EB Wines

We were BIG fans of the original Brunello and were quite sad to see it go. This was our first visit since they re-opened in their new space and, while the space/atmosphere isn't as funky and eclectic as the original space, it's got a pretty good vibe. Pretty sure we were waited on by the owner, who was sooo nice and immensely helpful in assisting us in choosing a bottle of wine to share. He listened to what we like, answered some of our questions, and steered us to an absolutely wonderful bottle. We will be back for sure!

This has quickly become our favorite spot for a date night drink. Brunello Wine Bar is cute and cozy, in the center of Downtown Durham. The space is quaint and not pretentious. The best part is the service, Esteban and Sergio are incredibly knowledgeable and obviously passionate about wine. They will guide you to the perfect glass based on your taste without making you feel overwhelmed or dumb. If you are planning to try more than one, they will even recommend coursing for your glasses. Every visit feels like a wine tasting, we love it!

My partner and I recently did a wine tasting event with the owner, Esteban, and loved it. He was super engaging, unpretentious, and informative. The tasting was appropriate for both a casual drinker and sommelier level, since it was a small group and he was able to tailor his commentary accordingly. The wines selected are those that I would have not been exposed to otherwise which was a real treat - I feel like the tasting opened up a door into a new world for us! It would be really great if they would start offering a bit more food service (e.g., bread and butter, cheese, etc), even if it’s super limited. I know I would come more often if I could get a little nibble with my drink.

We have already been back twice within a week! We loved the wine selection and that all the wines are natural and unique. Esteban was very nice, knowledgeable and helpful in not only selecting wine but giving us great bar and restaurant recommendations. This is going to be our go to spot :)

A lovely wine bar with a wonderful selection of orange wine! I stopped by again on my birthday a few weeks ago, and was warmly welcomed by the owner Esteban. I think Brunello focuses more on the wine than the bar. In other words, it’s a great place to try out and get educated on new wine, but it’s less “vibe-y” as a bar. I wonder if softer chairs/a couch would help. Overall highly recommend!!

Always an amazing time at Bar Brunello. Owner is very knowledgable about wine and has such wonderful stories, information and wines! It is a must if you are a local Durhamite or visiting the city. Cheers!

So so happy that this wine bar has joined my downtown Durham life! Dur-yum is how I feel about this place! As someone who loves wine, being in a beer centered area of North Carolina, it can be a lonely life....But Bar Brunello is here to save the day for me! You can tell this place really does love their wine, and they put a lot of time into picking out the wines they have to offer here too. I would suggest going with one of the wine flights, and if you sit at the bar, the owner will happily guide you through all of the types and add in his own personal story or connection to each wine too. It is like you are becoming part of his family just by sitting there and having wine with him. You know that a person loves their job, when it is just you and one other person in the whole bar and he just can't stop talking about wine. It was just such a nice different type of experience for the downtown area. It is small and narrow inside, so a large group might not be the best here, but if you are into wines at all, this is definitely a spot you should go. We also got a small plate with some very tasty cheese and meat to eat between our wine flights, but not enough food options here to really be dinner. But a great spot for nice conversations and nice wine.

What a lovely wine bar! The bar itself is simple and elegant. The wine list is relatively small, but the most unique I've seen in Durham. Esteban is great at teaching about wine, regardless of your prior knowledge level. His passion is obvious and really makes the experience at Bar Brunello complete.

Brunello Wine Bar is a cool spot. The staff members are knowledgeable and the selection is unique. My husband and I tried a few different pours and enjoyed them all. It is a smaller spot but luckily it was not busy when we visited. If you are in Downtown Durham then check it out.

A really nice wine bar in downtown Durham to grab a drink before or after a show. The seating can be a little tight if the bar is packed, which it was when we went a couple of Saturdays ago. The bartender gave some really good recommendations regarding wine selections. You can order either by the glass or bottle. Nice spot, check it out.

We had good memories of "Bar Brunello" on Main Street before they closed, and were happy to see them open in this location where Jeddah's Tea was. We've been here twice recently, once on a lazy Sunday afternoon and once on a weekday night over the holidays. Both times, we had interesting wines (orange, purple, unfiltered rose, etc.) and nice conversations with the staff. Maggie and Sergio were friendly and conversational, and knowledgeable about their wine offerings. A few parties came and went during our visits, and it looks like some patrons bought bottles as well. There is another wine bar downtown with a more funky, energetic vibe but on these two occasions, we enjoyed the laid back, living-room vibe of Brunello Wine Bar. Yes, we will be back.

