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Slideshow
Top 10 HK fine wine by-the-glass bars
Since the 40% alcohol tax was abolished in 2008 Hong Kong has become known as a global hub for wine bars, offering a dizzying array of wine and Champagne. For those looking to taste fine wines by the glass, we bring you a selection of places for perusal.
Hong Kong wine lovers really are spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing yet another wine bar or restaurant to sample. The city is crammed to the gills with fine wine, New World and organic specialists but it often comes at a price. Fortunately, there are now plenty of places which offer fine wine by the glass as opposed to expensive bottles for those who feel disheartened at the traditional “house red” selections.
From jaw dropping views at the M Bar to cosy French chic at Wine Beast, there’s something for even the most discerning of wine drinkers. Find out more below – and we completely welcome alternative suggestions.
10. Q88 Wine Bar
Nestled in the JW Marriott, Q88 offers one of the largest collections of fine wine by the glass with the added bonus of happy hour from 5-8pm. Choose from vintage Bordeaux, Burgundy and Champagne while taking in the skyline from the floor-to-ceiling glass windows. The resident band also takes centre stage from 8.30pm Monday to Saturday.
Lobby Level, JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, 2810 8366
9. Caprice
With a focus on first growth Bordeaux and priding itself on sourcing wines off the beaten track, the bar at Caprice in the Four Seasons also offers awe-inspiring views and a cellar full of artisanal cheeses. It operates on a first come, first served policy so drinkers tend to arrive early and settle in for the night.
6/F, Four Seasons, Finance Street, 2196 8888
8. Tastings
For the serious wine geeks, Tastings wine bar in Wellington Street presents 40 fine wines by Enomatic dispenser. Available in glass, half glass and 25ml measures, Tastings’ extensive menu also has 160 wines hailing from across the globe. The 2002 Henschke Cryil Cabernet is a particular highlight.
B/F, Yuen Yick Building, 27-29 Wellington Street, 2523 6282
7. Di Vino
Since opening in 2003, Di Vino is on any committed wine drinker’s circuit, offering specialities of Italian food and wine in the heart of Central. Its wine list ranges from a 2007 Brunello di Montalcino to NV Bolly, all pairing perfectly with Di Vino’s seasonal, rustic Italian menu.
73 Wyndham Street, 2167 8883
6. M Bar
With a fabulous view of Hong Kong on the 25th floor of the iconic Mandarin Oriental, the M Bar is a favourite of weekenders and locals alike with a staggering drinks list encompassing fine wine, whisky, cognac and cocktails. Champagne enthusiasts can sip on Krug or New Zealand Pinot Noir while soaking up the ambience and tucking into M Bar’s dim sum platters.
25F, 5 Connaught Road, 2522 0111
5. Le Quinze Vins
The small and newly opened Le Quinze Vins is tucked away in Wan Chai among the many dim sum and noodle joints which make up the area’s eclectic restaurant scene. From small producers to big name brands, Le Quinze Vins has a particular focus on the Languedoc and Burgundy and is the sister of the famous drinking haunt in Paris.
G/F, 9 Swatow St, Wan Chai, 2673 7636
4. La Cabane
The sister of Cabane a Vin, Hong Kong’s first natural wine cellar, La Cabane pairs small seasonal plates with a fearsome wine list that specialises in delights from the Loire valley. It also hosts regular tasting events so the newly initiated can discover the world of organic wine.
G/F, 62 Hollywood Rd, 2776 6070
3. The Central Wine Club
Decked out in a modern Baroque style, The Central Wine Club is a private members’ club which welcomes non members – as long as they are serious about their fine wine. From a 2008 San Giusto a Rentennano Chanti to 2002 Moutard Pere et Fils Blanc de Blancs, the 3,000 sq ft venue offers happy hour from 3pm-9pm where drinkers can very happily enjoy the above wines at half price.
3/F, Sea Bird House, 22-28 Wyndham St, 2147 3448
2. California Vintage
Maintaining strong links with 22 family owned Californian wineries, California Vintage is chain of excellently done wine bars with a focus on a seasonal pairing menu from Napa Valley chef, Richard Haake and the best wines the state has to offer. With a rotating selection of 90 wines available by the glass or half glass (as well as bottle and half bottle), each outlet also offers wine for retail. Wineries to look out for include Silver Mountain, Dustan and Fritz Winery.
77 Wyndham St, 2525 9808
1. Wine Beast Bistro
The bistro arm of the Wine Beast retail shop in Wan Chai, this out-of-the-way hideout sells wine at the retail price, making it a firm favourite with everyone with even a passing interest in all things vino. With an extensive list of Burgundy, Bordeaux, Languedoc as well as New World favourites, New Zealand, Australia, Chile and Argentina, Wine Beast also offers a reasonably priced French-inspired seasonal menu.
15 McGregor Street, Wanchai, 2479 6833