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12 Wine Tasting Spots in Edinburgh That Had Us Tipsy All Throughout!
Let me share with you the time I was all about “spit or swallow?”—except, who am I kidding? Swallow every darn time (hey, I know what you’re thinking, but nah, uh, I’m talking about wine appreciation here!) because how can I resist a good wine?
Now, the plan was to hit one, maybe two spots tops—yet, there I was, twelve wine glasses in, with a smile so wide I could’ve mistaken a lamp post (to be fair, it was a very friendly-looking lamp post). Let’s just say I found myself in a grape-induced state.
Yep, I’m not kidding here, so if you want to be like me, you know, where you get tipsy with all that wine tasting Edinburgh has to offer, then you better read on!
Bacco Wine
Website: https://baccowine.co.uk/
Address: 136 Dundas St.
Contact details: [email protected]
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday – 4 PM to 12 AM
- Friday and Saturday – 12 PM to 1 AM
Cost: £-££
Bacco Wine is not just about sipping on wine; it’s a full-fledged love affair with the grape. They’ve got a range that’ll have you nodding in appreciation, from those deep, soulful reds to crisp whites.
They usually arrange tastings that showcase wines from different parts of the globe and partner them with, of course, a charcuterie board, or if you want something more tasty, you can opt for their fresh oysters.
So, one visit could take you through the rolling vineyards of Italy, and the next, you might find yourself exploring the rugged terrains of Argentina, all through your taste buds.
Pro tip:
Try to drop by on a weekday afternoon if you can swing it. It’s a bit quieter, meaning more chances to chat with the staff, who are not only super knowledgeable but also ridiculously friendly.
Wine Unearthed
Website: https://www.wineunearthed.co.uk/edinburgh-wine-tasting
Address: Apex Grassmarket Hotel 31-35
Contact details: +44 345 299 8652
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 9 PM
Cost: ££
Wine Unearthed at the Apex Grassmarket Hotel is a stellar pick if you’re diving headfirst into the wine world. Expect to swirl, sniff, and sip your way through 15 different wines. Yeah, that’s a hefty lineup, but who’s complaining?
From novices to connoisseurs, there’s something new to discover at every turn. And for the brains of the operation, their workshops peel back the layers of the wine-making process.
And it’s not just random wines; each one is cherry-picked to pair beautifully with food that’s served along.
Pro tip:
Booking ahead is pretty much essential; these experiences fill up faster than a wine glass at a party. Also, if you’re not all about that crowded scene, shoot for an earlier slot.
Bar Zero Zero
Website: http://www.zerozerowines.co.uk/
Address: 18 S Clerk St.
Contact details: +44 131 275 5522
Operating hours:
- Tuesday and Wednesday, Sunday – 5 PM to 11 PM
- Thursday to Saturday – 5 PM to 1 AM
Cost: £-££
Bar Zero Zero is about chilling out, glass in hand, and maybe discovering your new favourite wine along the way. They’ve got this knack for curating a mix that ticks off all the boxes—from the crowd-pleasers to the unique finds that you’ll boast about trying.
Expect to encounter wine-based cocktails that’ll make you rethink everything you know about wine. Tasting events here are casually sophisticated, offering a glimpse into how versatile wine truly can be.
And yes, they pair their pours with small plates that are just as innovative. Moreover, they occasionally host theme nights or wine launches, which are definitely worth your time.
Pro tip:
If you hate queues or jostling for elbow space, aim for a late afternoon visit. It’s quieter, plus you’ll get more of that personal touch, which can really make a difference.
Veeno Edinburgh
Website: http://veenobars.com/
Address: 76 Rose St.
Contact details: https://forms.contacta.io/60fe71e4a875969bc5e522d6.html
Operating hours:
- Monday and Tuesday – 12 PM to 9 PM
- Wednesday and Thursday, Sunday – 12 PM to 10 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 12 PM to 11 PM
Cost: £-££
Veeno is all about getting you cosy with mostly a glass of some fab Italian wines. They serve up flights of wine, so you can taste a bunch without committing to a full bottle—unless you want to, and no one’s judging if you do.
