Over the past decade, and as the number of French expatriates continues to grow in Hong Kong, a steady stream of wine bars have opened in the city. They’ve adopted a democratic approach to wine, seeing a gap in the market for laid-back neighbourhood haunts. Many are tucked away on the quiet, sloping streets of Sai Ying Pun, selling anything from old world wines from Europe to those grown on organic, biodynamic and sustainable vineyards. But others are sleek and central, with experts to guide you through a vast selection. Here, we’ve rounded up our favourites. 

Brut

 

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This small wine bar in Sai Ying Pun with dim lights and exposed concrete walls, is the ultimate neighbourhood haunt. In-the-know locals choose a glass from the curated list, written out on a short single-page menu that constantly changes. Sourced from mostly organic and biodynamic farmers around the world, Brut’s wine selection is extensive, and best enjoyed with an elevated snack from its seasonal menu that features dishes like miso aubergine with homemade ricotta and beetroot, pumpkin gyoza or drunken chicken. 

Shop C, G/F, Tung Cheung Building. 1, 11 Second Street, Sai Ying Pun; brut.com.hk 

La Cabane

 

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This charming wine bar’s French owners bring the best of their homeland to a quaint spot on Hollywood Road. Personal service from the passionate owners, plus wines selected from small artisan growers that focus on sustainability, make this a place worth shouting about. Most wines are organic and biodynamically cultivated on vineyards with minimal intervention, and can be purchased by the bottle from their cellar down the road. We recommend ordering a board of French meats and cheeses, with La Cabane’s killer-molten chocolate torte for afterwards. 

62 Hollywood Road, Central; lacabane.hk

Premier Cru

 

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With warm, wooden floors, floor-to-ceiling windows and stylish brushed metal table-tops, Premier Cru is the bar for a casual afternoon with friends. Guests sit surrounded by shelves of bottles, about 60 per cent of which are from emerging producers, some natural and organic options, while the rest are from well-known winemakers and vineyards. Wine here is only served by the bottle, as they initially intended to be trade-only, but there’s an outside terrace and a handful of stools downstairs that welcome visitors to linger.  

15 High St, Sai Ying Pun 

Le Quinze Vins

 

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Starting its life in the 5th arrondissement of Paris in November 2010, Le Quinze Vins has since grown into a global brand, established by a group of French wine enthusiasts who wanted to share their passion with the world. There are now three wine shops in Hong Kong, beloved by oenophiles for the extensive list of French labels served by the glass at a reasonable price point. The Wan Chai outpost is our favourite, with its red façade and rows of wine bottles lining the walls.

9 Swatow Street, Wan Chai; lqv-group.com

Bâtard