A Trio of New Raleigh Wine Bars Uncorking on the Scene

A trio of new wine bars gracing the Raleigh bev scene

Like a bottle of fine wine, Raleigh begs to be shared. And that cup—er, glass—runneth over, as a trio of vino hot spots is joining the local lineup of wine bars, throwing in their own fair share of bottles to be split among local wine enthusiasts and aspiring sommeliers. 

Enter Postino WineCafe, Napa at Glenwood Place and Foxcroft Wine Co. Hailing from bustling metro areas around the country, this trinity of grape destinations serves as a harbinger as clear as a crisp glass of pinot grigio: There’s a renaissance uncorking. And, it makes sense, given NC ranks No. 17 in VinePair’s 2024 list of states drinking the most wine per capita.

But before you get your vines in a twist—we know… wine bars and shops are by no means new to the Raleigh bev scene. Established outposts like Wine Authorities, Vita Vite and The Raleigh Wine Shop have strong and long Raleigh roots. But much like sipping six different grape varietals at a wine tasting, these new names augment the selects—with the added bonus of expanded food and drink menus. 

Bowing earlier this summer, Phoenix-based wine cafe Postino was the first to come on the scene in its Village District locale, pouring a rotating list of 30+ wines by the glass, with platters of the brand’s signature bruschetta and charcuterie boards to boot. The space’s cozy interior and yellow umbrella-dotted patio practically transport sippers to an Italian cafe straight off an Instagram feed, delivering a wine bar concept unlike anything Raleigh has seen before—and upping Village District’s attraction factor. 

“It’s important to us that we’re always delivering tremendous value and giving people the opportunity to connect and enjoy,” says Lauren Bailey, CEO and co-founder of Postino parent group Upward Projects. And, naturally, the concept fits right in with the City of Oaks’ excellent F&B offerings, with Raleigh’s “character, amazing dining scene and community” a major draw for the Postino team. 

Now slated for mid-November, Foxcroft Wine Co. has plans to deliver its diverse wine selection and relaxed energy within the former Midtown Grille space at North Hills, making for its sixth location and first in Raleigh. Promising another picture-perfect “vin de table,” the “so serious” wine company serves a stacked list of bottles sourced from every major wine-producing region paired beautifully with its housemade entrees and light bites. 

And the bottle doesn’t run dry there. Charlotte-based wine bar Napa is also answering Raleigh’s call for elevated vino hot spots via its lunch, dinner and brunch offerings. Slated to open at Glenwood Place next year, the wine mainstay was dreamed up by its owners after an inspiring trip to California—and the wine bar/kitchen has proven to be a sweet sipping success, with the Glenwood locale marking its fourth location and first in the Triangle.

“Adding a wine bar to the mixed-use community elevates the carefully curated local atmosphere,” says Morgan Bowie, commercial leasing broker of Grubb Ventures, the developer behind the area. “We’re wanting to provide easy access to essential services while maintaining a strong connection to our local tenants.” 

With all of these wine-centered concepts popping up—and popping off (!)—in varied corners of the city, there’s no doubt about it that the vibe is to imbibe… and we’re here for it. postinowinecafe.com; foxcroftwine.com; naparestaurantgroup.com

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