The Hawthorn Bottle Shop and Tasting Room — Restaurant in Helena

If there’s a cornerstone of Helena, MT’s vibrant nightlife, it has to be The Hawthorne wine bar, managed with charm and expertise by owner Colleen. This exquisite gem of a bar harmoniously marries a rich historical ambiance with contemporary elegance, creating an environment that is both soothing and stimulating.

The moment you step into The Hawthorne, you’re greeted by the soft notes of jazz music, creating a sophisticated, relaxing backdrop for the evening. The tasteful decor reflects Colleen’s keen eye for detail, with the polished oak bar counter and plush leather seats adding to the bar’s distinctive character.

However, what makes The Hawthorne truly special is its dedication to providing an exceptional wine experience. The wine list is a testament to Colleen’s passion for viticulture, presenting an impressive variety of wines from around the world. Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or just beginning your wine journey, the knowledgeable and welcoming staff guide you through your selection, ensuring you discover new flavors and deepen your appreciation for wine.

But it’s not just the wines that stand out at The Hawthorne. It’s the sense of community that Colleen has cultivated. A visit to The Hawthorne isn’t just a night out; it’s being part of a story, a family. It’s the shared laughter, the clinking of glasses, the lively conversations, and the quiet moments of reflection that make every visit unique and memorable.

In a world where experiences are increasingly standardized, The Hawthorne, under Colleen’s passionate stewardship, stands out as a testament to authenticity and quality. It’s not just a wine bar, it’s a home away from home. And that is what makes it not just worth visiting, but...

While 4 of my friends and I were driving from Glacier National Park to Minneapolis we stopped in Helena for a quick look around. While walking down the pedestrian mall we saw people playing bean bag toss outside of this unsuspecting storefront so we decided to go in.

The whole place smelled of bread and lets just say it was love at first sight. We enjoyed flights of wine with snacks that paired perfectly. After being in the wilderness for a week it was a much welcomed "splurge" that made us feel like we were at a top wine bar in the Twin Cities. What made it even better was the hospitality that met us immediately.

By the way this happened over a year and a half ago and I still remember my experience (even after a few glasses of wine) vividly and tell people about it as it was a highlight of my trip.

Thank you for a memory I enjoy to this day and...

We just had our wedding reception in their private mezzanine. Good snacks, good wine good atmosphere. They are reasonably priced for what you get, which is a lot. They let you bring in outside food if they don't have it (we had cake, brownies and cookies from vanilla bean). Both ladies working (the owners) were great. Very professional and just nice people. They were great to work with when we checked out the venue, during setup and the event. No one's drink was empty long and they made sure everyone had fun. If you want to have a relaxing, chill, fun event, I highly recommend. Honestly 10 out of five stars. It was amazing. And I know it sounds like I'm exaggerating or just overly praising. But everything went so smooth, and with so little stress, I'm just on cloud nine with them and I had to...