Best 5 Wine Tasting Spots in Dublin That Will Make Anyone Feel like a True Sommelier
I’ve always been charmed by the idea of wine tasting, but the thought also intimidated me. When I ponder it, I get kinda scared of overly luxurious places where my inexperience would embarrassingly be in the spotlight.
Which is why I was so surprised when I finally tried it! After checking a few wine tasting spots in Dublin, I realised that it’s no monster to be scared of and that the city had many hidden gems. I hopped from place to place, from classy to cosy, and had excellent sips!
If you’re looking for a laid-back evening with bold reds and crisp whites or are on the search for great food to pair with your drinks, here are the best wine spots around the city!
La Cave Wine Bar and Restaurant
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Website: https://lacavewinebar.com/
Contact: +353 1 679 4409
Address: 28 Anne St S, Dublin 2, D02 DX39, Ireland
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Sat: 12pm to 4pm – lunch/ 4pm to 11pm – dinner/ 12pm to 11pm, 2am – wine bar
- Sunday and bank holidays: 2pm to 11pm – dinner and wine bar
I kicked off my wine tasting adventure at La Cave Wine Bar and Restaurant. It’s the oldest wine bar in Dublin, so I figured I can’t go wrong with their long-standing menu. Tucked just off Grafton Street, its cosy atmosphere made the experience better.
With over 350 wines on their list, I didn’t have a hard time choosing a drink. I first tried something fruity and zesty, like Valpolicella and Graves Blanc, both of which I found to be fruit-forward and refreshing. I ended it with a glass of Saint-Émilion for a bold finish.
Their wines range in price from €7.75 to €24.00 per glass. I also tried their menu, like their platter of French cheeses and Irish smoked salmon. With their wine school, guests can also deepen their wine experience and become true connoisseurs.
| Pro tips: If you’re planning to go, booking ahead via their website is recommended, as it’s a popular spot, especially on weekends. |
The Wine Pair
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Website: https://thewinepair.ie/
Contact: +353 87 981 3586
Address: 79 Clanbrassil Street Lower, Merchants Quay, Dublin, Ireland
Operating Hours:
- Wed to Thu: 12pm to 8pm
- Fri to Sat: 12pm to 9pm
- Sun: 12:30pm to 6pm
I enjoyed a well-curated wine tasting experience at The Wine Pair. The shop had a selection of wines, including reds, whites, and low-alcohol wines. I started with Gran Cerdo Red, followed by La Colombette Rosé, whose berries and citrus flavour I loved!
Despite being a total beginner at wine tasting, the shop’s relaxed vibe made the whole experience better. I joined one of their wine tasting events, and I’m glad I did, as it was expert-led, allowing me to learn a great deal.
The price for a bottle ranges from €15.00 to €75.00, and you can also purchase vouchers as a thoughtful gift to your loved ones. They also offer deliveries, so you can get your drinks straight to your home.
| Pro tips: You can sign up for their newsletter to be informed about their new wines and events. |
The French Paradox
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Website: https://thefrenchparadox.com/
Contact: +353 (0)1 660 4068, [email protected]
Address: 53 Shelbourne Rd, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, D04 XC66, Ireland
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Sat: 10:30am to 10pm (shop hours)
- Mon to Fri: 12pm to 3pm and 6pm to 10:30pm (restaurant weekday hours)
- Sat: 12pm to 10:30pm (restaurant weekday hours)
The French Paradox is a charming wine cellar on Shelbourne Road. It’s a rustic and cosy bistro with walls lined with bottles of curated French wines. They offer wines from €17 to €135, along with a French menu featuring a selection of cheese and charcuterie.
With such a large collection, I didn’t know what to choose. Thankfully, they have friendly and experienced staff who introduced me to the best spirits. I especially loved Château Hourbanon and Bourgogne Pinot Noir from their Bordeaux and Burgundy collection.
I was also in for their raclette night, which I enjoyed with a glass of Château du Donjon. The intimate ambience and choice of drinks make it the perfect place for those seeking an authentic French wine experience.
| Pro tips: It’s a cosy spot that’s perfect for intimate gatherings, so making reservations is a smart move. |
Fallon & Byrne – Wine Cellar
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Website: https://www.fallonandbyrne.com/
Contact: +01 472 1012, [email protected]
Address: Exchequer St, basement, Dublin, D02 RY63, Ireland
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Wed and Sun: 12pm to 10pm
- Thu: 12pm to 11pm
- Fri to Sat: 12pm to 12am
Fallon & Byrne is a charming escape from Dublin’s busy streets. I expected a laid-back time with some good drinks, and they did not disappoint! Besides wine, they also offer food options like cheese, pizza, and main courses such as bolognese and coppa.
Among their wide selection of over 300 bottles, my favourites were the fresh and fruity Famille Perrin Luberon Rose and Champs de Fleuret cause I think they were perfect for the food I ordered.
The place was warm, and I was glad that I didn’t have to be a wine expert to enjoy their drinks. Their accommodating staff was more than happy to help me choose the perfect food to accompany my drink.
| Pro tips: They offer a €1 corkage deal every Sunday and Tuesday, so you can buy a drink from their store and enjoy it with your meal at your table. |
Loose Canon Cheese and Wine
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Website: https://www.loosecanon.ie/
Contact: [email protected]
Address: 29 Drury St, Dublin 2, D02 RX95
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Tue: 11am to 10:30pm
- Wed to Sat: 11am to 11:30pm
- Sun: 12:30pm to 10:30pm
I think Loose Canon probably offers the most unique wine tasting experience. They don’t have a fancy menu; it’s a walk-in bar where anyone can enter and order from the menu of the day. With a rotating selection of 10 to 12 wines, everything was new to me.
The shop’s located in a compact space, so it’s easy to strike up a conversation with the staff and other customers. All of it — the vibe, drinks, and food — was refreshing and unpretentious.
I ordered an orange wine and a cheese plate, which were really good! Aside from those, they also offer toasties, meat plates, and other small food items that they have carefully curated to complement their drinks.
| Pro tips: They don’t accept reservations and only have a few seats and tables, so it’s best to come early to secure a spot. |