Where to drink mulled wine in Melbourne this winter

Intimate CBD cocktail haunt Bar Clara has brought back its famous mulled wine this winter: a comforting concoction of red wine, spiced syrup, cacao nibs, cherries, winter spices and fresh orange to garnish. It's the only thing we need on a freezing winter's day after work. Can't be bothered getting off the couch? No stress! Mulled wine delivery is also available, and all you need to do is it heat it up and pour. Visit here to stock up for a Netflix 'n' mull sesh.

Where to find: 87 Little Bourke St, Melbourne

One of our reviewers once called Goldy's Tavern "the Benjamin Button of pubs" – a credit to the venue remaining cooler than ever 150 years since first opening. This winter, it's once again serving up hot ladles of super comforting mulled wine – perfectly enjoyed, of course, in a pub that boasts cute dogs, fireplaces and all those warm and cosy vibes to get you through the colder months.

Where to find: 66 Gold Street, Collingwood

Queen Victoria Market's beloved Winter Night Market is officially back and in full swing – and until August 27 you can spend cosy Wednesday evenings enjoying live entertainment, huddling around open fires and feasting on goodies from a selection of global street food stalls, trucks and festival bars. And when you get thirsty, there'll be rivers of hot chocolates, campfire cocktails and – you guessed it! – marvelous mulled wine to sip and savour.  

Where to find: Queen Victoria Market, corner of Queen Street and Therry Street, Melbourne

Watch rowers and GoBoaters glide past with some hand-held climate control. Riverland's mulled vino is classically spiced and made with red wine and Frangelico, so it really hits the spot. Craving something a bit sweeter? You can also grab a boozy hot Milo or brandy-spiked Biscoff bevvie. Yep, we could definitely sit here all night long.

Where to find it: Federation Wharf Vaults 1-9, Melbourne 3000

Your fave boozy Brunswick dive just got better thanks to a sweet drop of winter goodies to tide you by until spring. Think $12 mulled wines, belly-warming seasonal cocktails, a hot DJ and music program to keep the dancefloor thriving, plus a brand new heater in the back corner of the smoking patio. We likey.

Where to find it: 528B Sydney Rd, Brunswick

Name a more cosy spot to enjoy a mulled wine than Mill Place Merchants. Hidden down a CBD laneway, this candlelit speakeasy-style bar offers the perfect setting to savour a glass of mulled wine. Their housemade version combines a heady concoction of red wine, fresh orange juice and zest, honey, star anise, cloves and cinnamon, creating a rich, fragrant blend. It's best enjoyed from Thursday to Saturday, where you can kick back in one of the plush chairs and listen to live jazz.

Where to find it: Off Flinders Lane, between Elizabeth St and Queen St, Melbourne

Take a stroll over the Evan Walker pedestrian footbridge and you’ll notice something happening underfoot. No, it’s not the tourist boats zooming down the Yarra River. It’s Ponyfish Island, the much-loved (and hugely popular) riverside bar that’s latched underneath the busy thoroughfare. If you think it looks chilly by the water though, think again: just in time for winter, the bar is slinging their OG mulled wine for $11 a cup. Yum!

Where to find it: Evan Walker Bridge, Southbank

Going out on your own is something most people avoid, but then a venue like Willows and Wine comes along to make a solo mission seem downright desirable, perched with a book in one hand and a drink in the other. We’re talking about West Melbourne’s beloved bookshop bar, which is the perfect solution for homebodies who want to get out more. We honestly can't think of anything more idyllic than a big fat pageturner and a glass of mulled wine, which is exactly what you can get here. 

Where to find: 315 Victoria St, West Melbourne

Each winter, Grazeland transforms into the ultimate winter wonderland complete with roving performers, live music, cosy eats and falling snow (yes, really!). Fuel up on warming snacks like hot chocolate fudge brownies, currywurst and mac 'n' cheese, before grabbing a spice-infused mulled wine and huddling around a firepit. Grazeland is better than ever this year with a brand-new epic value meal deal ($25 gets you a main and dessert), plus live screenings of NRL and AFL games all season long.

Where to find it: 20 Booker St, Spotswood

If the perpetual line snaking out from its entrance is anything to go by, Section 8 is one CBD treasure that never gets dusty in spite of its age. It's also a reliable spot to grab a mulled wine with friends in the cooler months. Next time you find yourself hankering for a proper German glühwein, rug up in your warmest jacket and head to Tattersalls Lane to enjoy this lively open-air bar's refined mix of vino, triple sec, star anise, brandy, cardamom, cinnamon and cloves. 

Where to find: 27-29 Tattersalls Ln, Melbourne

How good is West Footscray's award-winning Harley and Rose? Not only is it slinging incredible parmas, epic weekday specials and some tasty woodfired pizzas, you can get a delectable mulled wine (housemade, of course) almost every night of the week. Medicine in a glass.

Where to find: 572 Barkly Street, West Footscray

Neighbourhing Elsternwick Train Station, the Goat House is a friendly suburban locale with heated outdoor seating, a bar and a crowd-pleasing menu of brunch and pub-style dishes available all day long. Not only does this spot do a great coffee, but you can also step in for a 250ml pour of mulled wine and enjoy it by the cosy wood fireplace. 

Where to find it: 272 Glen Huntly Rd, Elsternwick

An award-winning bar and café in South Wharf, the Boatbuilders Yard captures the charm of Melbourne's maritime precinct with a modern fitout housed inside an original historic shed. Its mulled wine is your classic, run-of-the-mill hot stuff that's perfectly spiced and is best enjoyed by the venue's fireplace.

Where to find it: 23 South Wharf Promenade, South Wharf

Collingwood-based bottleshop, wine bar and haven for all things vino, Glou is serving up cups of ze proper glühwein this winter and if it's anything like last year's, it'll be made from a biodynamic drop that makes it all the more smashable. At happy hour (or if you BYO vessel) it's $12 for 200 delicious millilitres. Grab a cup to enjoy in-house, a bottle to takeaway or you can bring a reusable cup for a warming winter stroll. What a cute date night idea! 

Where to find: 310 Smith St, Collingwood

Though Yarra Botanica may be pumping in summer, it certainly knows how to change its stripes come winter. This season, it's hosting adorable movie nights where you can cosy up with a friend, sip mulled wine, watch a film on the projector and take in the city views and glistening lights on the river. There are also bottomless fondue feasts on Saturdays, with all the necessary accoutrements: warm cheese and chocolate, mulled drinks and more. Cute! Find out more and make a booking at the website.

Where to find it: Southbank Promenade, Southbank