Here, you’ll embark on a guided tour through different wines, learning about their origins, what makes them tick, and how to perfectly pair them with food.
Speaking of food, the accompanying nibbles are nothing short of divine—think cheeses, meats, and other Italian staples that complement their wines flawlessly.
Pro tip:
For those special occasions or if you’re simply in search of a thoughtful gift, Veeno offers gift cards. It’s a fantastic way to share the love of wine with friends and family.
Whighams Wine Cellars
Website: http://www.whighams.com/
Address: 13 Hope St.
Contact details: +44 131 225 8674
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 12 PM to 11 PM
- Thursday to Saturday – 12 PM to 12 AM
- Sunday – 12 PM to 10 PM
Cost: ££
Whighams Wine has a cosy, cellar vibe that makes you feel like you’re in on a secret. Their wine list is like a journey around the world, glass by glass, along with some of their beers and spirits.
Whether you’re into bold reds, crisp whites, or something sparkly to celebrate the fact that it’s, well, today, they’ve got you covered. They’re also super into their live jazz and open mic nights, which are basically the cherry on top.
You’ve got music, wine, and food—if that doesn’t spell out a perfect Sunday, I don’t know what does.
Pro tip:
You can take the Whighams experience home or share it with a friend with their versatile gift vouchers. These vouchers can be redeemed both in their personal, brick-and-mortar wine shop and online via their website.
The Green Room Wine Bar
Website: http://www.thegreenroomedinburgh.co.uk/
Address: 19-25 William St.
Contact details: +44 131 225 1358
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 2 PM to 11 PM
- Thursday – 12 PM to 11 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 12 PM to 12 AM
Cost: £-££
The Green Room Wine Bar has a chilled-out vibe with an industrial edge, and their wine list is all about exploring new flavours without getting all textbooks about them.
You’re as likely to find a bottle from a small, quirky producer as you are at a big-name vineyard here. They host some kickass tasting sessions where you might discover your next favourite wine, and the staff have a knack for zeroing in on what you’re into.
Plus, if you’re looking for a spot to wind down after work or kickstart your weekend, their happy hour deals are pretty sweet for your wallet and your spirits.
Pro tip:
The Green Room also has this private online masterclass, which allows you to deepen your wine knowledge from the comfort of your home.
Additionally, don’t miss the opportunity to experience the bar’s vibrant atmosphere during their “Acoustic Tuesday” events.
Decanter Winery and Dinery
Website: https://decanterbruntsfield.co.uk/
Address: 183 Bruntsfield Pl.
Contact details: +44 131 466 5359
Operating hours:
- Tuesday and Wednesday – 3 PM to 11 PM
- Thursday – 12 PM to 11 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 12 PM to 12 AM
- Sunday – 12 PM to 10:30 PM
Cost: ££
Decanter Winery and Dinery’s name alone should tell you that these folks don’t mess around when it comes to wine. This spot has a cool, modern feel, and expect some seriously good pairings like cheese plates, prawns, smoked ham and more.
Now, they’re all about sharing the love for wine without making it a lecture. You get to try a variety of wines, learn a bit about them in a chill way, and maybe find your new favourite.
Pro tip:
Definitely check their social media or website for any special wine tasting events or live music nights they’ve got coming up. Those are not to be missed if you’re into trying something new and different.
Spry Wines
Website: http://www.sprywines.co.uk/
Address: 1 Haddington Pl.
Contact details: +44 131 557 0005
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday – 1 PM to 10 PM
Cost: ££
Spry Wines is the new kid on the block, but don’t let that fool you. They’ve got this edgy, minimalist vibe that says, “Yeah, we know our wine is good.” And trust me, it really is.
