China’s burgeoning young affluent generation has had a taste of wine and decided they like it. Wine sales in China have boomed in recent years and even the number of local wine producers has seen a rapid increase. As China’s wine industry continues to grow annually, estimates suggest that China may become the world’s eighth largest wine consumer by 2012. Besides an increase in choice and quality, one way this trend manifests itself is through the ever multiplying number of wine bars in the city. This article lists five of the best wine bars in Beijing.
La Baie des Anges 天使港湾
Nestled in the winding hutongs behind Houhai, La Baie des Anges is one of Beijing’s most charming, little wine dens. Owned by French wine connoisseurs who really understand their wine, the bar emanates an authenticity and certain chic that is inherently French. The bar offers a vast choice of French wines and a Mediterranean food menu is also available. Wines can be ordered by the bottle or glass and enjoyed to the chill-out sounds of French tunes and jazz music.
Add: 5 Nanguanfang Hutong, Houhai, Beijing
地址：北京市南官房胡同5号
Opening hours: 18:00-02:00 (closed Mondays)
Tel: 010 6657-1605
Website: www.la-baie-des-anges.com
Scarlett Wine Bar & Restaurant
Housed in the funky, multi-coloured building of Hotel G on Gongti Xilu, Scarlett Wine Bar is a popular hang-out for young executives and stylish folk. As a restaurant and bar combo, Scarlett offers an extensive wine menu with over 80 varieties that can be coupled with a wide choice of tasty cold cuts, tapas and cheeses. Scarlett excels in providing good quality food and wine in trendy settings and most importantly at quite reasonable prices. For example, their eight cheese platter at 168 RMB is not all too outrageous when one weighs up the number of opportunities one gets to eat eight different types of cheeses in one day – in China. The restaurant/bar regularly offers specials on food and drinks too which are listed on their website.
Add: 1F of Hotel G, A7 Gongti Xilu, Chaoyang District, Beijing
地址：北京市朝阳区工体西路甲7号北京极栈酒店一层
Tel: 010 6552 2880
Opening hours: 18:00-02:00
Website: www.hotel-g.com
