Whether you’re craving a glass of Cabernet or Pinot Grigio, you always have choice in Halifax. Would you prefer a dark basement wine cellar, a breezy seaside patio, or a warm and cozy fireplace nook? And although we're not exactly a wine-making hotspot, there a few regional gems that hit it out of the park every time. If you like bubbles, keep an eye out for Nova 7, which is so popular it’s almost impossible to keep in stock.
This basement restaurant has been around for ages, and is a favourite spot on Monday nights due to their happy hour, which offers cheap (and delicious) martinis! It’s perfect for a girls’ night out or a glass of Shiraz on a cold Saturday. I love going here in the winter because it’s so cozy, with roaring fireplaces and big leather armchairs throughout the space.
Hip, cool and trendy, The Bitter End has a solid wine list and great atmosphere, particularly later on in the night. It’s also one of the few places in Halifax where you can get a decent selection of champagne, if you’re a big spender. Furthermore, their champagne cocktails are the pinnacle of creativity, so don’t miss the chance to try one of those.
Not only is it one of the best restaurants in the city – with the best view of the harbour – The Thief also has in-house sommeliers to assist in selecting the perfect glass of wine (or bottle) for you. Their wine list is pages long, with many bottles you can’t find in stores, and offers rare varieties that even the biggest oenophiles might not have tried before.
Wine is Obladee’s speciality. The wine list boasts countless options from all over the world, although the biggest selection is by the bottle and not by the glass. If you can’t decide, get a flight (a selection of three wines to try) accompanied by a cheese plate. It’s a really fun experience whether you’re super into wine, or just enjoying a night out with friends.
From 4:00 pm onwards, every single day of the week, Niche offers $4 glasses of house wine. Welcome to Nova Scotia alcohol pricing! They also offer both a red and white from Nova Scotia’s most up-and-coming winery, Luckett, which you have to try if you’re visiting the region. Niche’s patio is quite the happenin’ spot in the summer, so I would recommend grabbing a glass and sitting outside if the weather permits.
Lion & Bright is a new favourite with Halifax locals; it has a cozy café atmosphere during day and transforms into a cool wine bar at night. The restaurant’s attitude is friendly and approachable, and they encourage their patrons take the same approach at their communal seating area. Although their wine list isn’t incredibly robust, the options are chosen carefully to pair perfectly with the day’s food menu.
With locations in Bedford and downtown Halifax, Morris East is a no-frills, casual (but cool) eatery, and makes a lovely spot to stop in for a glass of wine. Ask about their feature pour, which is a special wine – normally limited edition or seasonal – that you won’t find listed on the regular menu. If you love whites, try Tidal Bay by Blomidon, another excellent Nova Scotian wine.