Best Of Reykjavík 2018: Best Wine Place

There is one thing abundantly clear from our very scientific drinking research, Hverfisgata is one hot little street right now. After getting massive internal road surgery a couple of years ago, it has come out thriving with a great bunch of watering holes from the casual to the swanky. Reykjavík’s bar scene seems to be shifting towards the latter in general, and the formerly beloved dive-bar trend looks like it’s taking a disco nap. Some facts of life remain the same: alcohol is expensive and that doesn’t stop us from partying. Bottoms up, babe.

Best Wine Place

Port 9

Veghúsastígur 9

A tucked away basement bar with a discrete and secretive vibe, Port 9 has low lighting and lots of dim corners suitable for drinks, dates or general conspiring. It’s also the only self-proclaimed out-and-out wine bar in Reykjavík. “They have a short list of basic, affordable options that are available by the glass,” said the panel. “But if you ask, there’s a more extensive book-length wine list, sold by the bottle. And then if you ask again, out comes a gold-leaf, handwritten book of their fine wines. It doesn’t have prices. So maybe don’t order from the ‘special book’ if you’ve already had a few.”

Runner-Up:

Kröst

Hlemmur

Every joint in Hlemmur has a speciality, and alongside burgers and bar snacks, Kröst prides itself on the wine list. “They have at least six at any given time, and the selection changes constantly,” said the panel. “So whenever you go back, there’ll be something new to try.”

Runner-Up:

Geiri Smart

Hverfisgata 30

This fancy drinking hole is connected to the Hilton Canopy hotel complex and has an unusual wine list focussing on cold-climate wines. There’s a long bar with plenty of space, and it has a swanky kind of feeling, so sip your drink and people-watch whilst role-playing some kind of American Psycho lifestyle. If you want. You weirdo.

Previous Winners

2017: Microbar

2016: Mikkeller & Friends

2015: Skúli Craft Bar

2014: Micro Bar

2013: Micro Bar

Other Drinking Categories

Best Bar For Live Music

Best Wine Place

Best Newcomer Bar

Best Smoking Area

Best Happy Hour

Best Place For Cocktails

Best Beer Selection

Best Place To Watch Sports

Best Place To Start The Night

Best Goddamn Bar

You can buy a copy of the full Best Of Reykjavík 2018 magazine—an essential guide to having fun in Reykjavík—here, posted worldwide. We also have a Special Offer double-pack that also includes our Best Of Iceland magazine, about places to eat, see, swim, shop and stay, all around the country, here.