Spend an evening at one of the a-dime-a-dozen wine bars, and you may yearn for some originality. Here are a few establishments where you might find it.
Wine is quickly becoming a fetish of status and trendiness in Bangkok.
Wine bars have, as a result, multiplied. There are some places, however,
which stand out and consistently provide memorable wine experiences.
They cater to both wine newbies – offering sensibly priced wines by the glass –
as well as connoisseurs, who are more likely to plump for high-cachet bottles,
or unusual vintages enjoying their moment of fashionability. These wine bars,
chosen for their quality as much as their differences, will leave you with a lively and pleasant aftertaste long after your evening has ended.
THE ORIGINAL TRENDSETTER:
Wine Connection
Wine Connection simply must be mentioned in any article about wine bars. With over 10 years of experience in importing wines, Wine Connection is the first and largest wine chain of the lot, spanning Singapore, Vietnam and Thailand. Its bistro-bar combo has flourished in the wake of its self-made wine-drinking trend, keeping Wine Connection outlets at the top of most casual wine drinkers’ lists. Exposed brick walls, chalkboards, dim lighting and a large glass facade now seem formulaic, thanks to emulators, but the formula works well. A variety of snacks complement a wine-drinking atmosphere, and includes stuffed olives, roasted artichokes and, of course, cheeses. Customers can buy a bottle at the wine shop (500 baht and up) at the back of the modern-looking restaurant, where trained, English-speaking staff will puzzle out your preferences, and serve it with a pizza, pasta or steak dinner. The four wines available by the glass are affordable and their flavours accessible at 100 baht per glass and up: at the moment they include a moderate shiraz, a fruity shiraz-pinotage (from South Africa), prosecco and a well-liked chardonnay-sauvignon blanc blend. With a website offering over 500 bottles of wine, Wine Connection is your best bet for finding a particular label. At K-Village,Sukhumvit Soi 31, The Avenue Ratchayothin, Nana, 2/F CRC Tower All Seasons Place, Sivadon Building, The Circle, Eight Thonglor, Esplanade Ratchada. Main tel: 0-2234-0388
Wine Connection
PRIVATE AND PERSONALISED:
Opera Riserva, a wine bar that is part of Bangkok institution L’Opera, has been around for seven years. Walk in and the first thing you’ll notice is a slightly smoky smell - Opera Riserva also serves as a cigar club. Wooden chairs and tables stained a deep colour are set in corners and along the walls - there can’t be more than seven tables - and the history and tradition of wine tasting seep from the walls. The ambience is added to by the list of regulars, their names engraved on reservation placards, that line a side wall - including elite online social group A Small World and “Madonna”. Manager Cappa Rudy is a true wine lover and will hover briefly by your table as you try his selection, eager to hear your opinion. In fact, the service here is superb and one always feels well-looked after. There is an extensive list of wines by the glass, starting at 260 baht up to 780 baht, including the usual suspects such as Spain, Italy, New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa. You would expect a musical selection of classical music or opera; instead, salsa and nostalgic pop are on the playlist, and it is a little disconcerting. Opera Riserva certainly looks its age, but like a fine wine, only seems to be getting better over time. At 53, Sukhumvit Soi 39 (0-2258-5601)
THE BIG PICTURE:
Wine Loft
Wine Loft is Wine Connection’s three-year-old cousin. The chain serves wines by the glass from a serving system that reseals bottles immediately after pouring, allowing them to offer more expensive wines without a surcharge. “We don’t serve table wines,” says the general manager, Nisakorn Sihanatkathakulexplaining that their philosophy is to choose the best wines of a typical region. The serving system has proved so popular that its newest location will feature at least 16 wines from the expensive machines. This branch will serve Italian and international cuisine, including cheeses, tapas, steaks and pasta, with over 50 seats and a selection of 250 bottles of New and Old World wines. Glasses start at 150 baht (though smaller amounts are available at lower prices); bottles start at approximately 690 baht, going all the way up to around 10,000 baht. “We don’t serve more expensive wines, because with tax, it’s cheaper for our customers to go to that country and bring in the wines themselves,” says Nisakorn. Wine Loft takes its wine seriously, flying in wine producers for tasting sessions with VIP members. Reservations on Fridays and Saturdays are strongly advised. Address: At Langsuan (0-2652-1965), Sukhumvit 31(0-2260-0027) and Marketplace Thonglor (0-2392-2080)
Wine Loft
THE BOUTIQUE BAR:
Sip Wine Bar & Tasting
Sip Wine Bar & Tasting is tiny, which is the way the owner and lifelong wine lover Victor Gomez seems to like it. Gomez learned about wines during a stay near Napa Valley, sparking a passion that he shares with customers, having set up the shop as a way to find wines at a cheaper price. Express an interest in a wine, and he might just let you try it gratis. The eclectic seven-month-old wine bar has only about four tables, counting a sofa-and-table combo. It has a homey, relaxed atmosphere with comfortable, modern decor. Despite its size, there are over a dozen wines by the glass, imported from less obvious locations, such as Romania. Sip Wine Bar & Tasting is a wine newbie’s dream: glasses are from 99 baht, bottles start at 450 baht, the variety is astounding, and Gomez is very good at helping you navigate the list. Expect a tasting session for less than 500 baht this month. At 33/32 Sukhumvit Soi 63 (0-2714-2223)
Sip Wine Bar & Tasting
