Sporting a fabulous, dimly-hued space with lots of warm lighting and greenery, Winestone is a wine lover’s oasis away from the hustle and bustle. The wine bar boasts its own wine retail store, restaurant and cocktail bar and prides itself on serving modern European dishes as well as affordable and delicious wines that serve to both complement the food and round out the experience.

When it comes to proper wining and dining, casual and comfortable are always the vibes that we go for—and immaculate service as well for that matter—, which is what makes Winestone our immediate go-to whenever we crave for good wine that won’t take too much of a toll on our bank accounts.

New to Winstone’s repertoire of food and wine offerings is their brand new 5-course gourmet Spanish Wine Pairing Dinner Menu that you can enjoy this festive season. An opportunity for any romantic looking to impress, the dinner menu comprises a host of Spanish classics as well as 5 different wines from Spain to accompany each course.

Priced at only S$98++ per pax (minimum 2 people to dine), it’s really a steal. And to make this dinner even more spectacular for you, we’re giving you an additional 20% off this menu from now until 28 Feb 2019. All you have to do is to quote ‘ladyironchef’ upon making your reservation to enjoy it!

Having undergone a series of intense tasting sessions, Winestone’s sommeliers have specially curated a very specific wine list for the menu, with one unique label served with each course. Every label presents its own unique style and flavour notes that not only serves to complement the dish that it’s served with but to also give guests a memorable wine drinking experience overall.

For expert wine drinkers, we reckon that you’ll be thoroughly impressed with their selection, and for novices like us, rest assured that your palate is in good hands.

JAMON IBERICO

Designed to ease the palate in, the Jamon Iberico—that consists of two fried eggs, bread topped with a house-made tomato jam and shavings of Jason iberico—is a roller coaster of tastes, textures and flavours.

First, you get the distinct saltiness and porky flavour from the Jamon Iberico, followed by the sweet, bright hit of the tomato jam and at the end, the richness from the fried egg. Accompanying the surprisingly heavy starter is a robust red from Spain that’s dry, has good tannins and sweet, fruity undertone—perfect for cutting through the rich flavours.

GAMBAS

Served on a stone tile is the Gambas, a deep-fried duo of crispy, battered prawns an and a cod brandade served with an aioli made using roasted peppers. A classic Spanish staple that consists of poached salted cod, olive oil and potatoes, their rendition is a great example of how simple and modest ingredients can be elevated.

The texture was smooth and the flavour of the cod was prominent. It was tasty enough on its own which rendered the aioli unnecessary for the most part and we especially loved its outer crust that was both light yet crunchy.

PAELLA

A twist on the classic seafood paella of Valencia, Spain, Winestone’s rendition truly takes it up a step—a rather bold step too, if we may add—by swopping spaghetti with the traditional Spanish short-grain bomba rice.

Cooked and served in a wide, shallow-based pan, the dish boasts a fragrant complexity of smoked paprika, saffron, parsley and fresh seafood and is delightful when enjoyed with the crisp, fruity white that accompanies it.

Every component was well executed from the delicate mussels to the fresh and plump, sweet prawns, yet, as much as we enjoyed the seafood components, there was something sorely lacking, and that was a paella’s signature socarrat, or in other words, the crusty layer that forms at the bottom of the pan.

We are huge fans of creativity and chefs who take risks, but perhaps doing without rice—a paella’s key ingredient—was pushing boundaries a tad much. If not for the deliciously fruity white that was served alongside it, we probably would not have been able to finish the entire dish.

ESTOFADOS DE CARNE

Steak or beef, in particular, is the ideal foil for a good red but as to which red best matches up to it, it really depends on how the beef is prepared.

The Estofados De Carne—essentially a Spanish beef and potato stew—served as one of the two main entrées in the menu is paired with Hado, a red from the Rioja region of Spain. Made with 100% Tempranillo grapes this style of wine has a tendency to be slightly higher in alcoholic strength but with good acid and tannins to cut through the intense fat and rich flavours well.