I've walked by this spot a handful of times, and never even realized it was a wine bar or somewhere I should explore! My friend and I wanted to try out a new (to us) spot before a DPAC show and Bar Brunello popped up during our searching! It's small but cozy inside. We sat at the bar (there also a few small tables). While we like wine, we aren't fancy wine drinkers so didn't quite know what to expect or order. My friend asked for recommendations based on the types of wine she usually likes, and I was interested in the Flight of Orange Wines. They described orange wines as having a red wine finish but also related them to saison and sour beers. I'm a fan of those types of beers, so I tried it out. All 3 were good, but the KRS Orange Zilavka (middle wine in my photo) was my favorite. It definitely reminded me of a sour beer, but lighter and smoother. I definitely recommend this spot to anyone looking for a unique place to have a drink in Durham!

We came here based on the great Yelp reviews and were not disappointed. We were lucky enough to have Esteban bartending that night! The bar itself is so tiny and intimate, but charming. The wine menu is diverse enough that you'll find something you want, but not too large. Don't even know where to start? Ask Esteban! All we did was tell him what we like in our wine (i.e. acidic, mineraly) and he instantly made great recommendations. He offered us samples first as well! We did not try any food here, but loved the ambiance of the place and Esteban's knowledge!

I went to Bar Brunello for the first time for my Birthday. I had invited a pretty large group of people (around 15-20) and it was a bit of a smaller, more intimate place to go than a place for very large groups. But that being said the bartender was still really nice about accommodating us! We all got drinks and we got to move tables around to sit together. The bartender even set up the space outside, which was the nicest outdoor space I've seen a bar in Durham have! Besides the rooftop, this outdoor space is pretty large and really really nice/pretty! I'll definitely be back to use the outdoor space! I would recommend going here with a few friends or on a date. It'd be a really nice low-key night spot. The wine was good and so were the flights. They're known for their orange wine, so I ordered the orange wine flight. It tasted ok, very different, but I liked just getting the experience to try orange wine! They also had a really good rose flight! I'd definitely recommend it again!

This spot is always a good choice, though some of their recent hires have left something to be desired. For a while you only ever saw Esteban, and every visit was spot on. He's started to hire some staff now, which I'm happy to see, but some have not been great. My last trip in with a friend we found a very unpleasant woman working. My friend ordered a flight of sauv blanc and got no information on the wines. When she asked about them, the response was "It's sauvignon blanc. There's not really much to say." Really? A flight of wines with no story you were trying to convey? I asked for a dry red wine recommendation, and she poured me something, didn't even say what it was, and asked immediately if she could pour me a full glass. Didn't ask if I liked it, nothing. We stayed for the glass and flight and then went elsewhere. Hoping it was an off-night, because this has always been the top wine bar choice in Durham by a fair margin.

My husband and I sat at the bar and had a lovely time sipping wines. It was a very quiet night, so our bartender was more than happy to spend time telling us all about what were were drinking. I tried a flight of orange wines, while my husband stuck to the reds he loves. When we go back, we're looking forward to checking out the patio and getting some of the tappas as well!

Whom would have thought that one of the best wine bars in the world would exist downtown Durham, NC? Fact is Bar Brunello is amazing. Decided to stop in for some wine prior tour dinner arrangement. Met Esteban after entering. He is beyond knowledgeable re his wines. I settled on an orange wine (yes orange) from Alsace - Pirouettes Tutti Frutti. Not cheap by the glass but worth every penny. I am now a big fan of Esteban's bar. Will be back in a few weeks on my next Durham trip.

This was a great wine bar! It's very small, and is very sparsely decorated, but still has a cozy atmosphere. They have a great selection of wines, and the person who helped us was very knowledgeable. We went as part of a group for a birthday celebration, and were able to fit inside with no issues. That being said, if there was another large group we definitely would not have fit inside (there is also an outdoor seating area)

If you're looking for a unique and comprehensive selection of wine, then you won't need to go any further than Bar Brunello! It's a small, intimate location tucked away from the traffic of downtown with bottles literally reaching the ceiling! Looking to celebrate someone/something special? There's a wine for that here. On a date? They've got you. Simply want to have some vino after one of *those* days at work? They're here for you. Each time I visit I'm impressed by the choices available at any price point! I like coming here with friends after work, and we're always bound to meet other interesting people. The owner is super knowledgeable and will help you find your perfect glass for whichever occasion you're visiting for!

