Sip back and relax at these 10 best spots for wine tasting in Newcastle
Long celebrated for its live music and bar nightlife, Newcastle is now drawing attention for something more refined—wine.
Over the past few years, wine tasting in Newcastle has quietly evolved into a thriving scene. These days, you’ll find everything from sleek urban wine bars to cosy and homey drinking spots tucked away on side streets.
Ready to sip your way through the city? Let this guide lead the way.
1. Blackfriars Restaurant
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Website: https://blackfriarsrestaurant.co.uk/
Address: Friars St, NE1 4XN
Contact: +44 191 261 5945
Hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Pricing: £££
Stepping into Blackfriars is like walking straight into Newcastle’s medieval past. It’s housed in a restored 13th-century friary and offers one of the most atmospheric dining experiences for wine enthusiasts.
Their wine-tasting calendar features themed evenings dedicated to regions such as Bordeaux, Tuscany, or Rioja, each led by a sommelier. These events usually include a welcome drink, an introduction to the wines, and their tasting notes.
The atmosphere is calm and well-paced, with the staff being attentive to your needs. It’s a popular place for small groups or anyone looking to learn more about wine without feeling overwhelmed.
| Pro Tip: During school holidays, be sure to drop by and bring the kids along, as they eat for free on these days. Children receive a complimentary main course when accompanied by two adults who order two to three set courses. |
2. The French Quarter
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Website: https://www.frenchquarternewcastle.co.uk/
Address: Arch 6 Westgate Rd, NE1 1SA
Contact: +44 191 222 0156
Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 12:00 PM – 11:30 PM
- Sunday to Monday: closed
Pricing: ££
Located just steps from Newcastle Central Station, The French Quarter is a wine bar that mixes both French and European drinks. Wines are available by the glass, carafe, or bottle, giving you a variety to choose from.
One of its popular features is the rotating wine flight menu. Whether you’re into crisp whites or bold reds, the setup gives you a way to sample a drink without buying the whole bottle. You can choose between pre-set trios or a “build-your-own” flight.
They also sell bottles directly off the shelf. So, if you try something that you like, it’s easy to take one home after dinner. Fortunately, they offer a 15% discount on all takeaway wines, making it a solid option for stocking up without overspending.
| Pro Tip: You can help save the planet while enjoying a drink by choosing their eco-friendly house wines. These are sold in refillable bottles to reduce both waste and cost. |
3. Dobson & Parnell
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Website: https://www.dobsonandparnell.co.uk/
Address: 21 Queen St, NE1 3UG
Contact: +44 191 221 0904
Hours:
- Wednesday to Saturday: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
- Monday to Tuesday: Closed
Pricing: £££
Dobson & Parnell’s wine list leans toward European bottles, and it changes frequently to match their seasonal menus. They ensure that their wines have a balanced acidity that complements rather than overpowers food.
They occasionally host wine-pairing dinners, and the last one I caught featured a lineup of South African wines paired with a five-course tasting menu. The Chenin Blanc and Syrah were the stars of the night, along with spiced lamb and citrus desserts.
Outside of special events, they offer a few perks worth knowing about—a pre-theatre menu that includes a complimentary glass of fizz, as well as a food-and-wine pairing option to assist with your selection. They also offer a bring-your-own-bottle option for special occasions.
| Pro Tips: Bring your own booze every Wednesday and enjoy 3 courses from their set menu or a la carte menu.Drop by every Wednesday to Friday (7:00 PM), Saturday (6:00 PM), and Sunday (4:00 PM) to get two cocktails for only £15. |
4. Sobremesa
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Address: 207a Chillingham Rd, NE6 5LJ
Contact: +44 757 603 3337
Hours:
- Wednesday to Thursday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Friday: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Saturday: 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Sunday to Tuesday: closed
Pricing: ££
Along Chillingham Road, Sobremesa is a cosy, Spanish-inspired wine bar that’s more of a neighbourhood hangout than a polished tasting room. True to its name, the place invites you to linger at the table after a meal.
Their wine selection is almost entirely Spanish. Visiting on any day, you might spot an albariño, tempranillo, or a juicy garnacha. I tried all three, as they were crowd favourites and best sellers.
The Albariño was crisp and citrusy, with a salty finish that paired perfectly with seafood. Meanwhile, the Tempranillo was full of ripe cherry and soft spice.
| Pro Tip: If you’re out for a walk with your furry friend and need a quick sip, no need to worry because Sobremesa is a dog-friendly spot. |
5. Wine Unearthed Wine Tasting Workshops
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Website: https://www.wineunearthed.co.uk/newcastle-wine-tasting
Contact: +44 345 299 8652
Hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Pricing: £££
Wine Unearthed brings its award-winning Wine Tasting Experience Days to Newcastle, hosted at the stylish Hotel Du Vin. These sessions are fun, social, and easy to book, making them perfect for anyone curious about wine without the formality of a class.
Each full-day event includes a guided tasting of 15 wines alongside a 3-course gourmet lunch. You’ll explore food and wine pairing, learn how to taste like a pro, and uncover the secrets of decanting.