Allowed to simmer and reduce over a long period of time in a rich broth comprising beef stock and wine, the chunks of fork-tender beef developed a deep, dark brown sheen and a delicious complexity to it. Served atop a bed of roasted potatoes and topped with pickled jalapeños and dried chilli flakes, the dish was a delightful marriage of tastes and sensations that bolded well with the vino paired with it.

Just when we thought that we could rest our palates easy, especially after all the flavour-packed dishes prior, the dinner menu ends off with yet another bout of pure decadence.

Crispy on the outside, light and soft on the inside and generously covered with ground cinnamon and sugar, the Duo Creme Catalana With Churros is quite literally the only way—at Winestone at least—to end a meal properly. Accompanying the mammoth of a churro is a teacup-full of melted dark chocolate, a Spanish custard topped with blueberries and ice cream.

Served as the vino pairing of choice is the Zeta Cava Brut, a sparkling white that boasts fragrant aromas of citrus and apple. Fresh-tasting, crisp with small bubbles, the decadent edge of the dessert was instantly cut through, making for a pleasant, clean finish—a brilliant pairing.

Whether you’re looking to celebrate an anniversary, or simply to leave an impression on a first date, Winestone is probably one of the top places where you can take someone for a memorable wining and dining experience. And don’t forget to quote ‘ladyironchef’ to enjoy a further 20% off your bill from now until 28 Feb 2019—exclusively for our dear readers!

Winestone
Mercure Singapore on Stevens
30 Stevens Road, #01-09
Singapore 257840
Tel: +65 6491 6100
Website: www.winestone.com.sg
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 12am (bar snacks are served after 10pm)
Nearest Station: Stevens / Orchard

This post was brought to you by Winestone. 

Whether you’re looking to get a little tipsy in a social setting, have yourself a romantic evening with a date or simply take the edge off a rough day at work, there will always be bars in Singapore for you to wine and dine.

But as fancy and as occasional as the notion surrounding wine drinking is, it really is something that can be had as frequently as a beer—just with a higher alcohol percentage and served in spiffier-looking glassware.

Drinking lavishly does not have to come with a hefty price tag in Singapore, you just need to know where to look. Here is our guide on 9 cheap places to drink wine in Singapore.

Photo Credit: Mercure Singapore Bugis

BARTISTRY@ONE22

Right smack in the lobby of Mercure Singapore Bugis, BARtistry@ONE22 is a casual bar offering everything from cocktails to beers and wines. 1-for-1 happy hour promotions run every day from 5pm to 8pm when house drinks are priced at two for one.

122 Middle Road
Singapore 188973
Tel: +65 65216088
Daily: 7am – 12am
Nearest station: Bugis

BISTRO 1855

With over 500 bottles of wine to choose from, Bistro 1855 is a joint where anyone who loves vino should definitely hit up. Be sure to make it in time for their happy hour deals between 5pm to 8pm, where selected wines go for as low as S$6 per glass.

3 Temasek Boulevard, 01-643,
Singapore 038983
Tel: +65 6836 5994
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon & Tue: 11am – 11pm
Wed to Fri: 11am until late
Sat: 5pm until late
Nearest Station: Esplanade

Photo Credit: Drinks & Co.

DRINKS & CO.

As a retail shop with limited seating, Drinks & Co primarily sells wines by the bottle from as low as S$7 and S$9 by the glass, but feel free to prop yourself down and knock back a couple as you bask in the vibrant atmosphere that is Club Street after hours. Happy hour deals last all day, every day till 8pm with the exception of Fridays when it ends at 7pm.

If you’re looking for a nice, quiet spot, this probably wouldn’t be an ideal choice but what can you expect given they are one of the cheapest watering holes in Club Street?

81 Club Street
Singapore 069449
Tel: +65 6423 1773
Mon to Thu: 3pm – 12am
Fri: 3pm – 1am
Sat: 2pm – 1am
Sun: 2pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

KINKI

Kinki is a rooftop bar with an underground vibe that is excellent for the after-work drinks crowd who crave booze and a gorgeous setting to unwind.

