Best Wine Bars in Manchester: 12 Must-Visit Spots for a Glass

March 22nd, 2025

Whether you're a seasoned sommelier or just someone who enjoys a good glass after work, Manchester’s wine scene has blossomed into something truly special. From stripped-back natural wine hangouts to full-on fine dining with a glass of orange on the side, this city has something for every taste. Here are 12 of the best wine bars in Manchester – each with its own character, crowd, and bottle list worth exploring.

1. Isca Wines (Levenshulme)

Tucked away in Levenshulme, Isca is the kind of place that feels more like a philosophy than just a wine bar. Founded by two industry stars with a real love for sustainable practices and community spirit, it’s all about natural wines, rotating seasonal plates, and a strong sense of purpose.

The menu changes often – no two visits are quite the same – but everything is quietly thoughtful, from the UK asparagus to their house ferments. A lovely spot for slow afternoons and good conversation.

✨ Vibe: Independent, ran by 2 friends, small plates, home made / home vibes, delicious seasonal dishes

2. Climat (Chester-born, Manchester-raised)

Perched at the top of Blackfriars House and opened by the team behind Covino in Chester, Climat pairs skyline views with a wine list that could turn even the most casual drinker into a full-on Burgundy enthusiast. It’s a “wine-led restaurant,” as they put it – which means the list is vast, beautifully curated, and central to the experience.
Expect refined, seasonal plates with French-ish influences, perfect for pairing, but the real star is the wine wall: over 400 bottles strong, with plenty by the glass too. Come for a long lunch, stay for sunset and a silky Pinot Noir.

✨ Vibe: Chic, panoramic views, quality and attention to details, elegant plates

3. Higher Ground (City Centre)

Brought to you by the team behind Flawd and a Cheshire market garden, Higher Ground is more than a wine bar – it’s a full bistro experience with a conscience. Menus follow the seasons and are rooted in produce from their own farm, paired with a list of carefully chosen low-intervention wines.

Sit at the counter if you can – you’ll get a front-row seat to the chefs in action and a closer look at their unfussy, brilliantly balanced plates.

✨ Vibe: Seasonal menu, creative dishes, outstanding food, attention to detail

4. Salut Wines (City Centre)

If you like choice, Salut might just be your wine heaven. With over 400 wines and a clever Enomatic machine that lets you sample a bunch by the glass, it’s perfect for those who love to explore.

There's no pressure to know your grapes here – the staff are friendly, and the vibe is calm and casual. A great option if you're meeting friends or just want to sip solo with a book.

✨ Vibe: laidback, self-pouring machines, vibrant, good prices

5. Wine & Wallop (Didsbury)

Part bottle shop, part bar, Wine & Wallop is as welcoming as it gets. Their ‘wine flights’ are a fun way to try new things, and live music nights add to the friendly, chilled-out vibe.

Expect a mix of locals, regulars with dogs, and the occasional spontaneous wine tasting – it’s got that rare “drop in anytime” feeling that makes it easy to love.

✨ Vibe: laidback, cozy, good selection of drinks, chill

6. Finders Keepers (New Islington)

Finders Keepers is a stylish, low-lit spot near the marina, best known for its world-class cocktails – but their wine game is strong too. Expect bold, creative drinks, knockout flavour combos, and a fun, modern vibe.

It’s the kind of place where even the bar snacks are curated – balsamic mix, fancy olives, and moreish bites you didn’t know you needed.

✨ Vibe: cozy, relaxed, great cocktails, local vibes

7. Blossom Street Social (Ancoats)

With its dark interior, giant wine wall and excellent sound system, Blossom Street Social has a vibe all its own. Come for a bottle, stay for the vinyl, and if you're lucky, catch a guest chef running the kitchen for a few weeks.

The team here know their stuff – whether you're after a punchy red or something light and citrusy, they’ll help you find it without a hint of snobbery.

✨ Vibe: creative menu, original food presentation, laid-back beats, modern setting

8. Flawd (New Islington Marina)

Flawd is a small, canalside spot where the natural wine flows and the food quietly impresses. No reservations, no pretension – just excellent wines by the glass and a menu of small plates that change regularly.

It’s buzzy but not chaotic, and the outside terrace by the water makes it feel like a little European escape in the middle of Manchester.

✨ Vibe: relaxed, small, big natural wine selection, small plates, earthy

9. Erst (Ancoats)

A stylish, modern wine bar with some serious foodie credentials, Erst does natural wine and small plates with meticulous care. It’s a compact space with big ambition – the kind of place where everything feels thought through, from the playlist to the glassware.

Grab a seat at the bar for the best people-watching, and don’t be afraid to ask the team for their wine-by-the-glass picks – they’re usually spot on.

✨ Vibe: Michelin guide, great service, simple, amazing flavours, modern setting

10. KERB (Ancoats)

Minimalist, chic, and undeniably cool, KERB is both a bottle shop and a natural wine bar where the selection changes with the seasons. The curved peach walls and glowing shelves full of bottles make it a great escape from Manchester’s moodier weather.

It’s small but stylish, and their tasting nights are low-key but lively – great for anyone curious about getting into natural wine without the jargon.

✨ Vibe: vibrant, young, great service, great natural wine selection

11. Wolf at the Door (Northern Quarter)

More than just a wine bar, Wolf at the Door is a buzzing late-night hangout with tacos, bao, and a cocktail list that goes way beyond basic. But look a little closer and you’ll find a thoughtful range of natural wines too.

Whether you’re sat downstairs among the graffitied walls or upstairs under the full-size canoe (yes, really), it’s one of the best late-night spots for good food and even better people-watching.

✨ Vibe: vibrant, good food, pub-ish / bar vibes

12. The Jane Eyre (Ancoats)

Chic, lofty, and just the right level of grown-up, The Jane Eyre is everything you want in a date-night spot. The space feels grand, the staff are warm and genuinely welcoming, and the crowd is a little more "old friends catching up" than "Booze Britain on tour".

Recently refurbished, the place feels polished yet relaxed – ideal for sipping a glass of wine and enjoying a proper chat without shouting over the music.

✨ Vibe: casual, relaxed, friendly, great food

In the End

Whether you’re looking to unwind, go on a date in Manchester or simply looking to have some fun, Manchester’s wine bars offer a rich mix of vibes, vintages and very good company. There’s room here for both discovery and comfort – whether you're into funky pet-nats or a glass of something classic, you'll find your pour.