Two themed tastings are on offer: World of Wine, a journey across Old and New World styles, and Vine to Wine, which focuses on how wine is made from the vineyard to the glass.
| Pro Tip: Book a Wine Unearthed virtual tasting session, and your ticket includes three full 750 ml bottles delivered straight to your home. This will help you set up for the guided session without having to go out or worry about extra costs. |
6. Fenwick
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Website: https://www.fenwick.co.uk/collections/food-and-drink
Address: 39 Northumberland St, NE1 7AS
Contact: +44 800 783 1783
Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday, Friday to Saturday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Pricing: £££
Fenwick has evolved from a high-end shopping centre into one of Newcastle’s wine destinations. Its rooftop bar, Roof Thirty Nine, hosts wine tastings and is in partnership with Fentimans Botanical Garden, producing garden-inspired plates alongside drinks.
Their Wine Discovery Evenings are ticketed events, typically priced at around £15 per person, where you can sample curated drinks and snacks. These are social experiences that allow you to learn without needing to attend a wine-tasting class.
With seasonal events and special tastings, there’s always something new to discover at Fenwick. It’s a must-visit spot for anyone looking to combine great drinks with creative seasonal dishes.
| Pro Tip: Prefer to shop online instead? Fenwick’s wine section from The Food Hall features a mix of Old and New World bottles. You’ll regularly find offers like 10% off champagne or save 15% off when you buy six bottles or more. |
7. St. Vincent
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Website: https://stvincentnewcastle.co.uk/
Address: 29 Broad Chare, NE1 3DQ
Contact: +44 191 232 1331
Hours:
- Tuesday: 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Wednesday to Friday: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Saturday: 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM, 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Sunday to Monday: closed
Pricing: ££
I dropped by St. Vincent on a rainy evening, and immediately, their interior was the kind that makes you feel warm and cosy. The bare wooden tables paired with soft lighting give off both a rustic and elegant vibe.
The rotating chalkboard lists wine by the glass, making it easy to choose, especially for first-timers. Expect to see red wine from the Loire Valley, orange wines from Georgia, and crisp white wines from Austria.
Food is also a favourite here—burrata with pickled plum, anchovies, bread, and smoky grilled lamb ribs. You’ll also find cheese and charcuterie plates paired with wine, like a Verdejo with Iberico ham and pan con tomate.
| Pro Tip: Arrive early to secure a table for their popular Saturday lunch service (12:00 PM – 2:30 PM). Their fixed-price menu offers two courses for only £27.50 or three courses for £32.50. This features seasonal dishes inspired by French and Italian cuisine. |
8. Victor Indigo November
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Website: https://victorindigonovember.co.uk/
Address: Arch 12 Wellington St, Gateshead NE8 2AJ
Contact: +44 191 468 3203
Hours:
- Wednesday to Saturday: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Monday to Tuesday: closed
Pricing: ££
Victor Indigo November (branded as V.I.N.) is a wine bar that strikes a balance between classic and modern interiors, creating the perfect atmosphere for wine drinking. Paired with live music, this place is a go-to for lounging after a long day.
Their wines are primarily organic and natural, sourced from independent producers across Europe. Examples include the French La Travailleuse from Auvergne or a crisp Marto Weiss from Rheinhessen.
To pair, they offer charcuterie, cheese, and seasonal plates that bring out the richness of the wine’s flavour. I tried their grilled peaches with whipped ricotta and toasted hazelnuts, a dish that’s both sweet and savoury.
| Pro Tip: Sign up for the Vin Club (£95 per box, monthly or quarterly) to get six hand-picked bottles delivered to your door. Membership also includes exclusive bar discounts that can be used at any time. |
9. Banyan Newcastle
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Website: https://www.banyanbar.co.uk/
Address: 3 Monument Mall, NE1 7AL
Contact: +44 191 814 7478
Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Thursday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Friday: 11:00 AM – 12:30 AM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 12:30 AM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Pricing: ££
Banyan is a modern bar right by Grey’s Monument. And while it’s best known for its cocktails, its wine selection is equally impressive. Their list features global selections, including South African Sauvignon Blancs, Argentine Malbecs, and French Chardonnays.
Their menu blends crowd-pleasing classics with seasonal specials. So, you’ll find anything from hearty burgers and pizzas to lighter options, like grain bowls and fresh salads.
Also, they regularly run “Wine Wednesday” promotions, where bottles are discounted by 25%. This makes it an affordable mid-week treat for groups wanting to try something different without breaking the bank.
| Pro Tip: Newcastle University alumni can claim 30% off food and 10% off drinks every Sunday to Friday. It’s one of the best ways to enjoy a full meal or cocktails without stretching your budget. |
10. Jesmond Wine Co.
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Website: https://jesmondwinecompany.co.uk/
Address: 3a Clayton Rd, Jesmond, NE2 4RP
Contact: +44 191 240 1269
Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Pricing: ££
Jesmond Wine Co. is part wine bar, part bottle shop that’s a favourite among locals who like a slower-paced wine session accompanied by a homey, neighbourhood feel.
Their wine list leans toward artisanal bottles and unique European producers, meaning they offer unique and sometimes rare wines you won’t find anywhere else. You can expect gems like Hungarian Furmint or Italian Frappato, alongside Rioja and Pinot Noir.
Guests who discover a favourite wine can buy bottles to take home, often at reduced retail prices. Their seasonal mixed cases, typically discounted by 10-15%, are ideal for those who want to explore beyond their usual selections.
| Pro Tip: Tasting nights also mean discount nights. You get a 10% discount on any bottle you choose. Make sure to keep an eye out for announcements on their website or social media accounts. |