In a beer-dominated market like Rio de Janeiro, wine is slowly gaining momentum among both the locals and tourists, that leads to a rise in wine bars which are selling international wines as well as pushing locally-produced ones to the forefront. There is a list of Rio’s best wine bars which are perfect for a classic wine and cheese night.
This bar is named after the cheese from Serra da Canastra. It serves only Brazilian wines and showcases their incredible diversity. The cozy indoor space and tables scattered outside of Canastra quickly fill up. Its limited seating does not pose any problem to guests that pour out onto the street and use walls as places to lean against. Tuesday is the most popular night with guests arriving 30 minutes before opening to order fresh oysters and the famous rosé wine of Canastra.
This bar offers a popular selection of national and imported wines, the former something which its owner Dominic Perry wants to bring to the wine drinking’s forefront in Rio. One of the most popular wine choices on the bar’s menu is the Brut Champenoise – a sparkling, light, and rounded wine coming from a small winery in the south of Brazil. The bar offers both casual outdoor tables and intimate indoor seating to enjoy a well-stocked wine cellar as well as excellent snacks like the homemade guacamole or the cheese board.
Le Dépanneur, a contemporary blend of bar, bakery, delicatessen, and restaurant, is a modern venue with outdoor wooden decking which leaves a fresh and rustic feel. It is a perfect place to stop for a satisfying brunch, serving authentic French bread and croissants. In addition, the evening offerings of Le Dépanneur are also just as excellent with a range of diverse wines and a wonderful cheese and meat board which easily serves up to three people.