With a plentiful selection of sake as well as Asian-inspired cocktails, wine and bar bites, be sure to stop by during happy hours from Monday to Saturday between 5pm and 8pm to take advantage of their 1-for-1 deals on their vino.

70 Collyer Quay, #02-02
Customs House,
Singapore 049323
Tel: +65 6533 3471
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

LOOF

If you fancy the idea of lounging about at a rooftop bar then there is no better place to down a few glasses of wine than Loof. The earlier you go, the cheaper your wine will cost you. At 5pm it’s S$5 a glass, increasing by a dollar with every hour that passes until 8pm.

331 North Bridge Road,
#03-07 Odeon Towers Extension Rooftop
Singapore 188720
Tel: +65 6337 9416
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Thu: 5pm – 1am
Fri & Sat: 5pm – 2am
Nearest Station: Raffles City

NAPOLEAN

With the bar lined with wine dispenser machines in place of beer taps, you just know that you’re at the right place should you be more of a wine person.

Tasting glasses are available at S$2, and full glasses start as cheaply as S$8. Besides the wine, do spare some tummy space for their grub as well.

206 Telok Ayer Street,
Singapore 068641
Tel: +65 6221 9282
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Fri: 11.45am – 12am
Sat: 6pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

THE PELICAN

Whether you’re looking to take the edge off or simply have yourself some wine with a view, The Pelican’s daily happy hour 1-for-1 promotion is your best bet.

From Mondays to Thursdays, enjoy 1-for-1 deals for beers, spirits, and wines between 12pm to 3pm, 5pm to 9pm, and on Fridays between 12pm to 9pm—that’s 10 full hours of non-stop boozy indulgence!

1 Fullerton Road, #01-01
One Fullerton
Singapore 04921
Tel: +65 6438 0400
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 3.30pm, 6pm – 11.30pm
Sun: 12pm – 4pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

WINESTONE

A restaurant, boutique wine bar and wine retail store all rolled out into one, Winestone’s concept revolves around the keywords: simple, attractive, authentic and affordable, so one thing you can probably expect is quality wines at affordable prices, from S$10 for a glass and S$42 for a bottle.

Wine lovers will be spoiled for choice with so many different bottles to choose from, from well-known vineyards to some lesser known regions and appellations across Europe. Whether it’s a robust red or a crisp, bright white, there is bound to be a vino you will love.

30 Stevens Road, #01-09
Mercure Singapore on Stevens
Singapore 257840
Tel: +65 6491 6100
(Closed on Sundays)
Monday to Saturday: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Stevens / Orchard

Photo Credit: Wine Connection

WINE CONNECTION BAR & BISTRO

As far as wine is concerned, where else would most people’s minds gravitate to other than Wine Connection Bar & Bistro. Offering an extensive wine list with more than 30 varieties by the glass, Wine Connection’s various locations are a great spot for gathering with friends for a spot of vino. A glass of wine can be as cheap as just S$7 all day, while bottles typically start from S$25 onwards.

39 & 41 Cuppage Road,
Singapore 229462
Tel: +65 6836 9069
Mon to Thu: 4pm – 1am
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 2am
Sun: 12pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

Read: 16 Places in Singapore where you can get drinks for under S$10.

A restaurant, boutique wine bar and wine retail store all rolled out into one, Winestone—located in Mercure Singapore on Stevens—is a new kid in town that we love. It makes a perfect hangout venue for lovers of good food, better wine and swanky interiors.

As far as proper wining and dining is concerned, this bar and bottle shop has all your needs covered. Expect quality wines to set you back not more than S$10 a glass to S$42 a bottle. Not only that, the restaurant also dishes out Mediterranean platters that pair excellently with your vino of choice.

We particularly love the Winestone Express Platter that has it all from cured cold cuts, cheeses, olives, bread and even a glass of either white or red wine thrown in for good measure, but charcuterie and cheeses aside, the restaurant also boasts an extensive lunch and dinner menu that sees flavours and culinary techniques stemming from all corners of the Mediterranean from Italy all the way to Egypt.