A friend and I stopped in here to have some wine, and let me tell you this place does not disappoint! I had a flight of rose, delicious. My friend had a glass of Pinot. Esteban took care of us. He is very knowledgeable and is so passionate about wine. His passion shows and really makes you appreciate how hard it is to really know your wines! Esteban made us feel like queens. We will definitely be back, hopefully next time for date night . Thank you again!

This bar is so cute! It's a little bit small and dark, but I love the decoration/bar design with the bottles against the wall all lined up. This is perfect to host an event too and their appetizers are really good quality! Cheese, nuts, meats. Would go back!

Come for a journey AND wines from all over the world! Esteban is exceptionally knowledgeable but mostly cares about the guest experience. Come enjoy the ride !

Had heard good things and decided to try this place out. When you walk in, the atmosphere made it feel like a little wine shop in Italy or Europe in general. It's a small place with tables, bar seating, and a small outdoor patio. We had no issues getting bar seating at about 9pm on Friday. They offer very unique beer and wine, which was awesome! They also do wine flights, specially orange wine flights which I had never had. The bartenders do a great job of explaining wines and offering you tastes to make sure it's what you want. This place is pretty expensive though, so just know that prior to going in. Will definitely revisit this spot! It was so cute!

So so happy that this wine bar has joined my downtown Durham life! Dur-yum is how I feel about this place! As someone who loves wine, being in a beer centered area of North Carolina, it can be a lonely life....But Bar Brunello is here to save the day for me! You can tell this place really does love their wine, and they put a lot of time into picking out the wines they have to offer here too. I would suggest going with one of the wine flights, and if you sit at the bar, the owner will happily guide you through all of the types and add in his own personal story or connection to each wine too. It is like you are becoming part of his family just by sitting there and having wine with him. You know that a person loves their job, when it is just you and one other person in the whole bar and he just can't stop talking about wine. It was just such a nice different type of experience for the downtown area. It is small and narrow inside, so a large group might not be the best here, but if you are into wines at all, this is definitely a spot you should go. We also got a small plate with some very tasty cheese and meat to eat between our wine flights, but not enough food options here to really be dinner. But a great spot for nice conversations and nice wine.

You will not find this quality of wine at a better price. I have never ordered from the menu; I usually just let Esteban know what mood I'm in. He has more than 20 years of experience and it shows. He always finds something amazing that is exactly right for the occasion. His passion is infectious as he takes you around the regions of the world to explore and expand your wine palate.

Esteban knows his wines and is happy to share his knowledge. A great place to come if you want a glass of wine from places like Georgia (the country), India and Hungary, along with your more expected places of Spain, Italy, Portugal, and, of course, Argentina.

cozy spot with a great calendar of wine tasting classes. delicious and unique flavors with great ambiance.

I had a really enjoyable first experience here. It seemed like a slower night butter there was so much energy and passion that seemed to enhance every Wine glass I had.the owner knows his stuff and is so incredibly welcoming that it is hard not ask for another glass. I am more of a beer drinker but like the occasional wine. Wine tends to overwhelm me and make me feel inferior due to my lack of knowledge. This place is great at appealing to the wine beginners as well as the wine experts. I love how accommodating and low key this place felt. Durham is in need of a go-to wine bar and this is it by a landslide. I hope Bar Brunello plans to stick around!

Wow! Who would have thought that the most interesting guy (& wine collection) in NC would be in the most unassuming "storefront" bar in downtown Durham? Esteban certainly knows his wine and has curated an amazing collection to offer. Couple that with his engaging personality that makes even a novice wine drinker feel at home and you have a winning combination for a night out. But don't go if you are looking for run of the mill, "in every restaurant" kinds of wines, because you can't find them here. The night we visited we had a flight of orange wine that came complete with Esteban's encyclopedic knowledge of the grapes, the process, the country & the winemaker. Such a great experience - if you enjoy wine, THIS is the bar for you!

