Edinburgh: A City of History, Hops, and Hidden Wine Gems
Edinburgh. The very name conjures images of ancient castles, winding closes, and the vibrant pulse of festivals. While it’s famously known for its thriving craft beer scene (and believe me, I’ve explored plenty of those with dropt.beer!), this city also boasts a surprisingly sophisticated and diverse array of wine bars. As a local who’s spent years navigating its cobbled streets, I’m here to guide you through the city’s best spots to sip, savour, and soak in the atmosphere. Forget the stuffy, intimidating wine establishments of yesteryear; Edinburgh’s wine bars are welcoming, knowledgeable, and offer experiences for every palate and occasion.
Why Edinburgh is a Surprising Wine Haven
Edinburgh’s culinary landscape has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent decades. What was once a city dominated by traditional pubs and a few high-end restaurants has blossomed into a foodie paradise. This evolution has naturally led to a demand for more diverse and curated beverage offerings, including a fantastic selection of wines. The city’s residents and visitors alike appreciate quality, and this appreciation extends beyond the plate to the glass. Furthermore, Edinburgh’s independent spirit means that many of its wine bars are small, owner-operated businesses, each with its own unique personality and passion for wine. This translates into a more personal and often more exciting experience than you might find in larger chains.
The Old Town Charm: Wine with a Historic Backdrop
Exploring the Old Town is like stepping back in time, and enjoying a glass of wine here adds another layer to that enchanting experience. The narrow closes and historic buildings provide a unique ambience that’s hard to replicate.
Cannonball Restaurant & Bar
Nestled in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle, Cannonball offers a unique blend of Scottish cuisine and an impressive wine list. While it’s a restaurant first and foremost, their bar area is a delightful spot for a pre-dinner or post-sightseeing glass. They pride themselves on a carefully curated selection, with a particular focus on quality and provenance. The staff are knowledgeable and can guide you through their offerings, making it a great starting point for those new to Edinburgh’s wine scene. The views from some parts of the restaurant (and even glimpsed from the bar) are spectacular, adding to the overall experience. It’s a perfect place to toast to Edinburgh’s grandeur.
Royal Mile Whiskies (and yes, they have wine!)
While the name might suggest otherwise, Royal Mile Whiskies, a long-standing institution on the Royal Mile, has recently expanded its offerings to include a carefully selected range of wines. This might seem counterintuitive, but their commitment to quality and knowledgeable staff extends to their wine selection. It’s a great place to pop into if you’re exploring the Royal Mile and fancy a different kind of tipple. They often have tasting events, so keep an eye on their schedule for opportunities to discover something new. It’s a testament to Edinburgh’s evolving tastes that a place so synonymous with whisky can also excel in wine.
New Town Elegance: Sophistication and Style
Edinburgh’s New Town, with its Georgian architecture and elegant squares, offers a more refined setting for wine appreciation. Here, you’ll find wine bars that often combine sleek design with extensive wine lists.
Valvona & Crolla
This is an Edinburgh institution that needs no introduction for food lovers. Valvona & Crolla is more than just a delicatessen; it’s a vibrant Italian hub with a fantastic wine shop and a bustling café/restaurant. Their wine selection is, unsurprisingly, heavily influenced by Italy, offering a superb range of regional Italian wines that you won’t easily find elsewhere in the city. Whether you’re looking for a crisp Pinot Grigio from Alto Adige or a robust Barolo from Piedmont, they have you covered. You can buy a bottle to take away or enjoy it by the glass (with a small corkage fee) in their café. It’s a place where you can truly immerse yourself in Italian food and wine culture, right here in the heart of Edinburgh. Don’t miss their incredible selection of Italian cheeses and cured meats to pair with your wine – a true taste of the Mediterranean.
Blythswood Square Hotel Bar
For a touch of old-school glamour, the bar at the Blythswood Square Hotel is a superb choice. While it’s a hotel bar, it functions very much like a high-end wine bar, offering a sophisticated atmosphere and an extensive, well-considered wine list. The service is impeccable, and the surroundings are elegant, making it perfect for a special occasion or a quiet, indulgent evening. They often have a sommelier on hand who can offer expert advice, and their by-the-glass selection is usually impressive, featuring both classic and more contemporary choices. The plush seating and sophisticated decor create an ideal environment for a relaxed wine tasting.
Leith & Stockbridge: Bohemian Vibes and Local Favourites
Venture beyond the city centre to the charming neighbourhoods of Leith and Stockbridge, and you’ll discover a more laid-back, bohemian vibe in their wine bars. These are often local haunts where quality and a friendly atmosphere go hand-in-hand.
