10 of Singapore’s best wine bars

Ma Cuisine bagged a Michelin star the year it opened, which should give you a hint for how much of an impression this restaurant-bar makes. The co-founders both hail from Burgundy, and are extremely passionate about wines and the rustic food from the region. The last we were there, Ma Cuisine flaunted over 3,000 bottles from 600 different labels, ranging from boutique labels sourced from personal connections to heavyweights like the best vintages from Chateau Lafite Rothschild, Chateau Y’quem and more. Beyond the wines, Ma Cuisine also has Asia’s largest collection of port wines, giving guests something novel to delve into.

Wine Rvlt is the rebel with a cause in Singapore’s wine bar landscape. The menu is filled with natural wines that encourage your exploration, accompanied by a bar bites menu that satisfies every booze-fuelled craving (their patty melt is the stuff of dreams, believe us). The cool, laidback atmosphere also makes it the perfect place to unwind after-hours, so be sure to pop by the next time you’re in Clarke Quay and you’re on the hunt for something new.

Praelum Wine Bistro is another unpretentious wine bar that seeks to please all vino persuasions. Run by National Sommelier champion Gerald Lu, the 1,000 bottle-strong cellar is home to a dizzying collection of wines from around the world, refreshed regularly. Wine flights are also available here if you’re lost for choice, making Praelum fantastic fodder for casual wine drinkers or those who are just starting out with wine appreciation.

Daisuke Kawai is a renowned name in our local wine scene, and La Terre is his playground. The multi-award-winning Japanese sommelier has run his wine and whisky bar for years now, drawing fans of Old World wines, fine sakes and rarer single malts to his cedarwood bar counter. For special occasions or on nights you’re willing to splurge, La Terre is where you ought to be.

13% Gastro Wine Bar imports the mood of your chill after-work hangout to a wine bar, with gourmet food on the menu to boot. Its flagship is in Aliwal Street, but the bistro-bar has since expanded to include homes in Telok Ayer and Killiney too. It has got a massive selection of Old World wines picked by the owner, so you can expect a carefully thought-out list of intriguing wines to choose from.

Hotel G’s Ginett may look daunting from the outside, but step in and you’ll find that the swank gives way to French wines and hearty food that go easy on the wallet without sacrificing on quality. The all-day destination makes Ginnett your default when you need some wine therapy, no matter the hour, preferably enjoyed with their signature one-metre-long cheese and charcuterie board. On weekends, Ginett does brunch from morning till 4pm, with bubblies going at S$30++ a bottle.

The popular Merci Marcel stands as a café by day and a restaurant by night that also houses an ample selection of French wines from the nation’s main regions. Come for the Instagram-worthy décor and stay for the classic French food that goes down especially well with wines.

Gaston is the new kid on the Keong Saik block that aims to prove there’s more to Burgundian wines than the highfalutin hype that surrounds the region. The focused wine list highlights some of Burgundy’s boutique wines, along with other exciting labels that don’t break the bank. With 350 labels and 15 by the glass to choose from, the choices may get daunting, so be sure to ask general manager and Burgundy native Geoffrey Daurelle for advice.

For those who prefer trying a selection of wines without committing to a bottle, Napoleon Food & Wine Bar is your best bet. 32 different French wines are available on tap via Coravin, so you have options aplenty. Napoleon also offers tasting and half-glass portions at a fraction of the price of a full pour, so you can go forth and brazenly sample as you will.