Where to Uncork Around Raleigh

Local spots to pop some bottles.

By Carlee Nilphai & Lauren Kruchten

While Raleigh may be more known for its craft beer scene, the City of Oaks is no doubt a great place to enjoy some viticulture, what with its plethora of local and national wine bars, well-stocked shops, and top-notch curated wine lists. For palatable pours paired with full-bodied conversations, check out these top sip spots around town.

DRINK
Support family-owned and small-production wines at this hidden Glenwood Avenue gem consistently offering new wines from vineyards that practice sustainable and minimal invasive winemaking. So you can relax and ~un-wine-d~ knowing you’re supporting a good cause. 

Foxcroft
Owned by former professional musician and wine connoisseur Conrad Hunter, Foxcroft only provides the best when it comes to both food and wine. The menu has been created with wine pairings in mind, so you’re guaranteed to have a well-rounded experience. Don’t sleep on the burger—it’s about as good (if not better) of a pairing than charcuterie.

The Hippo Wine Bar
Since a revamp from the team behind Gussie’s, the intimate neighborhood wine haven specializes in low-intervention, sustainable and ethically produced bottles. Sip and stay away with snacks like cheese and crackers, or sign up for a creative pairing class, like how to pair wine with takeout food or pizza. You know, the necessities! 

Pelagic Beer & Wine
Tucked away in Historic Oakwood, Pelagic is a neighborhood fave for grabbing a glass before or after dinner at one of the many popular nearby restaurants—with its cozy patio and casual inside bar. Offering a thoughtfully curated selection of independent craft beer, wine and cider, it’s also a great spot for grabbing some bottles to take home for your next night in. Bonus: It’s dog-friendly!

Raleigh Wine Shop
Pouring a double-dose of knowledge and samplings, RWS is known for its well-organized layout and helpful staff. A fave Downtown for seasoned wine enthusiasts and newbies alike, it boasts a varied selection of vinos from around the world, classes and a wine club—plus indoor/outdoor seating and snacks perf for settling in for a glass before snagging one (or two) to-go.

Ridgewood Wine & Beer
Thoughtfully designed as a place where beer and wine lovers coexist, Ridgewood caters to all—with 1,500+ vinos on offer and 400 different bottled beers. While perusing, belly up to the bar for 12 wines by the glass and 16 beers on draft.

Seaboard Wine
Raleigh’s longest-running independent wine store boasts an extensive selection of fine bottles from all over the world—in a variety of styles and varietals. Not sure what fits your fancy? Tastings happen on the reg, in addition to pairing classes. 

State of Beer
With its impressively good wine selection—and beer, natch—SOB is the perf spot for a two-glass-of-wine kinda lunch (no judgement). Visit the OG Downtown location or the new outpost next to The Bend to kick back inside or out on the patio over bottles and snacks or a signature sandwich. 

Tasty Beverage Company
This classic neighborhood hot spot boasts an ever-growing wine list offering endless ops for all—from bottled classics to modern cans, you’ll find something for everyone in your group. Draft and bottle lists of craft beers round out the offerings—and don’t miss Wiener Wednesdays, dishing a diff dog every week.

Vita Vite
For good vibes and even better wine, look no further than Vita Vite’s DTR and North Hills locales. Part art gallery, part wine bar, the spaces allows you to take in beautiful pieces from local artists while you relax with a refreshing glass in any of the cozy corners—or on the sunny patios. Pro tip: The pimento cheese and crackers are a must pairing.

Wine Authorities
“Life’s too short for grocery store wine.” So goes the MO for the local authority on vino, which offers an ideal outpost to belly up for a glass or pick up a couple of bottles for your next shindig. To boot, while you quench your thirst you’ll be supporting small farmers via estate-grown-only curated picks.