HomeBars + Clubs7 Wine Bars for the Vinophile on a Budget

7 Wine Bars for the Vinophile on a Budget

by URBAN JOURNEY

Finding a decent glass of wine that doesn’t cost a small fortune can be a mission in Singapore. Though we’re happy to get punchy and splash out when dining, there are times when a post-work drink or low key catch up with friends without smashing through the dollars is needed. And it’s times like that we need a cheap wine source. Caveat: when we say cheap, we ain’t talking goon bags. We mean decent, drinkable pours in a nice setting that just so happen to be great value for money. Here’s where to hit up when wine is the only answer (ranked in no particular order)

1. Elbow Room by Drinks & Co

Elbow Room by Drinks & Co. is a fun and easy spot to head to for wine at honest/friendly prices. When you’re looking for a spot to unwind alongside easy bites and sharing platters, this is a your spot. WInes at happy hour start at just $17!

Elbow Room by Drinks & Co, 44 Club St, S 069421, p. +65 6222 2005.

2. Ginett

Who says you don’t get anything for free? At Ginnett, round up three of your girlfriends and swing by on a Tuesday; every group of four ladies will receive a bottle of French sparkling or rose wine. Free (no minimum spend required!). What’s more, the extensive wine list of over 70 labels starts from $6++ per glass, and $30++ per bottle. Can you say bargain?

Ginett, 200 Middle Road, 188980, t. 6809 7989

3. Wine & Chef

If Italian wine is your poison of choice, Wine & Chef needs to be on your radar. It works exclusively with boutique Italian vineyards and stocks over 400 labels, many of which are affordable pairings for a weekday supper. Or if you’re just popping in for a glass, prosecco starts at $8++, and Pinot Grigio or Chianti from $7++. And don’t even get us started on the happy hour…

Wine & Chef, 7 Keong Saik Rd, 089115, t. 6221 9279

4. 13% Gastro Wine

Sip, swirl, and savour at 13%; a sleek wine bar with three venues across SG (Aliwal Street, Killiney Road, and Amoy Street; the latter is our favourite haunt). Created by friends who shared an appreciation of great wine, and great food, 13% was born and sources wine from the favourite vineyards of the owners. We like it for the simplicity; great wine at affordable prices (a decent glass of red or white usually starts from around $12) and the simple menu of cheese, charcuterie and other nibbly bits make it the perfect venue for a casual night out with friends that won’t break the bank.

13% Gastro Wine, 123A Telok Ayer St, 068592, t. 6224 6885

5. So France

Part bistro, part gourmet grocer, part wine bar, So France is the newest kid on the affordable wine block. And what a welcome addition it is. The 100+ labels stocked here have been hand-selected from top French producers (quelle surprise) with glasses starting from a mere $8. Check out the equally affordable French tapas menu if you get the munchies.

So France, 7 Fraser Street Duo Galleria #01-51/56 Bugis MRT Singapore, 189356, t. 6909 6449

6. Merci Marcel

Since opening we’ve become a little obsessed with this cute French brasserie in Tiong Bahru. Owned by the same team behind O’Bats, it’s filling the gaping hole in our heart caused by its downtime We love grabbing a comfy seat out front or a high table in the patio garden area out back and working our way through a glass (or five) of vin rouge that starts at $8.

Merci Marcel, 56 Eng Hoon St, #01-68, 160056, t. 6224 0113 and 7 – 9 Club Street, t. 6438 3913

7. Wine Mansion

This unassuming bistro on Keong Saik Road (there are also outlets in Sembawang and the Realty Centre, but this one’s our fave) is a firm favourite at UJ HQ for its spectacular wine deals (and the food is solid too). The wine list starts at $45 for a decent bottle of sauv blanc, while house red and white starts from $8.50 per glass. It’s also a top choice if you’re just catching up with pals for a post-work drink; there’s free-flow wine and beer for $35 from 5pm to 9pm, Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, and free-flow red, white, and bubbles on Wednesday nights for a mere $25.

Wine Mansion, 20 Keong Saik Rd, 089127, t. 6225 4468

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