I love Bar Brunello! Its a cozy little wine bar, perfect for grabbing a drink with friends and catching up. There's a little outdoor area in the back which is super cute and reminds me of a cool hidden spot that you'd find in your favorite big city. Esteban is a super nice guy who is also really knowledgeable about wines. If you don't see your favorite wine on the list don't despair, Esteban will help you find something you like. Definitely check out Bar Brunello. You will love it too!

I love going to this place to get a glass of wine. The owner Esteban is awesome to chat with and he has more knowledge of wine than any other owner/bartender I've come across in Durham. Durham sorely needed a place like this. A chill atmosphere with a touch of class and killer wine. My go-to spot for wine in the city.

This is the best wine bar in the Triangle. The moment you step in you feel at home and the owner (Esteban) always goes out of his way to welcome you. The selection of wines is fantastic and it has a very relaxed feel. Whether you are just hanging out in Durham or on your way to a show at DPAC, this is the perfect place for a glass of wine as a couple or with a group of friends. Highly recommended!

This is our favorite bar in downtown Durham right now. The owner is so knowledgable and friendly and it's a very warm atmosphere. The selection of wines is great and he can tell you all about where they came from and how they were made. The orange wines are so interesting and a great addition to downtown!

It's hard to open a competitive bar in this part of town where sofisticate, edgy, trendy establishments abound. The key to this place seems to be simplicity and quality. The decor is very simple: all white walls, simple square tables and metal chairs. Nothing that makes you say "I want that in my living room or in my kitchen". Nope. The focus of Brunello is on its wines and food. The selection for both is not overwhelming and everything you find has been carefully selected to impress you. The owner is an experienced sommelier and a foodie who genuinely likes to share his passion for quality products. I spent a few hours there with my spouse on Friday and had a really memorable "date night". Spent more on babysitter than at the bar.

This place is awesome!! They have a really unique selection of wine. Having a glass of wine here is like going on an adventure. I've been a couple of times and have really enjoyed it. I think this is a great addition to downtown Durham!!

Fantastic wine selection, unique and inviting atmosphere, and best of all, Esteban's best-in-class service, knowledge, and attention to detail. Not to be missed!

Love this place, it's atmosphere, small plates, and how the owner always seems to predict exactly what kind of wine we want using only our vague descriptions. Try the Dolcetto D'alba Castello Di Verduno along with the Burrata and Prosciutto plate-a combo fit for kings!

I stopped in Bar Brunello while out in downtown Durham with a good friend. We don't spend much time in this area but we happened to walk past the entrance which looked intriguing. We ended up staying for a few drinks as we really enjoyed our wine and talking with the owner. He taught us about a few of his favorite wines on the menu, and the ones we chose were delightful (our favorites were the sparkling wine mix and the Argentinian Malbec). The bar is very new/clean but also has an inviting atmosphere as everyone in there was extremely friendly. We already have plans to return this weekend and I highly recommend Bar Brunello to anyone looking for an unpretentious bar with an excellent wine selection.

Bar Brunello is a great addition to downtown Durham. I recently visited the space for a quick drink and snack with a friend. The interior is simple, clean and appealing. The owner Esteban was extremely friendly and knowledgable. My friend had a glass of wine and I had a flight of the 3 orange wines- unique and interesting. We also had an order of the prosciutto and burrata and the olives. They were delicious and a perfect complement to the wine. The glassware was perfect and the service was extremely well delivered. I will definitely be back.

My wife and I stopped in here only by chance and what good luck that was for us! The owner truly cares about his customers and sharing his knowledge and love of wine. He not only served us great wine but recommended new varieties that we enjoyed and would not have otherwise found. We are looking forward to his classes/tasting events as well as many more fun evenings!

MJ is the best bartender at this bar! She knows wine VERY well and has a great attitude. We love this spot. It is perfect, the personnel and wine are just incredible. Love everything about this place- definitely the best and most unique spot in Durham.

This place just became my favorite wine bar in the triangle. Esteban the owner brings a tremendous amount of knowledge and passion to the table. There were some unique collections of wine, for example, I've never had orange wines before, and the stories the wine themselves possess were fascinating. Come here and find yourself transported to Europe.