Our readers can quote ‘ladyironchef’ to enjoy ladyironchef’s Set Dinner that includes a starter, 2 mains and 2 glasses of house pour wines at only S$90++.

Among the many swanky looking bars and restaurants nestled within the Steven’s Road enclave, this is quite possibly the most inviting and cosy one of the lot.

The warm hues, high ceilings, and low and slow music in the background all make for one heck of an intimate wining and dining experience.

3-COURSE LUNCH SETS

If you ever run out of lunch options in town, then allow Winestone’s lunch set to take you on a Mediterranean trip. At just S$35++, you get to enjoy a starter, a main and a dessert of which you can pick and choose from their lunch menu.

To start, we ordered the Falafel, Hummus, Minted Yoghurt, Olives, Semi-Dried Tomatoes (S$14++). Inanely crispy and brimming with a cumin-packed aroma, this spiced Middle-Eastern starter comes highly recommended.

To properly stand up against the spicy qualities of our starter, we got the 200g Grain-Fed Roasted Beef Fillet, Mashed Potato, Portobello, Charred Beans and Mushroom Sauce (S$30++). Properly seared on the outside and pink in the middle, the beef was tender with a prominent flavour coming through that was only made better with the umami-packed mushroom sauce.

Our dessert of choice for our lunch set was the Churros, Chocolate Sauce (S$12++). Served with bits of fresh fruit, whipped cream and chocolate, these golden nuggets of fried dough no doubt hit the spot.

For a truly seafood-oriented combination, go for the Pan-Seared Scallops, Chorizo, Crushed Peas (S$16++) to start with, followed by the Pan-Seared Seabass, Prawn Kataifi, Green Beans, Pesto and Tomato Shellfish Broth (S$26++).

The flavours were clean and delicate but still packed serious flavours. We particularly enjoyed the slices of chorizo that gave our starter some heat and a salty kick.

For dessert, we highly recommend the Catalane Tart, Berries, Lemon Sorbet (S$14) that promises a refreshing, zesty appeal that does well to balance out the palate.

Another main option that deserves a mention is the Rigatoni Pasta, Sun-Dried Tomato, Grilled Zucchini and Eggplants, Pomodoro, Parmigano (S$25++) that sees a gorgeous medley of colourful components perfect for a photo.

From the crunch of almonds, the soft, tender veggies to the slightly chewy al dente pasta, this dish is truly a treat to behold that marries both texture and taste wonderfully. We liked that the pesto flavour was kept relatively mild to allow the individual flavours to shine through.

LADYIRONCHEF EXCLUSIVE SET DINNER

As mentioned, our readers can quote ‘ladyironchef’ to enjoy a starter, 2 mains and 2 glasses of house pour wines at only S$90++.

The set dinner consists of an appetiser of homemade Hummus With Lebanese Bread (S$8++), two mains—the Cataplana (S$24++) and the 150 Days Grain-Fed MS2+ Beef Tenderloin (250g) (S$87++)—as well as 2 glasses of wine.

If you are craving for seafood, then we are pretty sure the Cataplana is perfect for you. It comes with squid, mussels, clams, tomatoes and capsicums that swim in a thick and hearty seafood broth.

Or if you are a die-hard carnivore like us, then the beef tenderloin—that features foie gras, asparagus, vine tomatoes and a punchy green peppercorn sauce—will have you smiling from ear to ear.

WINESTONE EXPRESS PLATTER FOR ONE

From the bright, salty notes of the pitted olives to the robust, meaty qualities of the cured meats, these items play a fundamental role in allowing one to truly savour the subtle yet complex notes of wine.

The Winestone Express Platter (S$22++) is served promptly in under 15 minutes—perfect for all you hungry and impatient diners—and comes with a mixture of cold cuts, cheeses, olives, bread and a glass of wine.

But these aren’t your typical store-bought nibbles, we’re talking about the Rolls Royce of charcuterie and cheeses here—from Jamon Iberico De Cebo, Brie De Meaux and more!

