The Australian-owned Merchants Wine Cellar and Store is a testament to the passion for boutique wine from its two owners' home turf. Merchants, at its heart, is a launch pad for small, independent winemakers into the Asian market, and boasts an impressive range of wines from Australian regions including Swan Valley, Barossa, Hunter Valley and Mount Barker.
The varieties on offer range of usual suspects Sauvignon Blanc ($38-$50/bottle) and Cabernet Sauvignon ($30-$60/bottle) to more unique breeds, such as Artwine’s Fiano ($54/bottle) and the rare Tower Hill’s Riesling ($33-$86/ bottle). There’s also simple bistro-style food designed to accompany the wine tasting, with items such as truffle fries ($10) and fresh hummus and bruchetta ($5). The 60-seater venue caters for the teetotalers too, with a selection of coffee beans roasted by Dutch Colony Coffee, with a standard latte priced at $3.90.
Merchants has also pushed out a two-course set meal ($12) that caters to the time-strapped during lunch hours. It includes a salad, and a choice between roast beef sandwich or chicken spaghetti.
Outlets: Duxton, Pasarbella and Joo Chiat