Sip & Explore: A Guide To Singapore's Wine Bars
Planning a night of wine-bar hopping? Raise a glass at these new watering holes that have opened around town.
By Rebecca Rachel Wong,
The wine bar scene is buzzing, driven by the expansion of franchises like Wine Mansion, the emergence of design-centric bars like Big Wine Freaks, and independent brands forming partnerships with family-owned wine estates worldwide. Here are some new establishments from the past year that have caught our attention.
BIG WINE FREAKS
Why visit: This wine bar boasts a theatrical design featuring pink lights, magenta hues, vintage accents, and upholstery from Dedar Milano. Dishes are served on dinnerware designed by Italian fashion designer Alessandro Michele. Despite the stylish decor, the real star here is the wine, with 500 labels and around 2000 bottles stored in the bar’s cellar. Each bottle is sourced from micro-farms dedicated to sustainable farming practices. Additionally, there’s an excellent selection of organic wines from French regions such as Jura, Beaujolais, and Loire.
Address: 44 Bukit Pasoh Road
Contact: info@bigwinefreaks.sg
THE STUDIO BY JUICE
Why visit: Launched by the team behind Juice Bar, this new venture on East Coast Road is a design-centric creative space celebrating wine, food, music, design, and art. Furniture pieces are sourced from Studio Kallang, and the space is adorned with art pieces that complement the ultra-high ceilings of the shophouse. The brand also engages in exciting collaborations with local artists. For instance, it recently teamed up with designer and illustrator Charmaine Tan (@fraunfraun) to create a wine bag sold in their store. Look out for their life drawing sessions too, where you can sip on wine and sketch models, with both drinks and drawing materials provided.
Address: 39A East Coast Road
Contact: 8025-9274
13% WINE BISTRO
Why visit: Situated on Telok Ayer Street, this bistro prides itself on sourcing wine directly from trusted winemakers known to the owners. They collaborate with producers such as Domaine des Tourelles from the Bekaa Valley in Lebanon and Domaine Serol, a family estate located on the eastern foothills of the Massif Central in France. The standout on the food menu is the grilled Spanish octopus, marinated with a blend of five spices before grilling. Additionally, the bistro offers a convenient wine delivery service, allowing you to enjoy your selection from the comfort of your home.
Address: 123A Telok Ayer Street, #02-01
Contact: contact@13winebistro.com; 6224-6885
HUMPBACK
Why visit: This seafood restaurant and wine bar offers a diverse wine list of over 60 labels, specifically curated to complement the restaurant’s seafood dishes. For instance, dry wines like Riesling, Spätburgunder, and Roussanne are recommended to pair with their signature oysters, sourced from Hama Hama Farm in Washington, USA. The food menu changes regularly, depending on the availability of peak-season ingredients and produce.
Address: 18/20 Bukit Pasoh Road
Contact: 9772-9896
DEVIATE WINE BAR
Why go: Deviate was founded by wine merchant Joe Keats from Petersons Wines Singapore. Nestled in a corner of Dempsey, it offers a dozen labels available by the glass and over 300 listed by the bottle. One highlight is the Glug Glug Vino Verde, a Portuguese white wine known for its crisp, fresh flavour. The relaxed atmosphere allows guests to bring their own food (and pets), with a selection of craft beers and spirits available for purchase.
Address: 71 Loewen Road, 01-06
Contact: 9348-6431
SIP WINE BISTRO
Why visit: Situated on Penang Road, Sip Wine Bistro combines the essence of a traditional French bistro with a modern aesthetic. The diverse wine menu features selections such as Bourgogne Maison Mancey 2018, Saint Emilion Grand Cru Classé, and Chateau Rochebelle. Additionally, there's a range of artisanal coffees and handcrafted teas. The Sunday brunch menu is particularly impressive, offering six types of sandwiches, eggs, numerous sides, desserts, and free-flow champagne, white wine, red wine, or beer.
Address: 123 Penang Road, #01-12 Regency House
Contact: 6022-1878
APERO
Why visit: Apero embraces a casual and relaxed atmosphere. Inside, monochrome frames adorn the walls, depicting the aperitivo lifestyle, while outside, an alfresco garden provides a perfect spot for observing the world passing by. The venue was established by Belgian restaurateur and sommelier Pierre Bolly, boasting over 20 years of experience in the F&B industry. The wine selection features classics, French vintages, as well as organic and biodynamic labels sourced from independent boutique wineries. On the food menu, expect offerings like cold cuts, cheese platters, and comforting dishes.
Address: 37 Circular Road
Contact: 8860-6853
MERRY GO-ROUND WINE BAR
Why visit: Merry Go-Round is a laid-back wine and whisky bar located in Siglap, offering an intimate setting where patrons can meet winemakers. Recently, the venue hosted wine tasting sessions with notable figures such as Bruce Blackwell, founder of Bruno & George Winery in Australia’s Barossa Valley. They also feature a selection of premium craft beers and whiskies, alongside a menu that includes both Asian and Western dishes. Highlights include deep-fried threadfin sourced from a local sustainable farm, chorizo onion omelette, and spicy devil prawns.
Address: 930 East Coast Road
Contact: merrygoroundsiglap@gmail.com; 9459-8599
WINE MANSION ORCHARD
Why visit: Wine Mansion's newest outlet, opened in January 2024 at the new Taste Orchard, offers more than 20 meticulously curated wines available by the glass, featuring an ever-evolving selection of varietals. The venue has also hosted unique events, such as a 'bottle your own wine' session where patrons witnessed their bottles being filled directly from the barrel, with corking, waxing, and labeling overseen by renowned winemaker Olivier Sublett. During the recent National Wine Day in May, guests enjoyed a bottomless tasting experience featuring up to 20 varietals from 8 different countries.
Address: 160 Orchard Road #01-15
Contact: Direct message on Instagram