When the season turns festive, thoughts turn to having a tipple or two with friends. Luckily, Bangkok has more and more wine bars that entertain the oenophile in all of us.
The Place: Aldo’s
187 South Sathorn Rd., 02-676-6969. Open daily 11am-midnight
The Setting: The décor is modern but understated, with plenty of wood, steel and elegant lighting. Besides the main restaurant and bar, there are several private pavilions, named after celebrated grapes, surrounding a swimming pool.
The Selection: The selection here is impressive, all the more so considering the prices. Some 120 wines are on offer, including a good 20 at under B1,500 a bottle. Twelve wines available by the glass from B280 upwards—though these are changed regularly.
The Verdict: This is an agreeably chill place, most conducive to relaxed post-work drinks than to get amped up for a big night out. During the cool season, book one of the semi-private poolside tables.
The Place: Bacchus
20/6-7 Ruam Rudee, 02-650-8986. Open daily 5pm-1am
The Setting: Homey, hip four-story venue that gets more loungey as you move up. Serious wine and whisky drinkers will want to join the Japanese owner/manager, Koji, at the bar.
The Selection: More than 400 different bottles of wine, and if that doesn’t float your boat, more than 200 types of liquor are also on offer. The wine selection skews towards Australia, but there is a broad range of Bordeaux wines.
The Verdict: This upscale joint is the trophy wife equivalent of the wine bar: flashy and slightly tarty, but still good fun nonetheless. Food-wise, the fusion creations doesn’t always work, but some are very tasty.
The Place: Enoteca Italiana
39 Sukhumvit Soi 27, 02-258-4386. Open daily 6pm-midnight
The Setting: This is more of a restaurant than a wine bar, with meats and cheeses on display in the cozy, rustic dining room. There’s a whole wall of wine bottles, though.
The Selection: A huge range of wines (300+) impressibly displayed on the far wall—all Italian—leaning more towards red than white, many of which you won’t see elsewhere. Bottles from B1,500 to B10,000.
The Verdict: While this is not the first place to go to if you fancy only wine, this is indeed a comfortable spot for cured meats and cheese sliced before your eyes and a glass of wine or two…or three…or five.
The Place: Glass by Giusto
16 Sukhumvit Soi 23, 02-258-4321, 02-664-4420. Open daily 6pm-1am; restaurant 11:30am-2pm, 6:30-10:30pm
The Setting: Like the restaurant, the wine bar’s design is cool, flash and upscale: high ceilings, upstairs loft, and two very long bars. Bring mosquito spray if you sit next to the waterfall.
The Selection: A smart selection of some 300 wines, which includes what is arguably Bangkok’s top by-the-glass lineup: 15, including one sparkling and one dessert, start at B320. The best complimentary bar snacks, too.
The Verdict: The staff here seem to be more clued up about wine than the staff elsewhere. Likewise, the glassware is exceptionable. This is a top quality venue—but correspondingly expensive.
The Place: V9 Wine Bar & Restaurant
37/F, Sofitel Silom, Silom Rd., 02-238-1991 ext. 1351. Open daily 5:30pm-2am; restaurant 6-11pm
The Setting: V9 provides spectacular views from both sides of the building. The décor is like a “contemporary” furniture showroom, with plenty of exposed concrete and artful lighting.
The Selection: The wines here, from Wine Connection, are sold at “retail” prices. The selection tops 200, with a generous selection by the glass, which changes monthly. Opt for the “wine flights,” which are fun and good value.
The Verdict: Great concept, but it’s missing something with its generic hotel bar feel and inconsistent music selection. Still, you can’t beat the view, and better wine service than the more famous hotel rooftop bars.
The Place: Vino di Zanotti
41 Soi Saladaeng, Silom Rd., 02-636-0855. Open Mon-Sat 5pm-midnight
The Setting: Both the decor and the older expat crowd (bankers) give it a men’s club-like feel. Flattering lighting and different seating areas (including a cigar lounge). Live jazz on some nights. Smart service.
The Selection: Very impressive selection of 500 wines, an overwhelming majority Italian. The range of wines available by the glass changes frequently, with prices starting at about B240.
The Verdict: Vino’s has hit the nail on the head: without neglecting the food, this place actually feels like a wine bar. Staff are fairly knowledgeable. It is, of course, expensive.
The Place: Wine Connection Nana – Wine Shop & Bar
49 Sukhumvit Soi 3,
BTS Nana, 02-655-7166. Open daily 10:30am-11pm.
The Setting: This diminutive wine bar is little more than a counter with seating facing the street. As for the crowd, it’s the occasional adventurous couple looking for a decidedly non-buzzy place and alcoholics on a budget.
The Selection: Only a handful are served by the glass: two or four per month (from B100). Better to open a bottle of one of the 200 wines available here—imported beers and spirits, too.
The Verdict: You’re getting drunk in the middle of a wine shop. If that doesn’t bother you, enjoy what must be the best deal in town as well as people-watching that borders on the bizarre.
