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In the Milwaukee area, it seems there’s a bar for just about anyone – from casual sports bars and dives to rooftop cocktail bars and everything in between.
That includes an ever-evolving collection of boutique wine shops and wine bars, each offering their own distinctive atmosphere and curated selection of wines to enjoy, whether by the flight, glass or bottle.
Whether you’re looking for a spot in your neighborhood to grab a glass (or bottle to enjoy at home)?, or would like to venture out and discover a brand new hang, we’ve got you covered with this list of some of our favorites.
2A Wine Merchants
577 E. Erie St., (414) 763-0396
2awinemerchants.com
Engage in the joy of trying something new at this beautifully appointed wine shop and tasting bar where friendly staff are ready to introduce you to delicious new wines from across the globe. Before you go, learn more about 2A Wine Merchants in this episode of the FoodCrush podcast.
Charles E. Fromage
5811 W. Vliet St., (414) 305-1458
charlesfromage.com
Charles E. Fromage might be the smallest wine bar of the bunch, but that doesn’t make it any less fun. Created to be a casual spot to relish a glass of wine, enjoy a nosh and engage in great conversation, this cozy gem operates with no pretense. Folks can also enjoy the quaint patio whenever the weather permits.
Corvina Wine Co.
6038 W Lincoln Ave, (414) 546-3407
corvinawinecompany.com
This West Allis gem features a beautifully appointed retail shop, featuring a broad selection of worldly wines. For guests that would like to taste before they buy, Corvina’s wine bar offers wines by the glass, bottles to enjoy with friends and a small menu of snacks to enjoy alongside. As the weather warms, guests can also enjoy wine on Corvina’s lovely patio.
Crush Wine Bar
378 W Main St, Waukesha, (262) 409-841
W168 S7392, Parkland Dr, Muskego, (262) 527-4613
crushwaukesha.com
Neon green accents set off the environment at this modern retailer and wine bar in Downtown Waukesha. Discover something new with one of their wine flights or enjoy a full pour. Over 30 wines are available by the glass, with more by the bottle. Food pairings, including chocolates, flatbreads and more are also available.
NonFiction Natural Wines
800 E Potter Ave., (414) 763-6300
nonfictionwine.com
This Bay View gem might not offer a wine bar; but the retail shop is (thus far) the only in the area dedicated to natural wines (produced by conscientious wine-makers with minimal intervention). Not familiar with the natural wine scene? Owners Allison and Bradley Kruse are happy to spill their wealth of knowledge and find you a wine (or three) you’ll adore. Before you go, learn more about NonFiction and natural wines in this episode of the FoodCrush podcast.
Scout Wine Merchants
4512 N. Oakland Ave., Shorewood, (414) 252-0072
scoutwinemerchants.com
This vibrant new wine and spirits shop boasts a lounge (complete with a fireplace and an eye-catching mural of Aretha Franklin), a “speakeasy” style tasting room where you can sample a curated selection of wines from around the globe (while enjoying one of their snack boards), along with a specialty food shop where you can pick up meats, cheeses and a variety of wine and beer-adjacent items.
Spring City Wine House
336 W. Main St., Waukesha, (262) 232-8296
springcitywinehouse.com
Head to this low key wine bar to sample wines from around the world while exploring the art of pairing with a selection of cheeses, charcuterie and chocolate. Order by the glass, bottle, or serve yourself from state of the art wine stations.
The Ruby Tap
1341 N. Wauwatosa Ave., Wauwatosa, (414) 456-1300
6000 W. Mequon Rd., Mequon, (262) 302-4112
therubytap.com
Relax and enjoy at this neighborhood neighborhood wine bar featuring self-serve wine machines, tap wines and both bottles and growlers to purchase and enjoy at home. Pair your wine selections with any number of snacks, including their popular truffle popcorn. Online ordering and curbside pick-up are also currently available.
Thelma Carol Wine Merchants
605 W. Virginia St., (414) 312-8244
thelmacarolwine.com
If you’ve ever dreamt of demurely sipping bubbly from a Champagne coupe while sitting on a late 19th century fainting couch in a turn of the century library, you’ll take particular joy in a visit to Thelma Carol Wine Merchants, a wine, spirits and tobacco shop which offers up an abundance of early 20th century charm, plus daily wine pours from their collection of unique and boutique wines.
Thief Wine
Milwaukee Public Market
400 N. Water St., (414) 277-7707
thiefwine.com
Take a seat and discover something new from their ever-changing wine bar menu or settle in with an old favorite at Thief Wine, a well-appointed respite in the Milwaukee Public Market. Their retail shop is also a great place to stock up on great wines; their selection includes over 700 distinctive (and often eclectic) wines from around the world.
Three Cellars
N72 W13400 Lund Ln., Menomonee Falls, (262) 735-7823
threecellars.com
Modern meets rustic at this well appointed retail shop with a prominent lounge which boasts a regular menu of 13 wines by the glass and 24 tap brews. Friendly knowledgeable staff can help you find a new favorite to try or a bottle to purchase from the shop. As the weather warms, you also have the option to enjoy your beverages out of doors in their wine and beer garden.
Vino Etcetera
120 E. Wisconsin Ave., Oconomowoc, (262) 244-7019
vinoetcwinebar.com
Is it a wine bar? A corner tavern? A storefront? Vino Etcetera is all three. You'll find wines from around the world, craft beers and over 200 bourbons. Relax in one of the lower level seating areas or enjoy the lakeside view from the patio. There’s also live music to enjoy on weekends.
Vino Third Ward
219 E. Erie St., (414) 277-8466
vinothirdward.com
Sample a glass or explore with a flight at this convivial wine bar and retail shop in the Historic Third Ward. Vino boasts a selection of nearly 300 wines, many of which are $20 or less, plus craft beers, spirits and cocktails for non-wine drinkers. You can also select from a menu of artisan cheeses to accompany your beverage. You can also peruse and purchase wines online for pick-up.
Vintage 38
5690 Broad St., Greendale, (414) 235-8125
vintage38greendale.com
Stop by and enjoy a glass of wine and a small bite at this well-appointed gem located in Historic Downtown Greendale. Specializing in old world, limited production and wines made with minimal intervention, Vintage 38 is a great spot to discover new eclectic wines. They’ve also made it easy for customers with contactless check-out in the wine bar using the CashDrop app and QR codes at each table (guests can also order bottles online for pick-up). Once the weather warms, guests can also enjoy outdoor seating on the Vintage 38 patio.
Voyager
422 E. Lincoln Ave., (414) 239-8254
voyagermke.com
In a pandemic pivot, what began as a spirited wine and cocktail bar has evolved to become a destination stop for not only an eclectic collection of minimal intervention wines from across the globe, but also an amazing selection of accoutrements from artisan cheese, cured meats and snacks to seasonal cocktails. Guests can stop in for a glass, browse the shop or place an order online for pick-up. Watch for outdoor seating opportunities and patio drinking specials as the weather warms. Before you go, learn more about Voyager in this episode of the FoodCrush podcast.
As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.
Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.
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