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.

WANT TO VISIT NAPA VALLEY?

Have you ever dreamt of visiting Napa Valley and the endless vineyards that stretch out into the horizon? Or experiencing how wine is transformed from a grape into the palatable bottle? Exciting news! Beringer wine is looking for someone to enjoy an all-expense paid trip for 2 to visit their vineyard in Napa Valley, California!

• Take a picture of the flavours that inspire you with a glass of wine.
• Upload your picture on Instagram (don’t forget to make your profile public).
• Include the hashtags #BetterBeckons #BeringerSG in your caption to complete your submission.

The most creative image that shows why certain flavours fill you with optimism will win the trip for two to Napa Valley. The contest ends on 31 January 2017, and every week from now until the end of January, there will be other prizes to be won too! You can learn more about the contest at http://bit.ly/BeringerBetterBeckons.

Wine inspires us in so many ways. Wine is more than just a beverage. Beyond that sophistication is layers of inspiration and realisation; wine is not only a good pairing for food but a “tool” to help us discover many other perspectives in life.

AGAINST ALL ODDS

Back in 1876, brothers Jacob and Frederick Beringer established Beringer Vineyards with a dream of making wines that would rival the finest wines from Europe.

But their journey wasn’t a smooth one. It was just a plot of bare land that they had, but a dream so big that it would conquer them all.

The brothers were firm on the decision of making good wines and they believed they could; they were optimistic as much as they believed in themselves.

That was a spirit worth applauding, and today, Beringer Wines is California’s longest continually operating winery and one of Napa’s finest producers.

BETTER BECKONS

Just like life, we always believe in a better tomorrow, and everything we do is to progress. We seek inspiration continually; we hold on to optimism and faith.

It is like a glass of wine; it takes time and a lot of effort to produce a solid bottle. It doesn’t come easy, but which good thing ever comes easy?

Despite Beringer Wines being one of the most appreciated wineries in the world today, the family is constantly challenging themselves to improve. It was optimism that led them to where they are today, but an even bigger passion to make the best wines even better.

Beringer Wines is of premium quality, and every bottle boasts a very smooth texture that is so easy to drink, even for beginners. The wines are conveniently stocked in Cold Storage Singapore and can be ordered via numerous wine delivery websites as well.

WINE AND CHRISTMAS

This Christmas, we are stocking up on red and white wines for our house parties. We always look forward to spending time with our loved ones and all the incredible flavours that come to life this season. Christmas is such a magical season, and it is our favourite time of the year. It always inspires us—to love and to give.

Christmas parties mean lots of roasts, turkey and chestnut stuffing, Christmas puddings and log cakes. The yuletide flavours are wonderful, but they are not complete without a glass of beautiful wine. No party is complete without some fine wines.

WINE AND DESSERTS

After the main courses of turkey and stuffing come dessert. And we are such lovers of desserts. Sweets are our Archille’s heel as much as it is our happy pill. Cakes, cookies, eclairs, loaves, puddings… these are what make us happy.

Because nobody said desserts cannot be paired with wine, we picked up the habit of sipping white wine with every bite into the chocolate cake.

Don’t forget to submit your entry for the Beringer Better Beckons contest and you could win a trip for 2 to Napa Valley, California to experience Beringer vineyards in person. Look forward to the New Year and all the great things that are ahead.

This post is brought to you by Beringer Wines.

One of best places for a fun night out in Singapore is Ann Siang Hill. With its innovative string of watering holes, one will never ever go thirsty here. From bars specializing in craft spirits to bespoke cocktails, Ann Siang Hill is where you’ll go to get to your ‘happy place’.

Here are the top 5 bars in Ann Siang Hill, Singapore.

B28

Stemmed from its discreet venue, B28 refers to the basement of 28 Ann Siang Hill. Sophisticated warm amber hues light up a narrow flight of stairs that lead to the basement, opening into a lounge filled with cream leather armchairs and shelves of rare single malt whiskies—there’s even small oak casks for barrel-aging. Adorning the walls are original jazz artworks and mahogany cupboards exclusively for members to store their spirits—all very gentlemen’s club-like.

