Wine Bar Guides

Wine bars in Singapore: what to expect

Nearly all the wine in Singapore is imported. Even so, wine bars in Singapore offer a wide choice, from French classics to small natural producers. Many pour a good range by the glass, so you can try several styles in one evening. Wine costs more than in many cities, because alcohol taxes are high. The legal drinking age is 18, and bars may ask for photo ID.

Types of wine bar

Natural wine bars

Natural wine is made with as little added as possible. Makers often use no added yeast and few or no sulphites. It can taste fresher, cloudier or more unusual than you expect. Many small natural wine bars sit in shophouses. A shophouse is a narrow old terrace building with a shop below and rooms above.

Wine shops with seats

Some wine shops have a few tables where you can open a bottle on the spot. You may pay a small extra charge on top of the shop price. This is often cheaper than ordering from a bar's list.

Restaurant bars

Many European restaurants have long wine lists and a counter for a glass and small plates. These EatStays listings suit a bottle with dinner:

• Lolla: Mediterranean food in the Marina Bay and CBD area.
• Cicheti: Italian food in the Bugis and Kampong Glam area.
• Kulto: Spanish food in the Marina Bay and CBD area.
• Bar-Roque Grill: French food in Chinatown and Tanjong Pagar.
• Dempsey Cookhouse & Bar: modern European food in the Dempsey area.

Best areas for wine bars

• Keong Saik and Tanjong Pagar. Shophouse streets with small bars and restaurants side by side. See Tanjong Pagar & Keong Saik. To stay close by, look at Hotel 1929, a boutique hotel on Keong Saik Road.
• Club Street and Ann Siang. Sloping lanes near Chinatown, with bars in restored shophouses.
• Dempsey Hill. Former army barracks set among trees, with wine shops and restaurants. See Dempsey Hill.
• Robertson Quay. A quieter stretch of the river with outdoor tables. See Clarke Quay & Robertson Quay.

How to order and save

• Start by the glass. If you are unsure, ask for a small taste first. Many bars are happy to help.
• Know rough costs. A glass at a wine bar often costs around S$15 to S$25. Bottles cost well above shop prices. Prices change, so check the list first.
• Look for happy hour. Some wine bars cut prices on house wines early in the evening. See Happy Hours.
• Ask about corkage. Some restaurants let you bring your own bottle for a corkage fee, a charge for opening and serving it. Ask when you book.
• Read the bill. "++" on a menu means a service charge and GST, the goods and services tax, will be added.
• Check duty-free limits. Alcohol allowances for arriving travellers are strict. See Singapore Customs before you fly in with wine.

Wine with local food

Singapore food is often spicy, rich or sweet. Off-dry whites, such as riesling, suit chilli dishes well. Sparkling wine cuts through fried food. Light reds work with grilled meat and satay. Planning a seafood dinner? See the best chilli crab in Singapore.

Drink responsibly

The heat can make alcohol feel stronger, so drink water between glasses. Drinking in public places is not allowed late at night, and some areas have stricter rules. Never drink and drive. Read Etiquette & Local Laws before your trip.

FAQs about wine bars in Singapore

Why is wine expensive in Singapore?

Nearly all wine is imported, and alcohol taxes are high. Bars also add a service charge and GST.

What is natural wine?

It is wine made with as little added as possible, often with no added yeast and few or no sulphites. Flavours can be fresh and unusual.

Which areas have the best wine bars in Singapore?

Keong Saik Road, Club Street, Dempsey Hill and Robertson Quay all have good choices.

Can I bring my own wine to a restaurant?

Many restaurants allow it for a corkage fee. Ask when you book.

What is the drinking age in Singapore?

It is 18. Carry photo ID, as bars may check it.