When it comes to drinking when dining out, by-the-glass options can often be limited, with vino lovers having to fall back on the house brands or argue over which bottle to share with their fellow diners. Ordering wine per glass is a more responsible option if driving home, plus it allows guests to enrich their experience by sampling a variety of names and styles. Making more wines available by the glass is also a great way for restaurants to give wine farms exposure for offerings that might be a bit pricier by the bottle.

So, whether you’re designated driver and want to make your one glass really count, or if you’re after an evening of exploration, here are some of our picks for South African eateries with great selections of wine by the glass.

9th Avenue Bistro (Morningside, Durban)

Their food is top-notch and so is the wine offering. This popular bistro takes its wine very seriously – and even has a Platter’s Wine Guide available on request. The carefully selected by-the-glass section has a wide range of varietals and vintages. Try a glass of Neil Joubert Sauvignon Blanc, Fort Simon Merlot-Malbec, and Pierre Jourdan Brut MCC.

Inside 9th Avenue Bistro. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Belthazar Restaurant and Wine Bar (V&A Waterfront, Cape Town)

This buzzing Waterfront steakhouse offers 200 wines by the glass in one of the largest selections in the country. The menu is equipped with handy Platter ratings and food recommendations. Local and international wines are all served in Riedel stemware and include exciting options such as Steenberg HMS Rattlesnake, Sijnn Touriga Nacional, and Paul René Brut.

Burrata (Woodstock, Cape Town)

With a certified sommelier ready to answer any and all questions, this trendy Italian spot is passionate about wine. Its by-the-glass offering includes an interesting range of methodé cap classiques, whites wines, rosés, reds, blends and dessert wines. There is also a sommelier’s selection that changes regularly. Sip on options such as the hip Dirty Julie Verdelho, Château Lagrezette Malbec from France, or a glass of The Green Man MCC from Silverthorn.

Burrata’s gnocchi with gorgonzola cream, and a glass of Luddite chenin. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Escondido Tapas & Wine (Illovo, Johannesburg)

Tapas and wine go hand in hand at this laid-back eatery. The large selection of wines by the glass is impressive – and pairs well with the dishes served here. Try the Babylonstoren Chenin Blanc, Black Elephant Sauvignon Blanc, Newton Johnson Felicité, and Dieu Donné Cabernet Sauvignon.

Inside Escondido’s impressively stocked wine cellar. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Granita @ Kievits Kroon (Kameeldrift-East, Pretoria)

This restaurant’s charming outdoor terrace is perfect for pre-dinner drinks. The by-the-glass section includes a range of different varietals and wineries. For something sparkling, try a glass of their signature MCC that’s been made with the help of Cape wine producers, or try a crisp glass of their signature rosé. White options include an off-dry Paul Cluver Close Encounter Riesling, while the reds offer a Tormentoso Cabernet Sauvignon.

A seafood dish at Granita. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.