GRASS-FED ROASTED LAMB RACK (200G)

Another red meat option that you can consider is the Grass-Fed Roasted Lamb Rack (200g) (S$52++). Served with eggplant prepared in two ways, pomegranate, mint and salsa verde, this supposedly gamey meat is given a lift of freshness that works surprisingly well.

But of course, what better way to complement the dish than a glass of vino to truly round out those intense meaty qualities?

PELLEGRINO PIZZA

Great for sharing, the restaurant also brings to the table a taste of Italy in the form of the nation’s iconic pies. We sampled the Pellegrino Pizza (S$28++) and we can swear by the food gods that this was possibly one of the best renditions ever.

Although it lacked the traditional thin crust, we liked that the dough was fluffy yet crispy around the edges and the amount of toppings that went on this pie is by no means stingy. With every bite comes a medley of tastes from salty prosciutto, creamy mozzarella, briny olives and fresh basil.

Winestone’s concept revolves around the keywords: simple, attractive, authentic and affordable, so one thing you can probably expect is quality wines at affordable prices, from S$10 for a glass and S$42 for a bottle.

Wine lovers will be spoiled for choice with so many different bottles to choose from, from well-known vineyards to some lesser known regions and appellations across Europe.

Whether it’s a robust red or a crisp, bright white, there is bound to be a vino you will love.

Time to round up your best pals or even that special someone and make a trip down to Winestone! We promise you that the tummy fillers here are anything but boring and the wines are even better.

Mileslife is our favourite app to accumulate miles through everyday spending. You can earn miles for every dollar spent at this restaurant. Download and try Mileslife out now! You can use our code ‘Ladyironchef‘ upon your first spending to get 1,000 miles.

Winestone

Mercure Singapore on Stevens
30 Stevens Road, #01-09
Singapore 257840
Tel: +65 6491 6100
Website: www.winestone.com.sg
(Closed on Sundays)
Monday to Saturday: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 12am (bar snacks are served after 10pm)
Nearest Station: Stevens MRT and Orchard MRT
Bus Number: 105, 132, 190, 972

Book a table: https://bit.ly/2GKKNBa

This post was brought to you by Winestone.

Are we all done with event planning yet? December is the most celebratory month of the year, and our calendars are packed with house parties and events. Everyone is in the mood to wine and dine, and we deserve to give ourselves a pat on the back for all our hard work in 2014.

We’ve discussed about food catering for your festive parties previously. And what about those booze that we’d need to host our parties and to have fun with our guests? Christmas and New Year’s parties mean we have to pop that champagne, to stock up on the beer in our fridge, and to do our shots neat. And we can do all these without breaking the bank.

Spare yourself the exorbitant price tags and unnecessary premiums when you order your Beers, Wines and Spirits (BWS) from Asher BWS www.asherbws.com. They offer the friendliest prices in town, and with a user-friendly website and convenient delivery options, fret no more when it comes to booze. Asher BWS is offering an exclusive 10% discount for our readers when you cart out using the promo code: ‘ladyironchef’.

We will tell you just why Asher BWS is your top choice and the various star products to buy.

3Cs OF ORDERING FROM ASHERBWS.COM – COST SAVINGS, CONVENIENCE AND CONCISE SELECTION

Primarily a supplier, Asher BWS is your one-stop solution for beers, wines and spirits. They have a comprehensive range of products, and they even carry exclusive items that you might otherwise not find on retail racks. Their friendly price point is also the reason for their customers’ loyalty, because aren’t we all sick of paying ridiculous mark-ups?

Besides offering the most comprehensive ranges of beer, wine and spirits products online, Asher BWS aims to educate and encourage the appreciation of alcoholic beverages among consumers, and at the same time, provide convenience by delivering the products to your doorstep. You save yourself the hassle of driving around to stock up on your supplies, and no more lugging those heavy bottles back by yourself. Order as much as you want, because there is free delivery for orders above S$100! The regular delivery charge is S$6/delivery during the festive season.

