Top 10 Weirdest Wine Bars in the World

As wine bars have grown in popularity, their style has become somewhat homogeneous. If you don’t want to change drink for the sake of changing scenery, here are 10 unusual settings to spread your wine drinking wings.

Cave Bar, Petra, Jordan
Not only is this bar set inside a cave, it dates back to the 1st Century BC and is thought to be the world’s oldest bar. Located at the entrance to Petra, dubbed the ‘red-rose city half as old as time’, the Cave Bar is the perfect refuge after a day of sightseeing. Although the bar is ancient, these days it is run as part of the Crowne Plaza Hotel and consequently has a delectable wine list to enjoy.

Cellier de la Vieille Eglise, Juliénas, France
With the roving vineyards of Beaujolais spreading for miles around, there is hardly a better place to indulge in a drop of wine. Juliénas is one of the Beaujolais Crus (Cru being best), but it is not just the light, fruity taste that is interesting; the winery is set inside a disused 14th century church. Cast aside for being too small, the church is now a fundamental part of Domain Grander’s family-run wine business. Don’t miss the stunning frescos inside.

Bodmin Jail, Cornwall, England
Ever wanted to experience a drink in the clink, but with the confidence you can go home at the end of the night? If so, Bodmin Jail can grant your wish. The jail was built (by its prisoners) in 1779 but closed in 1922. Today, visitors can explore the cells, which have been renovated to provide a glimpse of prison life. After the tour take to the Witness Box Wine Bar for a tipple. The wine list is a decent length and covers an international selection.

Rangali Island, Maldives
The Conrad Maldives Rangali Island has two unique locations for sampling wine. First, is the Wine Cellar, which sits six feet below sea level and is the best place for the resort’s sommelier to take you through their extensive selection. The second choice lies 16 feet below sea where you can sample wine over dinner at Ithaa Restaurant. It is the world’s first all-glass undersea restaurant, and provides 180-degree views of the reef.

Super chilled Champagne in icy surrounds

Below Zero Icebar, London, England
Ice bars are usually filled with vodka sippers but the Below Zero Ice Bar in London runs a special session so that Champagne drinkers can experience the bar’s freezing conditions. Don a designer cape and step into an environment made entirely of pure Swedish ice from the walls to the seats and even the bar. Thermal gloves are supplied and are essential as your Champagne glass will also be made of ice.

Office, Tokyo
If you enjoy the escape of a glass of wine after a hard day at the office, then visiting this bar in Tokyo may not offer too much of a reprieve. Designed to replicate the look of an office space complete with a photocopier, desks, bookcases, filing cabinets and desk lamps, this quirky bar is a surprisingly popular place. Best of all are the views the bar offers across Tokyo.

Runway 34, Zurich Airport
For those who simply can’t wait to board their flight, passengers at Zurich Airport can visit Runway 34 for drinks and dinner in a static airplane.  Dine beneath the belly of the plane, enjoy the Wingwalker aperitif bar or visit the tube of the plane for the Cigar lounge, which has been kitted out in bright red and designed to replicate the interior of a first-class cabin. A good selection of wine is available.

Vernadsky Research Station, Galindez Island, Antarctica
The world’s most southern bar does not rest in Ushuaia, Argentina, but even further south at an ex-British, now Ukrainian run research station, Verdansky. At the spot where the hole in the world’s ozone layer was noticed, you can enjoy libation in a cozy bar that was once fashioned on a British Pub but now has Ukraine’s own style stamped on it. Yes, most people will be drinking vodka, but this is one of the world’s more interesting spots to sample Ukrainian wine.

A glass of wine... in bed?

Bed Supperclub, Bangkok
A glass of wine then bed? Look no further than Bangkok’s funky Bed Supperclub. Offering a chance to wine and dine in bed, the bar has been specially designed with a futuristic and contemporary white theme. Complete with mattresses, customers are invited to take-off their shoes, lie down and feel at home. However, contrary to being a prelude to a good night’s sleep, the bar turns into a full on club as the night progresses.

McDonalds, Mendoza, Argentina
Of all the places one might think to go for a glass of wine, McDonalds is unlikely to feature on the list. However, the delectable wines of Mendoza are so impressive that they truly do deserve to be served with every meal, even if that is a Big Mac Meal. Although you are unlikely to go for more than one glass (though the Malbec is pretty good), the presence of wine in McDonalds is arguably worth a visit at least once?

Would you like some wine with your fries?

Do you know any other weird and wonderful places to drink wine? Let me know in the comments below!

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Biography

This article is brought to you by Jo Fitzsimons from TheFlyingFugu.com She’s part of a team of foodie writers delivering a menu of delights to your inbox: daring delicacies, foodie travel tips and easy recipes to re-create in your very own world kitchen. Sign up for blog updates and follow the Fugu on Twitter @TheFlyingFugu.