Hong Kong is known for its creative drinking culture, from serving cocktails based on Cantonese spirits to some of the best whisky in Asia—and even innovative non-alcoholic drinks.
In terms of wine, the city also offers generous options—perhaps so many that it's become a challenge to navigate. And when l’heure de l'apéro arrives, you better know which spots to hit.
The three French editors on the Tatler Hong Kong team got together over a glass of Bordeaux to debate which of the city’s wine bars offered the best bottles of white, red, rosé, orange and sparkling—and additionally, which ones serve the best charcuterie and cheese boards. Here are their recommendations.
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La Cabane
La Cabane is known for its authentic “apéro” (Photo: Instagram / @lacabanehk)
La Cabanes offers a large selection of natural wine (Photo: Instagram / @lacabanehk)
La Cabane is where it's at for a truly authentic apéro—a French tradition of pre-dinner drinks and snacks with friends. Step through the little red door on Hollywood Road, and you'll feel like you've been whisked away to a charming wine bar straight out of Bordeaux, the wine capital of France. The wine selection is impressive, with a focus on small, artisanal producers, but the food is also a big draw. The cheese and meat board is a total winner, especially when paired with one of their wines.
- Alix Lefebvre, assistant manager, VIP relations, Tatler Hong Kong
La CabaneAddress: 62 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong
酒未 Zau Mei Wine Bar
Hidden in Wan Chai, Zau Mei Wine Bar is a gem in the city (Photo: Instagram / @zaumeihk)
Looking for French wine with a hint of local canto characteristics? Zau Mei is the place to go (Photo: Instagram / @zaumeihk)
If you just want a great French wine tasting experience in a more laid-back environment away from crowds in Central, check out 酒未 (Zau Mei) in Wan Chai. Beloved among wine connoisseurs in the city, Zau Mei offers a well-curated and frequently updated selection of French and Italian wines ”with a hint of local Canto characteristics”. With regular tasting events, Zau creates accessible fusion wine experiences for all to enjoy and discover new vintages.
- Khoa Tran, social impact editor, Tatler Hong Kong
酒未 (Zau Mei)Address: 33 Ship Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
La Cave and Terroirs by LQV Hong Kong
La Cave and Terroirs by LQV Hong Kong is a classic rendezvous spot for the French community (Photo: Instagram / @lqvhongkong)
LQV’s menu is incredibly diverse, from its wine choices to its artisanal bistro food and boards (Photo: Instagram / @lqvhongkong)
With their locations in Wan Chai and Central (as well as in Paris and Singapore), LQV’s wine bars are the preferred rendezvous points for the French community. The institution's cellars are comprised of no less than 99.9 per cent French bottles, while all of its artisanal bistro food is flown directly from France.
The selection of wine is diverse: LQV’s menu has more than 2,500 labels, and prices range from HK$85 to a whopping HK$255,000 per bottle. To cap off the night, don’t forget to order fresh bread, charcuterie and cheese boards as the French would do.
- Salomé Grouard, deputy digital editor, Tatler Hong Kong
LQV Hong KongSeveral locations around Hong Kong; instagram.com/lqvhongkong
Corks
Corks is the safest bet for wine in Hong Kong (Photo: Instagram / @corks.hk)
Testament to its success, Corks has just opened a second wine bar in Causeway Bay (Photo: Instagram / @corks.hk)
When looking for a good glass of wine (or two), Corks is a safe bet. The wine bar’s prime location in Sheung Wan offers the perfect setting for those seeking a taste of summer in France by enjoying a glass of rosé alfresco. On the weekends and after work, you'll often find groups of oenophiles gathered around the public seating area, creating a lively atmosphere. If you're a lover of red wine, Corks has a fantastic selection of local French wines to suit every palate, whether you prefer bold and fruity styles or earthy and complex flavours. Testament to its success, Corks has just opened a second wine bar in Causeway Bay to the delight of wine lovers.
- Alix Lefebvre, assistant manager, VIP relations, Tatler Hong Kong
Corks205C Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong; +852 9258 5352G/F, 23 Lan Fong Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong; +852 9610 8268
Le Tambour
Le Tambour exudes the effortless charm of French bistros (Photo: letambourhk)
Le Tambour is intimate gem on Peel Street that never fails to delight and soothe after a long day (Photo: Instagram / @letambourhk)
Le Tambour exudes the effortless charm of French bistros. A small space that nudges most to socialise outside? Check. An impressive selection of French vintages? Check. Planchettes of cheese and meat—even rillettes!? Check. Friends, colleagues and oenophiles come for the wines but stay for the cosy ambience and rustic fare. This intimate gem on Peel Street never fails to delight and soothe after a long day.
- Khoa Tran, social impact editor, Tatler Hong Kong
Le TambourAddress: 52A Peel Street, Central, Hong Kong
Aroma Wine Bistro
Aroma Wine Bistro focuses on Burgundy’s treasures (Photo: Instagram / @aromawinebistro)
Discover Burgundy’s hidden gems in the heart of Causeway Bay (Photo: Instagram / @aromawinebistro)
Aroma Wine Bistro focuses on Burgundy’s treasures, unveiling hidden gems from the region with small plates inspired by French and Italian cuisine. The bistro has both outdoor and indoor spaces—a rarity in Causeway Bay. If you feel adventurous, discover their “sommelier’s secret”. If you guess the wine correctly, your glass is on the house.
- Salomé Grouard, deputy digital editor, Tatler Hong Kong
Aroma Wine BistroAddress: Shop 206-210, Lee Garden 3, 1 Sunning Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
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