ASHER BWS’ FESTIVE PICKS AND SPECIAL PROMOTIONS

Asher BWS has curated a range of beers, wines and spirits specially for this celebratory season. Every reason to drink up now – for the right ones, of course. And we do it with quality alcohol that complement all the delicacies on our tables.

1. Chang Beer (S$52, U.P S$55)
2. Moet Ice Imperial Champagne (S$110, U.P S$128)
3. GH Mumm Cordon Rouge (S$79, U.P S$88.50)
4. Piper Hiedsieck Champagne (S$70, U.P S$92)
5. Sileni Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc NV (S$35, U.P S$40)
6. D Arenberg – Deadarm Shiraz (S$75, U.P S$90)
7. Chivas Regal 75cl + Chivas Regal 37.5cl (S$95, U.P S$129)
8. Belvedere Vodka (S$79, U.P S$88)
9. Hakushu Distiller Reserve / Yamazaki Distiller Reserve 70cl (S$108, U.P S$120)
10. Hibiki 12 Years (S$108, U.P S$125)
11. Macallan 12 Years (S$118, U.P S$125)

The prices stated here are before GST. And receive a complimentary Hennessy VSOP 20cl with every S$150 spend on wines and spirits.

On top of the festive promotion, you can use the exclusive promo code ‘ladyironchef’ upon carting out to enjoy a further 10% discount. If you are throwing a Christmas party or organising your company’s corporate event, hop over to www.asherbws.com/shop and get all the alcohol and beverages you’d need!

For bulk purchases, you may also contact Asher BWS at +65 6848 8555 or email care@asherbws.com.

EVENTS AND ALL THAT FUN

Want to be part of the fun that Asher BWS are planning this December? Save the date now. On 6 December 2014, Asher BWS is throwing a ‘Bingo Shot Down party’. It would be a night of drinks and bingo, and a percentage of the proceeds will go to Asher BWS’ selected charity organization. Register at www.hootglobal.com

For 2015, Asher BWS has lined up plenty of exciting events and wine tasting events for all to take part in. There will also be yacht champagne events and several sessions of whisky tastings and appreciation classes.

Now you have your answer for all your beers, wines and spirits needs. Once you’ve placed your first order with Asher BWS, you will be a convert for they will stay as your best bet. Say goodbye to the days of paying for expensive booze; say hello to appreciating your beverages on a whole new level with Asher BWS.

For the latest updates, like Asher BWS on Facebook, and follow them on Instagram.

This post is brought to you by Asher BWS.

You don’t need to be an oenophile to know where the best wine drinking spots in Singapore are. We’ve done the groundwork for you. From where to find wine cocktails and tasting portions of exquisite wines, to a wine list proffering rare and exclusive bottles, this list of the best places to drink wine in Singapore is a wine novice’s secret to becoming well-versed in wine.

Caveau Wine Bar

With a name “Caveau” (which translates to “wine vault”), don’t be surprised to find exceptional French wines at affordable prices. Housing over 200 labels with an estimated 85% from France, Caveau is one of the few bars in Singapore with an enomatic wine dispenser that allows wines to be kept for up to two weeks.

A lovely citrusy wine (perfect for our humid weather) is the Anne Gros, Hautes Cotes de Nuits 2011 ($19 per glass; $90 per bottle) from the region of Bourgogne. Made of 100% Chardonnay, this dry white wine has blossoming aromas of citrus fruits that’s great with seafood. If you’re into reds, Rossignol Trapet, Gevrey Chambertin D.V. 2011 ($19 per glass) is a 100% Pinot noir from a small winery that has been producing wine since the 17th century.

1 Scotts Road
#01-10 Shaw Centre
Tel: +65 6737 2622
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 11pm
Fri to Sat: 12pm – 1am
Sun: 5pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

Les Amis

Les Amis is home to the largest selection of wines in Singapore, carrying nearly 2,000 labels of wines (housed in two temperature-controlled wine cellars)—half of which are exclusive in Singapore. While wines predominantly hail from the Old World, there are a number of exotic options from the New World available in the list.

