There is a hidden gem of the East. 

Nestled in Katong, there is a stairway to (wine) heaven that I discovered in April when a friend and I were looking for somewhere to continue yapping after post work dinner.

Once you have climbed to the second floor, it seems like the space you’re about to enter is akin to your friend’s living room. Lantern globule-lights adorn the ceiling, which on different occasions that I have visited, can take on a different hue, fuchsia or amber glow, depending on the mood for the evening. Artworks are hung up on the walls, which I believe, you can purchase or simply admire while you imbibe. 

Although I typically visit on weeknights, there will usually be small groups of friends convening together, presumably in search of a cosy conducive place to yap too. 

This is also, a rather good place for dates with the dim lighting setting the ambience. The space may be cosy but there is still some distance in the way the tables are set-up, so you don’t feel as though your space is being encroached upon, allowing the couple to be in their own world.

Candice, Studio’s sommelier, who is ever so lovely, is always keen to make recommendations and sometimes if you’re lucky, she may even offer you some bottles that are not listed on the menu. At last count, the wine studio had 150 vintages that is constantly expanding. On one occasion fresh off Vinexpo Asia she let us have a cheeky sip of some Corsican wine that she had available which was a real treat! Generally, you can explain what you are looking for, with some descriptors, and she will make an offering. The few times I have been, somehow, I have been inclined towards their white wine selection and have tried their Chablis and White Rioja. 

The Chablis was a Seguinet-Bordet 2022, and it was refreshing and vibrant. The lemon notes and wet stone were the strongest notes with hints of minerality, as one would expect from a good Chablis. 

The White Rioja was the Mitarte, Viura 2021 (my first white Rioja!). Typically, one conjures the red fruit flavoured red wine in their head at the mere mention of Rioja but this time I had the white version that was also clean and bright in terms of its acidity with fruity nuances and floral finish.  

Now onto the food!

Google reviews showed a single one-star reviewer which was in my view, the result of misaligned expectations. You see, with some background knowledge of our heritage Katong shophouses, one would know that the kitchen is really tiny and therefore, please do not visit with the expectation of full-fledged restaurant service like its sister restaurant Fiasco by Juice located in Kampong Bugis. Instead, think of Studio as a wine bar first with nibbles only as incidentals. 

The burrata toast and siew yoke (roasted pork) were the nibbles of the evening and it looked so inviting that our neighbouring table ordered the same burrata toast after we egged them on. It was a balance of sweet and milky flavours served at a cool temperature that whetted the appetite on a hot humid day where piping hot food would not be appealing. 

This space is typically open on Wednesday to Sunday and is frequently used for pop-up events, hence if you wish to visit it might be prudent to check their Instagram page first. 

This is a lovely chill out spot after work when you don’t have to worry about whether a prior reservation was made. You just show up and the Studio team will make you feel welcome for a tipple. It closes at about 12am a perfect time to call it a night on a workday. 

If you’re new to wine, don’t worry this is a stress-free judgement free zone. The crew present are knowledgeable and will make you feel at ease. If you’re a wine enthusiast, feel free to dabble in wine speak and your energy will be matched.

The next time you’re in the mood to lounge about glass in hand and get real comfy, do swing by the Studio. I almost wanted to keep this place to myself but guess the cat’s out of the bag!

@crystaltonic

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The Studio by JUICE

https://juiceco.sg/

39A East Coast Rd, Singapore 428756