Sometimes, a beautiful glass of wine is exactly what you need.
Andre Simon, the prolific French wine merchant and writer once said, “Wine makes every meal an occasion, every table more elegant, every day more civilized,” and we can’t agree more. There’s something so wonderful about a crisp glass of Sauvignon Blanc on a hot day, or a full-bodied Malbec on a cool evening. And they’re even better when paired with something delicious.
In fact, wine can taste even better with the right food pairing. That’s why we’ve rounded up our five favourite wine bars to check out, and what you should snack on while you’re there! Of course, when in doubt, always ask the sommelier for their recommendations.
Think Wine
If you can’t stop thinking about wine, then you should go to Think Wine. Started by two sommeliers, this wine bar is made for (and by) wine lovers – and worth a visit. Don’t be intimidated by their massive wine list, because the team here is happy to point you in the direction of your perfect pour. Whether you’re after something from a rising wine maker, or a tried-and-true favourite, they’ve got it. And when you’re feeling peckish, just think food! They have a tempting menu of bites, like oysters, caviar, aged cheese and charcuterie. Think Wine regularly hosts events too! Everything from their daily blind tasting challenge, to pop-ups with Hong Kong’s coolest chefs. This week, Haku’s Agustin Balbi is taking over the kitchen, taking his inspiration from the changing seasons.
Think Wine
2/F, LL Tower, 2-4 Shelley Street, Central; +852 2886 3121
www.thinkwinehk.com
Read more: The 5 Best Places to Get Your Bubble Tea Fix
James Suckling Wine Central
Whether you’re new to wines or an established aficionado, there’s something for you at James Suckling Wine Central. After all, James Suckling is one of the most internationally respected wine critics around – so he knows what he’s doing. For the ultra-curious wine consumer, we love that they have over 400 to try by the glass, it’s the largest selection available in the city. And all of their wines have ratings of 90 points or above, so you really can’t go wrong. Their menu is a creative blend of global favourites, but we love the Cauliflower Salad and Korean Fried Chicken!
James Suckling Wine Central
2/F, 22 Staunton Street, Central; +852 2539 7999
www.jamessucklingwinecentral.com
La Cabane Wine Bistro
If you haven’t been to La Cabane Wine Bistro, you haven’t experienced Hong Kong’s wine culture. La Cabane is truly at the heart of Hong Kong’s wine scene and was one of the first venues in the city to embrace the artisan wine movement. The wines served here are made in small batches and are either organically or biodynamically grown with minimal interference from the winemakers. If you want to find out why this is one of the most popular wine spots in the city, come down for the afternoon and try one of their 200 unconventional pours and pair it with their moreish cheeses. The Raclette and Comté are particularly good.
La Cabane Wine Bistro
62 Hollywood Road, Central; +852 2776 6070
www.lacabane.hk
Read more: The Bars & Restaurants Hong Kong’s Food Bloggers Love
Premier Cru
In French, ‘premier cru’ means ‘first growth’, and refers to certain types of classified vineyards and wines. In Hong Kong, ‘Premier Cru’ means ‘a great wine bar’. This intimate space is Hong Kong’s only ‘wine library’, and specialises in varietals from the Rhone Valley and Burgundy. They offer a mix of established vineyards and rising winemakers, so there’s always something new to find. Grab a glass of Roussane (or a lovely Grenache Noir) and head to their sunny deck for a game of chess, or just some lovely conversation. Complete the experience with a cheese and charcuterie board.
Premier Cru
G/F 15th High Street, Sai Ying Pun; +852 9522 5267
www.premiercru.hk
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