1 Scotts Road
#02-16 Shaw Centre
Tel: +65 6733 2225
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 2pm, 7pm – 9:30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

Napoleon Food & Wine Bar

Giving you the option of ordering exquisite wines (without breaking the bank), Napoleon offers a stellar range of 32 European wines available on enomatic wine dispenser machines—one of which is the Châteauneuf-du-Pape Ancien Domaine des Pontifes 2011 ($18 per glass; $90 per bottle). This bio-organic wine is dense and dark, with a nose of ripe fruits (due to the purity of the soil).

A well-structured wine with fine tannins, we recommend pairing this with spicy dishes to fully savor its complexity. If you’re in the mood for something white, Graves blanc Château Claron 2010 ($13 per glass; $65 per bottle) is one of the best dry white wines in Bordeaux. Produced traditionally from a single grape variety of Sauvignon Blanc, this full-bodied wine flourishes with aromas of citrus fruits. We reckon this will go perfectly with the poached salmon ($21) and green pea purée.

206 Telok Ayer Street
Tel: +65 6221 9282
Mon to Fri: 11:30am – 12am
Sat: 6pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

Ô Batignolles Wine Bar

The French have a saying, ‘Life is too short to drink bad wine’. Believing in enjoying wine (without hefty price tags), French owner Antoine Rouland travels back to France three times each year to visit winemakers and vineyards, selecting wines from smaller producers.

Here, you’ll find vintages such as the Medoc 2001 Chasse Spleen at only $97 per bottle—a rare find in Singapore. Apart from a specially curated list of 100 wines on rotation (with 75 varieties available at any time), varieties of cheese are also available for pairing.

We recommend the cheese platter ($29) with our personal favorite, Cotes de Gascogne 2012 Domaine du Tariquet ($12 per glass; $55 per bottle). Made with four types of grapes, separately fermented before aging in French oak barrels, this white has an incredibly complex aroma profile of peach and vanilla with a subtle woody aftertaste—perfect with a floret of Tete de Moine (better known as “monk head”) cheese.

2 Gemmill Lane
Tel: +65 6438 3913
Mon to Sun: 12pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

Taberna Wine Academy

If you’re a novice at wines, Taberna Wine Academy is the best place to learn the basics, and sample some exclusive wine labels while you’re at it. What’s really great about this spot is its extensive availability of wine verticals (wines from the same producer and vineyard with differing vintages).

Such is the German Riesling from Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt (from $81 per bottle) with a dozen wine verticals dating back as far as 1983. Beginners interested to learn the technique of wine tasting can attend the introduction to wine appreciation ($100) where you’ll get to taste and sample eight different styles of wine. A range of professional courses are also available for veterans looking to hone their skill.

17 Binjai Park
Tel: +65 6762 5570
Mon to Sun: 5pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Dover

Vida Vino

A fairly new entrant to the winery scene, Vida Vino (translating into “the wine life”) is about making merry without your wallet having to suffer. With a personal selection of 60 wines (by owner Aaron Olivera) that start from $12 per glass, this wine bar stands to give competitors a run for their money.

The Beronia ($85 per bottle) is such—opening with subtle notes of flowers and fruit before blossoming into a refreshingly crisp and spicy finish, this wine pairs extremely well with the iberico ham platter ($23)—a range of Joselito iberico ham (the best in Spain). As for sipping cocktails, Vida Vino has done an exceptional job in crafting some pretty smooth-drinking concoctions. From Spain with Love ($18) consists of “secret ingredients” that results in an edgy, bittersweet cocktail—we managed to make out notes of Spanish white wine and raspberry brandy.

29 Keong Saik Road
Tel: +65 6222 1963
Mon to Tue: 6pm – 11pm
Wed to Sat: 6pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Outram Park

About the writer
Mandy Lynn is a former I-S Magazine nightlife writer and current editor of Nookmag; her dining and nightlife features have been published in Appetite Asia and Catalog Magazine. For on-the-go food recommendations, follow her on Instagram and Facebook, or join her on a Gourmet Adventure.