Whiskey’s the name of the game, with B28 ringing them in. Offering over 200 whiskies—mostly exclusive single cask Scottish labels—including highly sought-after whiskies The Single Cask 1990 (S$58 per dram) that hides a smoky sweetness beneath hints of oak and spice, and mildly peaty The Single Cask 1984 (S$48 per dram) perfumed with orange and a tinge of nut and malt. If you’re in the mood to indulge, the incredibly smooth and spicy Macallan 1969 bottled by Duncan Taylor (S$800 per dram) is highly recommended. They’ve even got a 1965 Macallan by Carn Mor (est. S$8,000; price to be re-appraised)—one of the two last bottles in the world. Talk about exclusive.

Basement, 28 Ann Siang Hill
The Club Hotel
Tel: +65 9637 3545
Mon to Thu: 6pm to 2am
Fri to Sat: 8pm to 2am
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

LOLLA

Reincarnated after guerilla-style underground supper club, Lolla’s Secret Supper, founded in 2008 by co-owner Pang Hian Tee, Lolla encourages dining with strangers—its basement communal table seats 22—both individuals and large groups. Making it onto Zagat’s coveted list of 10 Hottest Restaurants in the World 2013, it’s a no-brainer that Lolla’s got impeccable taste, and rightfully so when it comes to champagnes.

The only champagne bar in Singapore, Lolla is an extension of Pang’s champagne distribution business, fronting a wine list of over 90 labels, including a list of rare champagnes exclusive to Lolla, such as the alluring Legras et Haas, Cuvee Exigence NV (S$228) that’s complex and luxuriously sophisticated on the palate, showcasing excellent finesse and balance between lightness and body. One of the best rose champagnes ever produced, Paul Bara, Grand Rose NV (S$188) is a Burgundy-style champagne that seduces with aromas of fresh strawberries and pepper before finishing with hints of baked pastry and candied cherries.

22 Ann Siang Hill
Tel: +65 6423 1228
Mon to Sat: 12pm to 2pm; 6pm to 11:45pm
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

MANOR BAR

Tucked away on level two of Gem Bar (take the flight of stairs to the right of the entrance), there are no signs to this secluded speakeasy—it’s for people in the know. Offering a list of bespoke cocktails specially crafted by former Bitters & Love head bartender, Din Hassan (who has since left the Manor Bar) and current head bartender, Alfee Zulkiflee, these boys have only one rule—keep the guests happy. Which isn’t difficult with a drinks list of over 40 artisanal whiskies and more than a dozen craft gins.

There are no bad cocktails here, so you’ll want to have one of everything. Each of these concoctions are crafted with thought-provoking detail—one can tell from the very first sip. An excellent choice is Asian inspired rum-based cocktail Nourishing Soup (S$20) that pairs Yellow Chartreuse with fresh lime juice to bring out distinct notes of violet and honey accented by star anise. For a multi-layered experience, The Curator (S$20) delicately balances nuances of caramel and burnt vanilla, against an oaky peatiness with subtle finishes of mint and citrus fruit. A piece of advice: eat something (lessens the next-day wallop).

2/F, 8 Ann Siang Hill
Tel: +65 9646 6160
Mon to Thu: 6pm to 1am
Fri to Sat: 6pm to 2am
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

NUTMEG & CLOVE

Paying homage to the rich history of Ann Siang Hill is Nutmeg & Clove, housed in a heritage building owned by one of Singapore’s oldest Cantonese clan associations. Fun fact: Ann Siang Hill used to be a nutmeg and clove plantation—hence its moniker. Featured widely in its menu are Asian flavors and spices, and of course, nutmeg and cloves. Inside, the bar resembles a traditional Chinese medicine shop with marked cabinets featuring bottles of craft spirits in place of Chinese herbs.

