Spotlight on Local: South Wake’s Wine Bars Offer Community, Culture, and a Chance to “Wine” Down
From intimate lounges to vibrant downtown hubs, wine bars in Holly Springs, Apex, and Fuquay-Varina showcase diverse wines, local music, and gatherings that bring neighbors together.
Holly Springs, NC, Sep. 26, 2025 — Wine bars have steadily grown in popularity across North Carolina, finding a particularly welcoming audience in Wake County. Unlike traditional bars or restaurants, wine bars offer a slower pace, a curated experience, and the chance to connect with others over a shared glass. In South Wake, covering towns like Holly Springs, Apex, and Fuquay-Varina, four wine bars in particular have carved out unique spaces, each reflecting the personality of their owners, their community, and their vision of how wine should be enjoyed.
A Tradition of Community in a Glass
Wine has long been a social connector. From ancient Greek symposiums to the vineyards of France and Italy, drinking wine together has always been more than just about the beverage, it’s been a way to foster conversation, friendship, and community. That tradition continues today, with modern wine bars carrying forward the idea that sharing a glass of wine creates space for laughter, connection, and reflection.
In South Wake, wine bars are keeping that history alive. Tastings, themed events, and live music create opportunities to not only try something new, but also to bond with neighbors and make new friends. It’s a modern expression of a timeless practice: building community one glass at a time.
Wine 100 – A New Downtown Anchor in Holly Springs
Wine 100, the newest of the group, opened its doors in Holly Springs in late 2023 and has quickly become a centerpiece in the town’s Village District. Owners Joe and Laura Sherrier, along with General Manager and industry veteran Bob Kaufmann, focus on boutique wines that deliver both value and surprise. Their “Fun Zone,” an automated wine dispensing system featuring 16 rotating selections, gives guests the freedom to taste or enjoy a full glass at their own pace.
Customer favorites change frequently thanks to the constant rotation of wines, but that’s exactly the appeal. Guests know that each visit brings new varietals to try, whether by the ounce, glass, or bottle. Events like Wine Down Wednesdays and large-format tastings, where dozens of wines are poured in one evening, have built a loyal following, while live music on the patio rounds out the experience. For many, Wine 100 has become as much about discovery and atmosphere as it is about any single bottle.
Niche Wine Lounge – Holly Springs’ “Cheers”
For more than a decade, Niche Wine Lounge has been a fixture in Holly Springs, with owner Ted Powell transforming what began as a retirement hobby into a beloved gathering spot. With rustic, eclectic décor and a reputation as the town’s “Cheers,” the lounge draws customers ranging from 21-year-olds to couples in their 80s.
Niche sets itself apart with music, hosting national acts alongside first-time performers, and a cocktail program led by general manager Andy, whose Old Fashioned has become a customer favorite. While the bar stocks more than 100 wines by the glass, patrons rave most about the handcrafted cocktails, which have given Niche as much of a reputation for mixology as for wine. Add in themed holiday decorations and the freedom to bring in food from local restaurants, and it’s no surprise regulars call it their “happy place.”
Peak of the Vine – Apex’s Downtown Gem
In historic downtown Apex, Michelle and Nikola Phoenix have been welcoming guests to Peak of the Vine since 2016, after moving from California with the dream of opening a wine lounge that felt both worldly and intimate. Their slogan, “There are no strangers here, only friends you haven’t met,” sums up the atmosphere perfectly.
The Phoenixes curate an eclectic wine list with classics like Bordeaux and Champagne alongside rarities such as orange wines and offerings from lesser-known regions and independent winemakers. Their goal is to bring wines to Apex that patrons may never otherwise encounter, ensuring that every visit has the potential for discovery.
Peak of the Vine also plays a major role in downtown Apex’s social life. From romantic date nights to lively evenings filled with music, comedy, and even flamenco dancers, the bar doubles as both a wine shop and an entertainment venue. That mix of eclectic wine and vibrant community spirit has helped cement its place as a destination for locals and visitors alike.
Cellar 55 – Fuquay-Varina’s Education Hub
A few miles down the road in Fuquay-Varina, Bill and Karyl Wigington opened Cellar 55 in 2016 with a different vision: wine as both education and enjoyment. Their tasting room features self-serve technology that allows guests to sample wines and beers at their own pace, and their staff hosts regular classes with winemakers, importers, and brewers.
The Wigingtons emphasize small-production, estate wines made with sustainable, organic, or biodynamic practices. Guests also flock to their craft beer selection, especially on Saturdays when drafts are half-price. Among the most talked-about experiences are the complimentary Friday tastings and the popular Wine Dinners, where food and drink come together in carefully curated pairings. Add in trivia, music bingo, and live music, and Cellar 55 becomes not just a place to learn, but also a place to play.
A World of Varietals to Explore
Across these wine bars, guests encounter both familiar and adventurous options. Popular varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, and Pinot Noir are well represented, giving newcomers a comfortable entry point. But the fun often lies in discovering less common grapes—whether it’s a crisp Albariño, a spicy Nero d’Avola, or a silky Carmenère. Rotating selections and curated lists mean visitors can expect to taste wines they might never find in a grocery store, stretching their palates and their appreciation for the diversity of wine.
Tastings and events are at the heart of that experience. Sampling wines side by side allows guests to notice subtle differences in aroma, flavor, and body, making each sip both an education and an adventure. Combined with the casual, welcoming atmosphere of South Wake’s wine bars, these tastings turn into memorable nights out, where friends gather, strangers become acquaintances, and the love of wine becomes the shared language.
A Place to “Wine” Down
While each of these wine bars has its own style, whether it’s Wine 100’s modern downtown energy, Niche’s intimate music venue feel, Peak of the Vine’s eclectic and lively presence, or Cellar 55’s educational hub, they share a common thread: creating spaces where people can gather, connect, and unwind. On weekends especially, these bars become a go-to destination to “wine” down with friends, meet new people, and enjoy performances by local musicians.
In an area known for growth and change, these four establishments remind residents that community can still be built one glass at a time.
What’s Happening This Weekend
Wine 100
📍 100 E Ballentine St, Holly Springs, NC
🎶 Live Music: On the Patio with Chris Gentri
📅 September 26, 2025
🕖 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
🍷 Complimentary Wine Tasting with Matt Weiss of The Wine Centric podcast and Winebow
📅 September 27, 2025
🕑 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
🎺 Holly Springs Marching Band Wine Pull – Fundraiser
📅 September 28, 2025
🕐 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Niche Wine Lounge
📍 109 N Main St, Holly Springs, NC
🎶 Live Music: Lydia Saint George
📅 September 26, 2025
🕗 8:00 PM
Peak of the Vine
📍 301 N Salem St, Apex, NC
🔗 peakofthevine.com
🎶 Live Music: Luke & Hope Schofield
📅 September 26, 2025
🕗 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM
🎶 Live Music: Steve Vee featuring Keith G
📅 September 27, 2025
🕗 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Cellar 55
📍 1351 E Broad St, Fuquay-Varina, NC
🍷 Complimentary Wine Tasting
📅 September 26, 2025
🕔 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM