The East Is Red: Beijing's Best Wine Bars

With the blossoming of Beijing’s bar scene as a whole over the past few years, the city has developed a taste for wine that has sustained a number of bars specifically dedicated to fine wines. At the same time, wine lists in many bars have expanded and improved, and distributors and enthusiasts alike host regular tastings across town. Wine doesn’t need to be an elitist pursuit, and many bars offer affordable wines to suit everyone from big spending connoisseurs to amateur quaffers on a budget. Wine fans will love these spots.

Aperitivo
This long-running Sanlitun favorite offers perhaps the most “Euro” of ambiences in the bar district area – in the summer, the terrace just about provides a refuge from the Tongli mayhem. Grab a glass of wine, or the infamous “Aperitivo cocktail” (white wine, tonic and flavoring, RMB 38) to go with the menu’s sandwiches, pasta and salads. Chinese and foreign credit cards accepted.
Daily 10am-late. 43 Sanlitun Houjie (next to Tongli Studio), Chaoyang District. (6417 7793) 意式餐吧, 朝阳区三里屯后街43号同里旁边

Aria
This China World Hotel establishment remains one of the best places in town to sip wine amidst its stunning downstairs bar featuring regular live music and in its second-level restaurant serving fine European cuisine. A great place to talk business or just relax and chat. Chinese and foreign credit cards accepted.
Daily 11.30am-2.30pm, 6-10pm; bar 11am-midnight. 2/F, China World Hotel, 1 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District. (6505 2266 ext 38, 6505 3318) 朝阳区建国门外大街1号中国大饭店二层

Cafe de la Poste
This effortlessly cool neighborhood bistro is filled with candle-lit tables, friendly service, reasonably priced wine and soundtrack of Rive Gauche grooves and gypsy jazz foster languorous tête-à-têtes.
Voted "Outstanding French" in the Beijinger's 2010 Reader Restaurant Awards.
Daily noon-3pm, 6pm-late. 58 Yonghegong Dajie, Dongcheng District. (6402 7047) 东城区雍和宫大街58号

Cafe Europa
With its affordable, internationally stocked wine bar, this Jianwai Soho venue is worth the trip just for the sips, and better yet if you’re craving authentic, cafe-style Italian or European cuisine. Chinese and foreign credit cards accepted.
Daily 11.30am-10.30pm. Rm 1113, Bldg 11, Jianwai Soho, 39 Dongsanhuan Zhonglu, Chaoyang District. (5869 5663) www.cafeeuropa.cn 朝阳区东三环中路39号建外Soho11号楼1113

Cambulac Italian Wine Enoteca
Italian wine wholesalers in a beautiful courtyard setting filled with Republican-era antiques and a pleasant rooftop patio. Bottles include regional Italian wines, including Moscato D’Asti and Brachetto. Single bottles available to taste and purchase, and there is a menu offering a limited range of Italian dishes. Chinese and foreign credit cards accepted.
Daily 10am-midnight. 32 Beibingmasi Hutong (east of Nanluogu Xiang), Dongcheng District.(6402 7707) 东城区北兵马司胡同32号（南锣鼓巷东边）

Capital M
A range of fine wines and classic cocktails are on offer at the bar, and small dishes, canapés and desserts are served in the Oval Room to the left of the bar from 5pm-midnight. The terrace affords one of the most impressive views in the city, while the ornate dining room, with its signature parquet flooring and elegant lighting, is a suitably opulent setting for European culinary indulgence. Chinese and foreign credit cards accepted. Voted "Outstanding for Impressing Visitors" in the Beijinger's 2010 Reader Restaurant Awards.
Mon-Fri 11am-2.30pm, 6-10.30pm, Sat-Sun 11.30am-5pm, 6-10.30pm (afternoon tea between 2.30-5pm). 3/F, 2 Qianmen Pedestrian Street (southeast of Qianmen), Chongwen District. (6702 2727) 崇文区前门步行街2号3层

Centro
The ever-popular Kerry Centre lounge boasts its own extensive collection of wines that you can sip while talking business or jamming along to the nightly jazz- and blues-oriented live music. Chinese and foreign credit cards accepted. Happy hour 5-8pm daily.
Daily 24hrs. 1/F, Kerry Centre Hotel, 1 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang District. (6561 8833, ask for Centro) 炫酷, 朝阳区光华路1号嘉里中心饭店1层

Champagne Bar
With its vibrant ambiance, this bar is the place to be on Wangfujing for Champagne, fine wines, top-end cigars and great music. Chinese and foreign credit cards accepted.
Daily 5pm-2am. Crowne Plaza Beijing, 48 Wangfujing Dajie, Dongcheng District. (6513 3388 ext 5) 香槟吧, 东城区王府井大街48号国际艺苑皇冠假日酒店内

Cheese and Wine Made in Heaven
Not only heavenly cheese and wine, but also a selection of breads to accompany.
Sun-Wed noon-midnight, Thu-Sat noon-1.30am. 1-15 Chaoyang Gongyuan Xilu (next to Jenny Lou's), Chaoyang District. (6501 2901) 朝阳区朝阳公园西路1-15号

CJW
Cigars, jazz and wine – that’s what CJW is all about. A haven for Rat Pack wannabes with cash to spend, the drinks don’t come cheap here, but the cocktails are well mixed, there’s a decent selection of food, and the terrace is one of the best people-watching spots in town. If the people aren’t fascinating enough for you, gaze up at the undersea visuals beamed out by The Place’s trademark overhead screen. Live jazz nightly, performers vary.
Daily 11am-2am. L-137, The Place, 9 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang District. (6587 1222) 雪茄爵士酒吧，朝阳区世贸天阶 L-137 光华路9号

Dao Le
The wine selection is overseen by former Maison Boulud sommelier James Liu. The wine list will appeal both to experts and amateurs, with thoughtful pairing suggestions and detailed tasting notes – Liu is on hand to offer personalized advice if you’re stuck. True aficionados can store their own glasses and bottles at the bar. There are also eight wines by the glass, including sparkling wine and rosé. No wine bar is complete without a menu of tapas, cold cuts and cheese. For a real treat, sample the dessert selection, conjured up by Comptoirs de France.
Daily 5pm-3am. 2-012, 22 International Art Plaza, Pingod, 32 Baiziwan Lu, (east of the Today Art Museum), Chaoyang District. (5821 1353) 朝阳区百子湾路32号苹果社区22院街艺术区2-012（今日美术馆东侧）

Davidoff Lounge
This bar at the Ritz-Carlton in China Central Place boasts a rare cigar humidor, one of only 15 in the world, to go along with 22 varieties of the cigar that lends the bar its name. The lengthy wine list offers welcome tips on the most suitable cigar and wine pairings. Wines by the glass range RMB 150-188, while an excellent range of single malt whiskies feature a 15-year-old Glenfiddich (RMB 135) alongside 30-year-old Macallan (RMB 680).
Mon-Sat 8pm-2am. Ritz-Carlton, China Central Place, 83A Jianguo Lu, Chaoyang District. (5908 8070) 朝阳区华贸中心建国路甲83

Enoterra
Despite a new name and new location, Enoterra - previously Enoteca of The Place - remains a favorite amongst winos throughout Beijing. A rare find in Beijing, this Shanghai transplant is a classy, unpretentious wine bar, with reasonable prices and decent food (tapas). As Enoterra is an independent distributor, the wine list offers diverse and unusual selections, with bottles starting at RMB 98. Voted "Outstanding Wine Selection" in the Beijinger's 2010 Reader Restaurant Awards.
Daily 10am-2am. Sanlitun, D405, Nali Patio, 81 Sanlitun Beijie, Chaoyang District. (5208 6076) 三里屯, 朝阳区三里屯北街81号那里花园D405室

Grill 79
One of the most extensive wine lists in Beijing includes premium selections of New World wines. With views reaching all the way to the rooftops of the Forbidden City, Grill 79 is a captivating destination for international dining. Best enjoyed on a clear day. Savor the delicate flavors of simple, wild and fresh ingredients that each season has to offer. Chinese and foreign credit cards accepted.
Mon-Thu and Sun noon-2am; Fri-Sat noon-4am. 79/F, China World Summit Wing, China World Trade Center Phase 3, 1 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District. (6505 2299 ext 6424)朝阳区朝阳区建国门外大街1号国贸大酒店79楼

Maison Boulud
Voted "Best Wine List", "Best French," "Outstaning Decor," "Best Service," "Best for a Romantic Meal," and "Non-Chinese Restaurant of the Year" in the Beijinger’s 2010 Reader Restaurant Awards. More than enough reasons to visit. You will not be disappointed. Chinese and foreign credit cards accepted.
Mon-Fri 11.30am-2pm, 6-10pm; Sat-Sun (brunch) 11am-4pm, 6-10pm. Ch'ien Men 23, 23 Qianmen Dongdajie, Dongcheng District (6559 9200) 东城区前门东大街23号

Modo
Modern wine bar serving well over a dozen wines by the glass, as well as small plates of tasty contemporary European cuisine. There are no starters, no mains, no sides: instead, pick a selection of small plates served fresh out of the open kitchen, in no particular order: once ready they get straight to your table. The team behind the popular Mosto created this space and brought in Enomatic wine dispensers to allow people to enjoy and explore different wines.
Daily 11am-11pm. 3/F, Sanlitun Village South(close to Element Fresh), Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District. (6415 7207) 朝阳区三里屯路19号三里屯Village南区3楼(近新元素)

Palette Vino
Oenophiles recommend this siheyuan wine shop and restaurant for its gregarious and knowledgeable staff, wide selection of bottles divided by grape variety - including some vintages imported directly by the owners such as Clos du Val - and pleasant adjoining wine bar, where you can sample your purchases.
Daily 11am-10pm. http://www.palettewines.cn. 5 Dongsi Shiyitiao, Dongcheng District. (6405 4855) 东城区东四十一条5号

Redmoon
Redmoon at the Grand Hyatt includes an extensive wine bar, sushi bar and cigar lounge, all sleekly designed to cater to the executive set. Chinese and foreign credit cards accepted.
Sun-Thu 5pm-1am; Fri-Sat 5pm-2am. 1/F, Grand Hyatt Hotel, The Malls at Oriental Plaza, 1 Dongchang’an Jie, Dongcheng District. (6510 9366) 东方亮, 东城区东长安街1号东方君悦酒店大厅

Scarlett
Hotel G's stylish wine bar boasts a large number of different labels, and hosts regular DJing events. They also have an extensive range of cheeses, tapas, salads, steaks and pastas, with promotions many nights of the week. Thursdays, for example, is all you can eat tapas for RMB 88.
Hotel G, 7A Gongti Xilu (in the alley leading to Julong Garden), Chaoyang District朝阳区工体西路甲7号北京极栈内

Vineyard Wine Experience
Designed for parties, wine tastings and corporate events. Vineyard Wine Experience claims to be the first "DIY" winemaking facility in Beijing, with state-of-the-art equipment and premium pure varietal grape juice shipped in from around the globe. Chinese and foreign cards accepted. \
Daily 9am-9pm. 3/F, SH1030, Bldg 10, Jianwai SOHO, Dongsanhuan Zhonglu, Chaoyang District. (5128 9169) 朝阳区东三环中路39号建外SOHO西区10号楼商铺三层1030

X’Change Bar
This chic bar and lounge at the Intercontinental Hotel in western Beijing’s Financial Street offers the perfect setting to linger, whether it be for a daytime soiree or for lively evening entertainment with a live band, contemporary DJ sounds and cool, imaginative selections of new and old world wines, spirits and cocktails. Chinese and foreign credit cards accepted.
Daily 1pm-1am. 5/F, InterContinental Hotel, 11 Financial Street, Xicheng District. (5852 5888 ext 5920/5921) 幻吧, 西城区金融街11号金融街洲际酒店

Zeta Bar
Beijing’s Zeta, like those of Sydney, Bangkok and London, boasts a stylish white bar and floor-to-ceiling chrome cages that house their extensive wine collection. Happy hour 6-9pm. Chinese and foreign credit cards accepted.
Sun-Thu 6pm-2am, Fri-Sat 6pm-3am. 2/F, Hilton Beijing, 1 Dongfang Lu, Dongsanhuan Beilu, Chaoyang District. (6466 2288) 颐达吧，朝阳区东三环北路东方路1号希尔顿饭店2层