Drinkmonger
Located in the picturesque Stockbridge, Drinkmonger is a wine shop that also offers a fantastic wine bar experience. This is a place that truly understands the concept of ‘drinking well’. Their selection is diverse, covering a wide range of regions and grape varieties, with a particular strength in European wines. What I love about Drinkmonger is their commitment to making wine accessible and enjoyable. Their staff are passionate and approachable, always ready with a recommendation. They often have interesting bottles open by the glass, and their knowledgeable team can help you discover something new, whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or just starting your wine journey. It’s a perfect spot for a casual afternoon tasting or an evening catch-up with friends. The shop itself is also a treasure trove for purchasing bottles to take home – a real gem in the Stockbridge area.
Smith & Gertrude
This gem in the Stockbridge area is a must-visit for any wine lover. Smith & Gertrude embodies the ideal neighbourhood wine bar: intimate, stylish, and with an exceptional, ever-changing wine list. They focus on small producers and organic, biodynamic, and natural wines, offering a unique selection that champions ethical and sustainable practices. The atmosphere is relaxed and convivial, making it easy to strike up a conversation with fellow patrons or the friendly staff. Their cheeseboards and charcuterie are also superb, making them an ideal spot for a light meal. It’s the kind of place where you can lose track of time, happily exploring different glasses and enjoying the curated atmosphere. For those interested in the growing trend of natural wines, this is your mecca in Edinburgh.
Leith Depot
While Leith Depot is renowned for its excellent food and craft beer selection (another favourite of mine for a pint from dropt.beer!), it also boasts a surprisingly good and often overlooked wine list. It’s a local favourite for a reason: the quality is consistently high across the board, and the atmosphere is unpretentious and welcoming. They tend to have a good selection of wines by the glass that complement their food menu perfectly. If you’re in Leith and looking for a relaxed evening with good food, drink, and a convivial atmosphere, Leith Depot is an excellent choice. It’s a testament to their commitment to quality that they excel in so many areas.
Hidden Gems and Insider Tips
Beyond the well-known establishments, Edinburgh has its share of hidden gems. Here are a few insider tips to enhance your wine bar experience:
- Look for ‘Wine Wednesday’ or ‘Tasting Tuesdays’: Many smaller wine bars, like some you might find featured on dropt.beer’s insights, often have weekly deals or tasting events. These are fantastic opportunities to try new wines at a reduced price or to learn from expert sommeliers.
- Ask for Recommendations: The staff at Edinburgh’s wine bars are generally incredibly passionate and knowledgeable. Don’t be afraid to tell them what you usually like, what you’re in the mood for, or even if you want to try something completely different. They are your best resource.
- Check for By-the-Glass Selections: If you’re with a group with different preferences or if you want to try multiple wines, look for bars that offer a good range of wines by the glass. This is a great way to explore without committing to a full bottle. Many bars now offer a ‘flight’ or ‘tasting’ option of smaller pours.
- Consider the Atmosphere: Are you looking for a romantic, quiet evening, a lively spot to catch up with friends, or a place to learn about wine? Different bars cater to different moods. Smith & Gertrude is intimate, while Valvona & Crolla can be bustling.
- Explore Beyond the City Centre: While the Old and New Towns have their charms, neighbourhoods like Stockbridge and Leith offer equally excellent, often more relaxed, wine bar experiences.
- Don’t Forget the Cheese: Many wine bars offer excellent cheeseboards and charcuterie. Pairing these with your wine is an essential part of the experience and can elevate your tasting.
- Purchase from Wine Shops: If you find a wine you particularly love, remember that many wine bars, like Drinkmonger and Valvona & Crolla, also function as retail shops. You can often buy a bottle to take home, or sometimes even enjoy it at the bar with a reasonable corkage fee. For those looking to stock up on craft beers as well, you can always check out dropt.beer’s shop for a wide selection.
A Toast to Edinburgh’s Wine Scene
Edinburgh’s wine bar scene is a testament to its evolving cultural identity. It’s a city that respects its heritage while embracing innovation and quality. Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or simply someone looking to enjoy a pleasant glass in a beautiful setting, you’ll find something to delight you here. So next time you find yourself wandering through Edinburgh’s historic streets or enjoying its lively neighbourhoods, remember to seek out its uncorked treasures. Cheers to good wine and great company in this magnificent city!
