GBA Lifestyle News
Think we’re short of wine bar options here in Hong Kong? Think again. There are plenty of places around the city offering high-quality wines from all over the world — and then some. Whether you’re a casual drinker looking to discover new varieties or a wine connoisseur with a particular type of vino in mind, these bars won’t fail you. These are 7 of the best wine bars in Hong Kong:
One of the newer additions to the scene, MyHouse combines wine bar, restaurant and live music venue all in one. The trendy joint specializes in natural wines, which are made with handpicked grapes with little additives and chemicals added during the winemaking process. The natural theme at MyHouse continues with its food: pair your wines with modern European dishes made with sustainable seafood and free-range meats. There are live DJ beats here to keep the party going until well after dark, while seats are equipped with their very own turntables.
26/F, QRE Plaza, 202 Queens Road East, Wan Chai, 2323-1715.
You’re in good hands at The Flying Winemaker — it was established by Eddie McDougall, who has a TV show about winemaking to his name, no less. Run as an online wine store, it also has a tasting gallery and wine shop in Central. Choose from a huge range of wines sourced from around the world — there are whites, reds, rosés and champagnes from Australia, France, South Africa and Syria and everywhere in between. McDougall also produces his own wines, including a Sangiovese 2008, a Pinot Gris 2014 named after his wife Freddie, as well as a light, fruity prosecco, among others.
604-605, 6/F, Yu Yuet Lai Building, 43-55 Wyndham Street, Central, 2522-2187.
Sydney transplant 121BC opened a dimly lit, intimate space on Peel Street in 2014, offering a remarkable selection of great wines while also serving hearty Italian dishes perfect for sharing. Artisan wines — sourced by 121BC’s own sommelier in Italy — are offered by the glass, while there are also vintages from big-name producers available. It also offers a monthly wine-pairing menu that highlights dishes from specific Italian regions.
42-44 Peel Street, Central, 2395-0200.
The two Hong Kong branches of Parisian wine bar Le Quinze Vins both boast ample wine stock. Its Central branch, in particular, has more than 1,000 French varieties. We love the neighbourhood feel of the Wan Chai outlet, which is tucked away at the end of a quiet street. Those looking to explore wines by independent, less well-known French producers will enjoy what Le Quinze Vin has to offer. Wines by the glass start at $90; order a delectable cheese and meat platter to go with your wines, and go to town.
G/F, 9 Swatow Street, Wan Chai, 2673-7636. 32 Gage Street, Central, 2652-0588.
If you’re looking for top-notch vino in a classy, rustic setting, look no further than La Cabane Wine Bistro. These aren’t just any old bottles you’ll find at the supermarket — the 200 or so French wines are all organic and biodynamic, and many of them are sourced from independent, family-run vineyards whom the owners of La Cabane know personally. A two-course set lunch is available on weekdays, which includes a glass of wine. There’s also a wine cellar around the corner should you want to pick up a bottle or two.
G/F, 62 Hollywood Road, Central, 2776-6070.
The cozy Le Bistro Winebeast is run by a husband-and-wife team, who are also the chef and sommelier. Here you’ll find over 200 types of wines produced by smaller vineyards in Europe. Most of the wines come from France, although there is also a selection of Spanish and Italian varieties. Menus are seasonal, and there’s a dinner tasting menu featuring wine pairing — think seared red tuna and pan-fried foie gras paired with an Alsace Pinot Noir, for example. Grab a bottle or two to go at the adjoining wine shop.
G/F, 141 Thomson Road, Wan Chai, 2782-6689.
Modeled after a Greek taverna, Enoteca on Elgin has been around for over 10 years and is still going strong. The original branch in SoHo as well as newer outlet in Quarry Bay both serve up international wines alongside Mediterranean-style dishes. There are reds, whites and prosecco from France, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand that start at $64 per glass, while wines available by the bottle are an exciting mix of varieties from the likes of Argentina, Italy as well as Californian wine country. There are six Enoteca retail locations across Hong Kong.
Six locations, including SoHo: G/F, 47 Elgin Street, Central, 2525-9944. Quarry Bay: G/F, 35-41 Tong Chong Street, Quarry Bay, 2744-6000.
