Above image: Wine simply tastes better when enjoyed at Botanico’s garden terrace.
Happening just in time as Singapore relaxes dine-in bans, the annual celebration of all-things vino, Wine Lust, is back to give us a sense of what festivals can feel like once more with their 5th edition.
Taking place from Aug 19-Sep 18, Wine Lust 2021 is a month-long celebration of our favourite vines. Expect events ranging from masterclasses to pairing dinners, retail pop-ups to picnic packages, keeping us satiated and inebriated.
Organised by F&B maestros 1-Group – well-loved for concepts like 1-Altitude, Alkaff Mansion, The Summerhouse and more – at their iconic and heritage premises, those thirsting for a fine time with wine can look forward to a programme of 24 events and the chance to experience and discover a selection of over 300 bottlings throughout the festival.
The highlight, as always, are the retail pop-ups, where you can buy home bottles at great prices. Held at three different locations this year (so you can pace yourself out), these aren’t your regular wine shopping events. At the Spanish Wine Pairing x Retail at UNA, simply fork out S$58 for a ticket and get to taste a spectrum of Spanish wines served alongside cheeses and cold cuts.
At the Wine Lust Afternoon Affair at Botanico, a S$40 ticket grants access to an idyllic garden terrace where you can taste an array of wines as experts guide you through each one. And at the Wine Down Weekend Pop-Up Retail at 1-Atico, head on up to the highest bar in Orchard and chat with sommeliers and fellow oenophiles while sipping on top drops for just a S$30 ticket.
Those looking to indulge in a feast while enjoying their wines can check out their range of pairing dinners and bottomless brunches. There’s a good variety to choose from, but the free-flow prosecco brunch at Monti (S$150 per person) and the 5-course sake pairing dinner at FLNT at 1-Atico (S$180 per person) definitely caught our attention.
[Read more: At Drunken Farmer, a meeting of natural wines and stellar breads]
The ala carte dim sum and wine event happening at Mimi at The Riverhouse is also a good option for those looking for something bite-sized, while those looking to go big need look no further than the epic 5-course Elements Wine Pairing Dinner (S$230 per person) held at Stellar at 1-Altitude.
A whole host of happy hour offerings are available as well, in case you’re looking for something more casual. Or go for something educational with one of their masterclasses (S$38 per person) catered to beginners and aficionados alike.
If you’re unable to dine-out, or still feeling uncomfortable with heading out during this time, fret not. For the first time, Wine Lust has incorporated delivery and picnic bundle options, so you can have your wine fix no matter where you are.
Throughout the event month, every meal bundle purchased via their 1-At-Home delivery platform will have a complementary bottle of wine thrown in. Feeling like enjoying wine in the great outdoors? Grab a Sundown Vineyard Picnic basket from Botanico instead.
With so many choices, there’s sure to be a wine event suited to your taste. For the full schedule of happenings and details, head on over to the Wine Lust site.
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