Pick your poison from the selection of curated cocktails by Marian Beke, renowned mixologist from the famed Nightjar in London that snagged the #3 spot on World’s 50 Best Bars 2014. Head bartender, Kae Yin, Asia Pacific’s World Class Bartender 2012, recently joined by Singapore World Class 2013 Finalist Bannie Kang run the ship, serving potent classic cocktails with a twist; barrel aged Singapura Sling (S$20) with bittersweet herbaceous notes of red dates and goji berries, and dirty Chinese martini (S$20) of gin, whiskey, vodka and dry vermouth, that’s bound to knock you off your feet.

17 Ann Siang Hill
Tel: +65 6423 9885
Tue to Sat: 5pm to 12am
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

OPERATION DAGGER

Probably the closest thing we’ve got to an old fashioned speakeasy is Operation Dagger. Don’t bother trying to find them online—they don’t dig mainstream social media—yep, it’s that cool. Even with an address, locating the bar is a task in itself. This under-the-radar speakeasy has no signs, so keep your eyes peeled for their logo scrawled on the wall. You’ll feel a little apprehensive—you should. Venture down a dark flight of steps and arrive at an open space with a smorgasbord of light bulbs dangling above. That’s when you’ll see the bar—and behind it, rows of brown glass bottles tagged with handwritten labels—you won’t recognize any; all their spirits are distilled in-house.

Just when you think this is as cool as it gets, head bartender Luke Whearty will whip out a stunning array of cocktails that’s a feast for the eyes, and your palate. Drink mulled wine (S$22). It’s good for you. Or at least, it’ll feel like it is. Warm, soothing and bittersweet with a hint of citrus and dried mandarin that will leave your insides feeling warm and fuzzy. Next, order an egg (S$25), where the yolks are vacuum-sealed overnight with dark rum and sugar before adding in house-made salted egg yolk liqueur and salted caramel, and smoked with star anise and toasted hay. Sweet, savory and salty (with a kick of alcohol)—just how we like our eggs done. You’ll want to bring your friends here—they’ll worship you for it. You can thank us later.

7 Ann Siang Hill
Tel: +65 9296 4704
Tue to Sat: 6pm to 12am
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

For more recommendations on the best bars in Singapore, read the following guides: Top 5 Bars at Tanjong Pagar || Top 5 Bars at Raffles Place || Top 5 Bars at Club Street.

Mandy Lynn is a former I-S Magazine writer and current columnist at Nookmag; her dining and nightlife features are published in Men’s Folio, Singapore Tatler Dining and The Drinks Business, amongst others. For bite-sized food recommendations, follow her on Instagram and Facebook, or join her Gourmet Adventures to keep up with the latest dining and nightlife news.

The sparkling mascato had that bubbly taste on the first instance it touches the tongue, i’ll like to call it the happy wine. There’s always the saying that white goes well with seafood while you have red for your meat, but it really depends on your own preference – the wine you like is the best wine.

There was three wine boutiques that we went to in Hunter Valley; Wollombi wines, Mount View estate, and Savannah. Even though I have not been a big vineyard before, but I like the personal and homely vibe that the smaller boutique exudes.

A simple damper sandwich can actually taste so good when you are sitting on a bench that overlooks the whole vineyard, with a glass of wine in hand.

And as for myself, I tend to favor white over red because there’s a sharp aftertaste of the latter that is spicy and hits the palate, or maybe it’s like what they say: you always start off with white and as you mature and grow older, then will you slowly appreciate red wine.

Now I’m not going to pretend I’m a wine connoisseur and have a lot of knowledge on wine, on the contrary I know hardly anything about them. During the wine tasting, I enjoyed most of the whites, especially the late harvest ones; they have a fragrant smell and sweeter aftertaste. Desserts wine are particularly a big hit for me, I love the sweet and charming taste, and it will definitely be perfect to end a meal with dessert and wine.

Wollombi Wine
25 Charlton Street (off Wollombi road)
Wollombi 2325

Mount View estate
502 Mount View road
Mount view NSW 2325
Tel: (02) 4990 3307

Savannah
Lot 211 Mount View road, Mount View
Tel: (02) 4990 6326