Wine Bar
Unclaimed profileMilly's Wine Bar & Bistro
Minneapolis, MN · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Milly's Wine Bar & Bistro turns wine drinking into a sport with Wine Fight blind tasting flights, from Pro-Pagne to Judgement of Paris. The extensive rotating list spans sparkling, orange, and dessert wines, backed by sommelier-curated cheese boards. House-made shrubs and syrups elevate a small wine-cocktail menu, while local craft beers and thoughtful zero-proof options round out a program that rewards curiosity.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Pro-Pagne Wine Fight to test your sparkling wine palate, then move to Hop Kiwi Hop! For a Sauvignon Blanc showdown. For dessert, the Sauternes and late-harvest Vignoles duo is a sweet finish. Pair with The O.G. Somm Board.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Wine enthusiasts who enjoy a challenge, especially blind tastings and comparative flights. Also appeals to those seeking a curated, rotating selection and thoughtful non-alcoholic options. The cozy, welcoming atmosphere suits casual dates and special occasions.
- When should I go?
- Evenings when the Wine Fight flights are in full swing; summer 2026 menu features rotating selections perfect for warm-weather sipping. Happy hour offers discounts on flatbreads and somm boards, a good time to explore multiple pours.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails $13-$14, Wine Fight pairings $17-$24, dessert wines by the glass $12-$24, beers $8-$12, non-alcoholic drinks $3-$12. Expect to spend around $20-$30 per person on beverages alone, more with food.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The Wine Fight blind tasting pairings are the centerpiece, turning wine education into a playful challenge. The sommelier-curated cheese boards and rotating global wine list add depth, while house-made shrubs and syrups give cocktails a craft edge rarely seen in wine bars.
Beverage categories
We only score what a venue sets out to do. Categories a venue doesn't attempt are left unscored rather than penalized.
Cocktails
A concise menu of three wine-based cocktails, each built around house-made shrubs and syrups. Creative but limited; no full cocktail program beyond wine-based drinks.
Menu strengths
- — House-made raspberry-Thai basil shrub and chamomile syrup show craft.
- — Sparkling wine-based cocktails offer a refreshing, wine-forward approach.
Standout selections
- — Sally, Stay Awhile: Vermouth de Chambéry infused with wild alpine strawberries, raspberry-Thai basil shrub, sparkling wine.
- — Chamomile Kiss: Sparkling rosé infused with blood orange and botanicals, plum and wildflower honey shrub, house-made chamomile syrup.
Pricing: $13-$14
Wine
Extensive rotating list with global sections. Signature Wine Fight blind tastings are innovative and engaging, showcasing sommelier expertise. Dessert wine program adds depth.
Menu strengths
- — Innovative Wine Fight blind tasting pairings engage guests and highlight sommelier skill.
- — Extensive rotating wine list covering sparkling, white, rosé, orange, and red.
Standout selections
- — Pro-Pagne: Three half flutes of Prosecco, rotating sparkling, and Champagne; identify all three.
- — Judgement of Paris: French vs Californian Chardonnay blind tasting.
- — Taylor Fladgate 20 Year Tawny: Aged Tawny Port from Portugal.
Pricing: Wine Fight pairings $17-$24; dessert wines $12-$24
Beer
A compact but well-chosen list of five local and regional craft beers, including a lager, kölsch, hazy IPA, porter/stout, and cider. Reliable, but not a focus.
Menu strengths
- — Focus on local and regional breweries, including Surly and Bent Paddle.
Standout selections
- — Surly Hell Lager: lager, $8 for 12 oz.
- — Harbor Kölsch: From Ursa Minor Brewing, Duluth, $12 for 16 oz.
Pricing: $8-$12
Nonalcoholic
Thoughtful zero-proof program featuring branded non-alcoholic spirits, N/A wine, and house-made shrub sodas. Priced reasonably, with a wide range of options.
Menu strengths
- — Includes zero-proof spirits from Ish Spirits and Aplós for N/A cocktails.
- — Shrub & soda with local Sharab Shrub offers unique flavors like Thai basil and poblano.
Standout selections
- — N/A Negroni: Aplós, Miami, Florida, $11.
- — Shrub & Soda: Sparkling water with locally-made Sharab Shrub, $7.
Pricing: $3-$12
Spirits
No dedicated spirits list; spirits appear only as components in cocktails (vermouth, aperitivo) and zero-proof spirits for N/A drinks. Minimal program.
How it sits with the food
Sommelier-curated cheese boards, like The O.G. Somm Board, are designed to complement the wine list. Happy hour pairs flatbreads and hummus board with drink discounts, though the focus remains on wine-friendly small plates.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
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