocal event!

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