In these times of 11pm closing time, the good little wine bars have a card to play! (Photo: Alamy Stock Pictures)

In these times of 11pm closing time, the good little wine bars have a card to play! (Photo: Alamy Stock Pictures)

In this period when restaurants and bars close at 11pm, local wine bars offering sharing platters and nibbles, are a sure bet for a successful evening.

It's hard to plan an afterwork or a Saturday night out at the moment... So discovering good wines with good company --both in terms of people and nibbles--is easily a good and unifying gourmet plan. Here's a quick overview of some very nice wine bars, both timeless and more recent, where you can enjoy yourself until 11pm.

Picturesque

Vins Fins is a nice organic and biodynamic wine bar that has been brilliantly run by Franz Dickes and Rostislava Petkova for a few years now,. It was not only impacted, like everyone else, by the health crisis, but was also hit hard by the floods last July. We are therefore very happy that it’s open again in its charming setting in the heart of the Grund and its tasty dishes--special mention for the duck!

Vins Fins: 18, rue Munster, Luxembourg (Grund), T. 26 20 04 49

(All) new

In a small corner of Gasperich, not far from Cloche d'Or, a former member of Vinissimo (Lucas) has decided to start his own little wine bar with a very nice name: De la Vigne au Verre. He offers a selection of Italian and French wines, mainly from young estates, to take away or to taste on the spot with some nibbles...

De la Vigne au Verre: 21, rue Evy Friedrich, Luxembourg (Gasperich), T. 691 351 008

(Also) new

Wine Not is a vinothèque managed by La Cave des Sommeliers and associated with a Cocottes shop. Opened in the middle of a pandemic it can still be considered “new” and should be tried as soon as possible! A big plus point in addition to the selection of wines: a vast, well-exposed terrace in the very chill Merl neighbourhood.

Wine Not: 4, place Joseph Thorn, Luxembourg (Merl), T. 27 49 59 32 0

Festive!

At Tanja de Jager's long-established venue we not only drink good wine, but we also party! Of course, in the middle of winter and with the current measures, this is more difficult, but Dipso remains a meeting point for anyone who likes to have fun with good wine and good music. Summer Sundays on the terrace are particularly legendary, and the historic setting of the interior is perfect for a meeting with friends, lovers or even business partners.

Dipso: 4, rue de la Loge, Luxembourg. T. 26 20 14 14

Insider (well, so far)

Even if it is often difficult to find a table without a reservation, La Réserve is still a relatively insider address that has so far been passed on only by word of mouth so as not to make things worse (sorry!). A lovely setting, bottles everywhere and a succinct but terribly efficient menu: there’s so much that is great about La Réserve, which also has the advantage of being just a few steps from the Glacis car park.

La Réserve: 23, avenue Pasteur, Luxembourg (Limpertsberg), T. 28 79 83 40

Full package

Not far from there, right on the Glacis, the Barrels also ticks almost all the boxes. The venue is neat, the recommendations and service are as wise as they are friendly, and it has a selection of wines that works well and plenty of food to nibble on. The square and very glassy space is balanced and convivial thanks to the use of warm materials and big barrels (logical!) that add to the atmosphere.

Barrels: 21, allée Scheffer, Luxembourg (Limpertsberg), T. 27 40 21 21

Way down south (and way up)

Drupi's which was already popular with the people of Esch in its former location, is now more attractive than ever in its new, central setting in the middle of the Rue de l'Alzette. A neat and cosy setting, a selection of beautiful bottles and tempting small plates: a combination that is rarely found in Esch-sur-Alzette. It's a safe bet that the place will be one of the HQ's of good wine (and local spirits) lovers during the Esch2022 European Capital of Culture year.

Drupi's: 26, rue de l'Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette, T. 661 404 071

Not to be missed

Last but not least, another quality wine bar in Luxembourg City is Vinoteca, where true connoisseurs have been meeting for many years. The selection is always impeccable, with a range of timeless vintages and new discoveries. As for the food, it includes a nice entrecote which is not to our disliking…On sunny days, the terrace, with its unobstructed view of the surroundings, is one of the best spots in the capital for lunch or a lingering aperitif.

Vinoteca (Bar): 6, rue Wiltheim, Luxembourg (City Centre), T. 26 86 44 34

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This story was first published in French on . It has been translated and edited for Delano.