The best wine bars in Berlin

Sophisticated wine bars are the new obsession in town, and Berlin prides itself on cosy neighbourhood watering holes focusing on sustainable winemaking or urban chic bars run by knowledgeable sommeliers serving rare labels. Many of the bars support the tradition of local winemaking, representing wineries from Germany’s southern regions, but also from lesser-known areas like Saale/Unstrut, which is a mere two hours from Berlin. Some of the sommeliers have even decided to join forces with local vineyards, and produce their own wine or speciality liquor. However, they all have one thing in common; a meticulously curated list of remarkable wines, whether sourced from Germany or from further afield. As a true aficionado and connoisseur, it is important to know where to go, so we round up some of the best wine bars in Berlin for you.

The tasteful interior with heavy dark wood harks back to the bars and coffee houses from the turn of the twentieth century

Ottorink Weinbar

Andreas Rink has fulfilled his dream as an established winemaker and chef with the remarkable Ottorink Weinbar in Kreuzberg, serving delicious wine and food. The tasteful interior with heavy dark wood harks back to the bars and coffee houses from the turn of the twentieth century, injecting some contemporary pizazz with a bar counter finished with slate from the Mosel wine region, famous for its whites. Wines from Mosel are grown on slate terraces, which give them their distinctive, mineral taste. In addition to wines from Germany, they also serve a variety of wines from other European countries, including unusual bottles of “vin naturel”. Let the knowledgeable waiting staff recommend you some wines to sample, based on your personal palette, preferences and mood

Ottorink Weinbar | Photo: Claudia Schwarz

Take your pick from the selection of rare wines from Spain, France, Austria, Italy or Portugal, and snack while you sip by selecting some delicatessen from the antipasti counter

Hammers Weinkostbar

Hammers Weinkostbar is an intimate, welcoming wine bar and store in Kreuzberg, and without a doubt a local favourite. It is the perfect place for a superb glass of wine in intimate surroundings. The wine menu is well balanced between German and European regions, and sommelier Jürgen Hammer’s selection favours estates with a historical, ecological and sustainable tradition of winemaking. They also serve their own red, white and rosé wine called the “Edition Hammers”, a collaborative effort between Hammers and various wineries throughout Germany. Take your pick from the selection of rare wines from Spain, France, Austria, Italy or Portugal, and snack while you sip by selecting some delicatessen from the antipasti counter.

Hammers Weinkostbar | Photo: Claudia Schwarz

Vin Aqua Vin

Make yourself at home in front of the fireplace at Vin Aqua Vin, a rustic wine bar and shop right at the border of Kreuzberg and trendy Neukölln. The space mimics an inviting living room with an array of antique sofas, big armchairs and plenty of warm candle light. Adjacent to the bar is a well-assorted store with affordable collector’s items from mainly Germany and Austria, but also stock rare European wines. They work directly with winemakers to guarantee an interesting portfolio of wines, ideal for the discerning gentleman. They serve their own Prosecco and also two delicious types of their own Schnaps, made from hazelnuts and cherries respectively.

Vin Aqua Vin | Photo: Claudia Schwarz

Going to Berlin? The same team that brings you the content you love designs your perfect trip

Not only Riesling

Among the most stylish wine bars in Berlin, boasting minimalist, stylish interiors, Not only Riesling can be found in two locations in town, in Kreuzberg and Charlottenburg. They specialise in German whites, ranging from the Rhein region to the Bodensee. As the name suggests, their selection includes Chardonnay, Viognier and numerous other grape varietals alongside the famous Riesling. Their reds include European classics from Austria, Italy, France, Spain and Portugal. Don’t forget to try some Schnaps from local micro-distilleries.

Not only Riesling | Photo: Claudia Schwarz

Weinberg

The best seats in the house in this well-stocked bar and store in Prenzlauer Berg are in the back, amidst bottles, shelves and boxes. Weinberg serves different types of wine from various German regions and also a special selection of Italian, Spanish, Austrian, Portuguese and French wines. Act like a true hipster and taste some of the fancy vodkas or gins on offer, all from local micro-distilleries, which are hard to come by outside of Berlin.

Weinberg | Photo: Claudia Schwarz

Briefmarken Weine

Italian-style nostalgia can be experienced in a former German Democratic Republic stamp collector’s store on the huge, Soviet-esque Boulevard Karl-Marx-Allee in Friedrichshain. By no means, you would expect one of the most charming wine bars in Berlin in this area, tucked away in one of the impressive Stalin-baroque buildings lining the street. Briefmarken Weineserves grand Italian wines alongside simple and authentic antipasti in a welcoming, personable ambience. The owner always has a story to tell about the different Italian wines, explaining the regions and grape varietals. Both the wine menu and the food menu change with the seasons and market availability. Drop by on a warm summer evening to enjoy a glass – or four – al fresco.

Sorsi e Morsi

More than a sophisticated wine bar, Sorsi e Morsi is an iconic Italian neighbourhood spot in Prenzlauer Berg. Attracting a diverse audience, including gay gentlemen and hipsters, this is one of the most buzzing wine bars in Berlin. At a place that literally means ‘wine and antipasti’, opt for a delicious ham and Pecorino cheese Panini to complement a simple Italian house wine such as a Primitivo, or something more sophisticated like a Sicilian Nero d’Avola.