Came here visiting from LA and stopped by this spot going to the record store next door. We met the owner, cook, bartender, sommelier... or better known as Esteban. He was very friendly and we had a great conversation about the different wines he had at his place. He was very passionate and basically obsessed with wine so he ended up pouring us a flight of orange wines on the house. Paired very well with our chicken liver mousse and burrata and procuttio. Definitely check it out, cool spot.

Great wine list. My husband and I did a orange wine and rose flight before dinner. The guy behind the bar, Esteban, was very knowledgeable. Really good place to go before or after dinner.

Nice spot, quaint and sincere. The wine is wonderful with many types you won't see on most restaurants. Great spot for a tapa and a glass of vino.

This is the best wine bar in Durham hands down, the owner operator has an incredible selection hard to find wines with an encyclopedic knowledge of all the varietals. Perfect for a date, drink after work, or sharing a great bottle or two between friends. You'll definitely make some memories while sharing your old ones.

Stopped by here the other day. The owner, Esteban, has a good selection of wines and is eager to help your selection. His wines are good and affordable. He is eager to explain that he's not one of those wine bars that look to gouge with absurd mark ups. This is a quality addition to the Durham downtown.

The best - wine selection is broad, great, and service is as good as it gets. What more can you ask for; seriously.

Orange wines, sparkling reds and the most interesting and knowledgeable owner I have met in a long time. So genuine and engaging he has offered untold amounts of information on wines, the region they come from and the best cheese and nut pairings. We ordered a cider that was something we tried without asking for a sample. For my pallet it was less than pleasing. Esteban laughed, removed the item from our bill and our table. Not sure about a wine, just ask and he will inform and often provide a sample before ordering. Great times can be had in this elegantly diminutive wine bar.

Although my wife and I are not connoisseurs, we do love a good glass of wine. And after every visit here, Esteban Brunello has us leaving with an amazing grasp of the wine we tried that night. We come back not just for the wine, but because the owner is fantastic! He is incredibly knowledgeable and just as friendly. We've been going here since it first opened and the quality is just as top notch as day one. The bar is tucked away down Main Street, but the atmosphere is warm and inviting. There are a few tables, but it's worth sitting at the bar to learn what Esteban will tell you about your wine. Can't wait for the weather to warm up to try out the patio out back!

A pretty awful experience especially for the first time in. Walked in hoping to find a cool new spot in Durham and all I found was a wine bar with a selection at big city prices. Ultimately could not finish the glass due to its disappointing taste. Additionally echoes at bars don't mesh well with men who feel the need to speak their opinions loudly. Put a halt in my night I couldn't move on from. Hoping they can work out tweaks as they grow.

I am not a wine connoisseur, but I can say with great confidence that everything Esteban serves tastes amazing. His experience in the industry and expertise with wine and their regions is unparalleled. If you want the best bar atmosphere and wine selection in the triangle, Bar Brunello is the place. Go and support the hardest working bar/restaurant owner in Durham. As he would say, socialize!

Amazing spot!! The owner, Esteban, is so friendly and immensely knowledgeable and passionate about wine - he offers a very international wine list with many unique options! The atmosphere is small and quaint and perfect, and the snacks are delicious. Highly recommend!!

Esteban is the Besteban!! We sat at the bar on a Saturday afternoon and had a wonderful experience tasting wines and chatting with the main man, Esteban, on all things wine. Wonderfully educational and fantastically delicious, this establishment is everything I'd hoped for in a local wine bar. Main take away? Orange wines are wonderful- try them all. Thanks for introducing us to Scheurebe and drinking Sangiovese out of ceramic bowls! We will be back!

Love the simple atmosphere and the owner was just a pleasure to speak with. Super knowledgeable and fun to talk to. Tried a few olives and a nice exotic German beer, would recommend to anyone as one of Durhams hidden gems!

My husband and I went here on a date night and absolutely loved it. The attention to detail (different shape glass for every wine), the decor, and excellent service made our experience outstanding. We will definitely be back!

What a lovely wine bar! The bar itself is simple and elegant. The wine list is relatively small, but the most unique I've seen in Durham. Esteban is great at teaching about wine, regardless of your prior knowledge level. His passion is obvious and really makes the experience at Bar Brunello complete.