They focus on natural and organic wines, which is super cool if you’re into that sort of thing, but even if you’re not, give it a go. Alongside the wine, they serve up some delish small plates that are perfect for sharing—or not; no judgement here.
Think of some artisanal cheeses or handcrafted crafts that just complement the wines, or better yet, aim for their 5-course tasting menu to have a taste of everything.
Pro tip:
Spry Wines is a hit with the after-work crowd, so if you’re looking for a bit of calm to savour your wine, pop in earlier in the day or later in the evening.
The Wine House 1821
Website: https://www.winehouse1821.co.uk/
Address: 4 Picardy Pl.
Contact details: +44 131 557 1821
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 12 PM to 10 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 12 PM to 1 AM
Cost: £-££
Nestled in a chic Georgian building, The Wine House 1821 offers a cosy yet refined setting for wine lovers. Every tasting event here feels like a curated experience, with a selection ranging from classic European wines to exciting new-world picks.
They have wine tasting evenings that let you traverse the globe in a glass, tasting up to 10 different wines paired perfectly with small bites that enhance the flavours. And let’s not forget about the cocktails—they’re as creative as they are delicious.
If you’re big on aesthetics and flavour, their interior, matched with their extensive wine list, is a treat.
Pro tip:
Make sure you keep an eye on their calendar for wine tasting events and masterclasses; they’re a fantastic way to learn more in a fun, friendly setting.
Good Brothers Wine Cellars
Website: http://www.goodbrotherswine.com/
Address: 34 Northumberland St.
Contact details: +44 131 285 8003
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 3 PM to 10 PM
- Thursday to Saturday – 12 PM to 11 PM
- Sunday – 12 PM to 7 PM
Cost: £-££
Good Brothers Wine Bar offers both formal and informal tasting sessions, featuring organic and biodynamic wines among more traditional picks, with usually around 8–12 wines on deck.
Their informal tasting lets you hop around different tastes and regions at your own pace, while the structured events provide deeper insight into each selection. They also pair their wines with some seriously good foods like charcuterie, cheese boards, and more.
Pro tip:
If a cosy and engaging wine experience is what you’re after, lining up a tasting during off-peak times is highly recommended.
Cockburns of Leith
Website: http://www.cockburnsofleith.co.uk/
Address: 48a Frederick St.
Contact details: +44 131 603 3333
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 10 AM to 7 PM
Cost: ££
Cockburns of Leith is where history meets a glass of wine. Being one of the oldest wine merchants in Edinburgh, they bring a lot of passion and expertise to the table.
Expect a wide array of options, with up to 15 different wines that range from vintage to modern, each selected to showcase its uniqueness and quality. Their tasting events often include rare finds that are a treat for any wine enthusiast.
Now, if you’re up for some shopping, this is your place. Besides sipping on a glass or two, you can stock up on bottles to take home.
Pro tip:
While walk-ins are welcome, booking in advance for their wine tastings is recommended, especially since they can get pretty packed on weekends.
Smith & Gertrude Stockbridge
Website: https://smithandgertrude.com/
Address: 26 Hamilton Pl.
Contact details: +44 131 629 6280
Operating hours:
- Wednesday and Thursday – 4 PM to 11 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 1 PM to 12 AM
- Sunday – 1 PM to 10 PM
Cost: £-££
Smith & Gertrude’s wine tasting is less about swank and more about sheer passion for the grape. Each session involves about 6–8 wines, curated not just for their quality but for their story and their ability to pair beautifully with any type of cheese they served.
Their focus is on interesting, less-known wines from smaller producers, which means you’re always in for some delightful surprises. Plus, their laid-back style makes you feel like you’re just hanging out at a friend’s place—if your friend has a wine collection.
Pro tip:
When you’re a fan of Smith & Gertrude in Stockbridge, you can elevate your experience by joining their exclusive wine club.
As a member, you’ll also receive a specially curated selection of six bottles of wine delivered straight to your doorstep each month.