Wine Away

by BK Editorial on December 13, 2007 - 12:53pm

BK sips its way through seven of the city’s wine bars.

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	The Setting	The Selection	The Verdict
Aldo's	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 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.	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.
Bacchus	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.	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.	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.
Enoteca Italiana	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.	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.	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.
Glass by Giusto	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.	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 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.
V9 Wine Bar	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 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.	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.
Vino di Zanotti	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.	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.	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.
Wine Connection	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.	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.	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.