Who still goes to clubs? Plenty of people do, but thereβs also a whole new way to enjoy a night out on the town. And it involves wine. The wine bars of Rotterdam come in all shapes and sizes, so why not give them a try and see which wine list and ambiance suits the vino lover in you best.
Words: Gerdien Barnard
Janssen & Van DijkΒ
Being one of the more traditional and best-known wine bars in town, Janssen & Van Dijk also feels a bit like a cosy pub with a French touch. Seek its warmth in winter, or go there in summer and take a seat on the small terrace (or just stand on the street) and watch the world go by.Β
Westewagenstraat 58 (Centre), Open: daily from 11 AM β 11 PM, Tel. +31(0)10-4131144, wijnbarjanssenenvandijk.nl
Verward
Donβt get confused (verward). Though this bar also caters to beer lovers, we guarantee youβll be served amazing wines, too. Owner Ward (still following?) is an experienced sommelier who fancies all-natural Old World wines. Donβt know exactly what to choose? Ward will figure it out and will happily surprise you. Their sidewalk terrace is the perfect place to sip.
Hoogstraat 69a (Centre), Open: Thurs-Mon 2 PM β 11 PM, verward.nl
Vineum
Perhaps more a wine restaurant than a bar, but Vineum (βvinumβ meaning wine) is just as passionate about food as it is about wine. Need proof? For years, the wine list has been among the best in the world, and in 2018 owner David received a Michelin Sommelier Award. For the ultimate autumn indulgence: go to the vine-covered courtyard and get a taste of wine heaven.
Eendrachtsweg 23 (Centre), Open: Mon-Sat 6 PM β10 PM, (Mon-Fri also lunch 12 PM β 2:30 PM), Tel. +31(0)10-7200966, vineum.nl
1NUL8
Itβs a restaurant, itβs a cafΓ©, itβs a wine bar. Furthermore, 1NUL8 is a city centre hotspot to savour a good glass, relax from a shopping spree or unwind after a busy workday. The musicβs playing and (young) people are standing at the bar enjoying their night out. With 11 types of champagne to choose from, expect to hear some popping now and then.
Meent 108 (Centre), Open: daily from 10 AM β 1 AM, Tel. +31(0)10-4123561, 1nul8.nl
LβOuest and Le Nord
With more than forty different wines by glass, wine bar lβOuest gives everyone a chance to try something new. Or go for a βwine flightβ: a small wine tasting served at your table, consisting of four glasses (one sparkling) with matching tapas. The owners also run Le Nord, a wine shop and bistronomy (bistro/gastronomy) with great food and, of course, an extensive wine list.
LβOuest: Van Oldenbarneveltstraat 139 (Centre), Open: daily from 11:30 AM β 10 PM, Tel. +31(0)10-2807206, louest.nl
Le Nord bistro and shop: Molenwaterweg 5a and Provenierssingel 32a (North), Tel. +31(0)10-2654438, lenord.nl
Mendoza
As you would expect with a name like Mendoza, this wine bar takes you (back) to Argentina, one of the worldβs biggest wine countries. And of course, an Argentinean wine comes with great South American snacks, often from the barbecue. The terrace on the lake is the perfect place for lovely autumn nights (blankets available) with a good glass of wine.
Weissenbruchlaan 149 (Hillegersberg), Open: daily from 12 PM β 11 PM, Tel. +31(0)10-4613855, winebarmendoza.nl
De Avonden
This cosy neighbourhood wine bar makes you feel at home immediately. De Avonden (evenings) is a great place to catch up with friends, ring in the weekend or celebrate an ordinary Wednesday. More than twenty different wines are all sustainably produced, and owners Petra and Seb can pair every glass with delicious bites.
Kleiweg 48b (Hillegersberg), Open: Wed-Sat 4 PM β 11 PM, Sun 2 PM β 10 PM, Tel. +31(0)10-2104495, wijnbardeavonden.nl
Tasting rooms
Besides great wine bars, the city has amazing wine shops with hundreds of bottles to take away or enjoy on the spot. These tasting rooms serve plenty by the glass, and the waiting staff has all the knowledge youβd expect from true vino fanatics. Ask them anything you would like to know, let them help you discover new favourites and enjoy unique flavours combined with tasty appetisers, surrounded by the best bottles.
Lenselinq
According to Lenselinq, wines should be authentic and pure. They love wines from European family wineries that work with local grape varieties. Therefore, youβll only taste wines made purely on the grape and based on natural fermentation and the winemaker’s knowledge and skills. Owners Martijn and Chris know every winemaker by name and can tell fascinating stories about every winery they work with. Take a seat inside or on the terrace and feel Europeβs uniqueness warm your heart.
Haagseveer 32 (Centre), Open: Thurs-Sat 12 PM β 10:30 PM, Sun 1 PM β 8 PM, Tel. +31(0)10-7370011, lenselinq.nl
Harries
Owner Harrie isnβt just another wine lover who opened a shop β heβs one of the few βwine godsβ of Rotterdam who worked at the cityβs Michelin-starred restaurants. At Harries Wine & Deli, you walk into a culinary, hospitality and wine heaven. No less than 150 types of wines and 12 champagnes are waiting for you, so discovering special and less well-known grape varieties is guaranteed. Combined with excellent bites (from cheeses and charcuterie to caviar), youβll probably be staying a few hours longer than plannedβ¦
Hoogstraat 63a (Centre), Open: Mon 12 PM β 10pm, Tues-Sat 11 AM β 10 PM, Sun 12 PM β 8 PM, Tel. +31(0)10-3417422, harries-wine-deli.nl
Wijn aan de Kade
Exclusive wines, everyday wines, champagnes and the very best from Burgundy, Bordeaux and even Azerbaijan. Owner Leon and his son Seb know whatβs good, but are far from wine snobs. Honest advice in a language even novice drinkers can understand; thatβs what Wijn aan de Kade (wine on the quay) offers you. The stylish, modern shop is a good address for an alcoholic present for yourself or others. On the first floor, youβll find the tasting room, used for regularly scheduled wine tasting events.
Admiraliteitskade 80 (Kralingen), Open: Tues-Fri 11 AM β 7 PM, Sat 9:30 AM β 5:30 PM, last Sun of the month 12 PM β 5 PM, Tel. +31(0)10-3133430, wijnaandekade.nl
Featured picture by EG Photography
