Obladee Wine Bar
If you’re visiting Nova Scotia for the first time—or the first time in some years—you might be surprised to learn that the Atlantic Canadian province has a burgeoning wine scene that is only growing in quality and quantity.
There are plenty of vineyards in Nova Scotia producing excellent bottles (especially in the white wine department—ever heard of Tidal Bay?) but if you’re short on time you can find local wine tastings at various bars and restaurants right in Halifax proper.
Looking for the best spots in Halifax to taste local Nova Scotian (as well as international) wine? The following wine bars and wine-focused restaurants will be your best bet for sampling local grapes in a beautiful pretentious-free setting:
Obladee Wine Bar
Obladee Wine Bar is one of the only true wine bars in Downtown Halifax in the traditional sense; the cozy space places emphasis on local and sustainable wines with dozens of different options available by the glass and friendly staff available to guide you if you’re unsure. Feeling peckish? Don’t worry. Obladee also offers a selection of small bites and sharing plates, like local seafood dishes and charcuterie boards as well.
The Bicycle Thief
Located right off the waterfront within Bishop’s Landing, The Bicycle Thief is one of the most well-loved restaurants in the city. The premium restaurant specializes in local and seasonal fare but also offers a very good selection of Nova Scotian wine (it’s also right across the way from the Bishop’s Cellar should you want to buy a souvenir bottle of local wine to bring back home). The restaurant has a great patio come summertime as well as a more casual sister bar that pops up across the boardwalk called Bar Sabbia where you’ll find unobstructed views of the harbour and chilled wines by the glass or bottle.
Peacock Wine Bar
Self-described as a “new kind of wine bar,” Peacock Wine Bar offers one of the biggest selections of rare and hard-to-find bottles in the city. The high-end wine bar is quietly tucked into the new Queen’s Marque neighborhood and alongside its wine selection also boasts a local-focused menu with plenty of options for sharing (be sure to try the oysters!).
The Ostrich Club
The Ostrich Club in the Hydrostone Market is one of the most well-loved spots for indulging in the city—and it’s easy to see why. The cheeky bar and restaurant has a very thoughtfully curated wine list that focuses on low intervention and sustainably made bottles and a welcoming staff that can help guide you through your tasting. It’s also worth noting that The Ostrich Club offers an incredible brunch menu with unique menu items like the hot duck sandwich and shrimp dumplings.
Bar Kismet
Bar Kismet is one of those venues putting Halifax on the international stage when it comes to fine food and drink. The seafood-driven bar and restaurant has made it onto multiple best-of lists since first opening its doors just over five years ago thanks to its thoughtfully curated mostly-natural wine list and approachable East Coast-inspired dishes like tuna tartare and allumettes fries and leek and shrimp pappardelle.
