Cover Vitis makes for one of the best new wine bars in Singapore to unwind over a glass (Photo: Vitis)
Vitis makes for one of the best new wine bars in Singapore to unwind over a glass (Photo: Vitis)
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From flashy hedonistic escapades to geeky watering holes, these new wine bars promise celebrated viniferous pours that will please even the most discerning of oenophiles
A new wave of wine bars is popping up, each more enticing than the last in the past year. And no, they aren’t just your run-of-the-mill watering holes. Instead, they’re magnetic sanctuaries for wine lovers and enthusiasts. There’s no need to conceal one’s lust over bottles; some carry with them rich stories and heritage while others are simply young and bursting with life.
So grab a glass as these juicy joints invite oenophiles and casual sippers alike to explore the rich world of viniculture where each sip promises to quench your thirst for vinous adventure. Nothing wraps up the day like a nice glass of vino, so say less.
Read more: The 12 best gourmet wine bars in Singapore
1. Vitis
Above The understatedly luxurious space of Vitis is designed by acclaimed interior designer Emma Maxwell (Photo: Vitis)
The understatedly luxurious space of Vitis is designed by acclaimed interior designer Emma Maxwell (Photo: Vitis)
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Jaan, Burnt Ends and the now‐defunct Corner House are just some of the award‐winning restaurants that Singaporean sommelier Gary Low worked at. Now, he has ventured out on his own with Vitis, his bold wager of a bar that spotlights Asian wines and winemakers. Dedicated to those who seek the unfamiliar in their viniferous journey, the debuting wine list, anchored in the diverse terroirs in Asia as well as trailblazing Asian winemakers and producers across the world, is 250‐strong and expected to double in size by the end of the year. On it are the likes of the prestigious Long Dai cabernet blend from Shandong, China—dubbed “the China Lafite”; Vinvie Itoguchi, an aromatic white blend from Nanshin, Japan; and a peculiar sangiovese bianco from Fratelli Wines in Sandhan Valley, India.
The space, designed by acclaimed interior designer Emma Maxwell, feels understatedly luxurious, with Devialet speakers parked at every imaginable corner, and a discreet private room that seats up to eight guests. From the kitchen, Burnt Ends alumnus chef Kenneth Lim presents a lip‐smacking series of Asian tapas, including hits such as the chutoro tart, as well as sharing plates such as kicap manis (sweet soya sauce) short ribs and even Cantonese‐style steamed fish.
Vitis
Address: 7 Fraser Street, #01-46/47, Duo Galleria, S(189356)
2. Le Clos
Above Le Clos is a laid back wine gastrobar in the trendy New Bahru (Photo: Le Clos)
Le Clos is a laid back wine gastrobar in the trendy New Bahru (Photo: Le Clos)
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When contemporary French restaurant Clos Pasoh bowed out at the end of 2023, founder Jean‐Christophe Cadoret set his sights on opening a wine bar to keep his fervent passion for vino alive. But his is not just any wine bar. Offering more than 800 labels, the laid‐back Le Clos, which opened this September in the trendy New Bahru, lets oenophiles tailor their wine experience according to budget as well as acquaint themselves with a diverse selection of French wines.
Easy‐going everyday bottles from Jura and Beaujolais may tickle the fancy of modern wine enthusiasts, but for something truly special, peek into the temperature-controlled cellar where the fine wines rest—think exclusive vintages from Domaine de la Romanée‐Conti, Emidio Pepe and Domaine Robert Groffier. On offer, too, is a striking range of up to 40 magnums and jeroboams to satiate large parties. To line your bellies, wine‐friendly tapas and Josper‐kissed sharing plates do well to impress. They say, come for the wine and stay for the food. They are not wrong.
Le Clos
Address: 46 Kim Yam Road, #01-18 New Bahru, S(239351)
3. The Studio by Juice
Above The Studio by Juice is a design‐led wine studio in Katong (Photo: The Studio by Juice)
The Studio by Juice is a design‐led wine studio in Katong (Photo: The Studio by Juice)
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There is finally a sexy wine bar with an edgy selection of wines in Katong: The Studio by Juice, a design‐led wine studio offering a tightly and well‐curated range of wines—comprising 150 vintages and still expanding. The dimly lit space on the second floor of a shophouse is rather amorous—perfect for dates or wine enthusiasts looking to unwind—and picking out a bottle is a stress‐free affair, as the knowledgeable crew is well-versed in casual wine speak.
Some particular favourites of ours include fresh and elegant styles from Maxime Magnon, especially the Metisse 2022; biodynamic wines from promising winemaker Thomas Batardiere, such as the L’esprit Libre 2021; and contemporary South African wines by Testalonga, such as the I Am the Ninja 2022 pet nat. The inclusive space also opens its doors to collaborative initiatives with local creatives—think craft workshops, gastronomic pop‐ups and even small‐scale wine fairs.
The Studio by Juice
Address: 39A East Coast Road, S(428756)
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4. Big Wine Freaks
Above Big Wine Freaks is a boozy theatre that puts the fun in funk (Photo: Big Wine Freaks)
Big Wine Freaks is a boozy theatre that puts the fun in funk (Photo: Big Wine Freaks)
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Living up to its name, Big Wine Freaks puts the fun in funk. Occupying a heritage building in the trendy Bukit Pasoh area, the champagne and wine bar bears a contemporary look and feel, accompanied by a thumping mix of groovy acoustics. Taking the open concept quite literally, the bar has no boundaries between the kitchen and dining spaces, inviting guests to be a part of the boozy theatre. From the revered terroirs of Champagne and Burgundy to the undiscovered gems of Jura, Beaujolais and Loire, the wine list—of more than 2,000 bottles and 500 labels—excels in spotlighting a new generation of winemakers.
Look out for the elegant L’Ouverture premier cru from Champagne producer Frederic Savart, which drinks with pristine clarity, and the gifted vigneron Marc Soyard’s Domaine de la Cras Bourgogne, which is astonishingly complex with minerals and spice. Food‐wise, expect European tapas interpreted with Japanese sensibilities—served on eccentric dinnerware designed by famed fashion designer Alessandro Michele, no less.
Big Wine Freaks
Address: 44 Bukit Pasoh Road, S(089857)
Read more: Champagne and wine bar Big Wine Freaks is a party diner that puts the fun in funk
5. Vivino Wine Shop
Above Vivino debuts its first global flagship store in Singapore (Photo: Vivino)
Vivino debuts its first global flagship store in Singapore (Photo: Vivino)
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When wine digital marketplace Vivino debuts its first flagship store in Singapore, one just can’t help but wonder why dabble in the discouraging brick-and-mortar business model. And Raffles City is the very location that has been christened with a wine haven which promises a sprawling wine oasis, stocked with over 100 different labels that represent the top four per cent of wines worldwide—according to the app. For those looking for something special, keep your eyes peeled for premium bottles and global best-sellers that will be brought to Singapore for the first time like Félix Solís Mucho Más Tinto N.V., a bold Spanish blend of syrah and tempranillo, or Astrale Special Edition that offers a robust blend of sangiovese, montepulciano, primitivo, aglianico, and nero d'avola.
While the in-house open-concept wine bar may seem a little scanty, those who manage to snag a seat will enjoy a rotating selection of wine by the glass before committing to a bottle to bring home. A lean menu of tapas will also be served up to complete your wine-tasting odyssey.
Vivino Wine Shop
Address: 252 North Bridge Road, #01-44B, Raffles City Shopping Centre, S(179103)
