It’s true that Bali is not carrying a strong tradition of winemaking compared to Australia, Italy or France, despite the fact there are vineyards on some parts of the island, proving that the soil in Bali has added a contribution to the world of wine. While many of wine stocks in Bali are imported, it is the smell-swirl-sip experience in the undeniable charm of Bali that makes a whole different experience.
After all, finding wines in Bali is relatively easy. Ask the reception of your hotel or simply go around the neighbourhood, you most probably find it. Some wine shop doesn’t only sell wines by the bottle but also have a wine tasting class session with the Sommelier in presence ready to explain and answer any of your questions.
Whether you are an expert or a casual wine enthusiast, while in Bali, you can learn something about wines from other continents or region, broadening your wine palate.
Bridges Bali
One of Ubud’s favourite for casual fine dining with the view over greenery, the flows of Wos River, and its romantic ambience for a couple dinner, has also put wines at its core services. The wine shop on the top floor keeps more than 350 labels of wines in constant and controlled room temperature.
Every Friday, Bridges Bali offers Friday pleasures for wine lovers on its DIVINE FRIDAYS. Each week, five wines are chosen by themes to sample at a deal price in their DIVINE Wine and Cocktail Bar down by the river. Guests who are interested to know about those proposed wines can join the Wine Tasting Masterclass in the wine shop. On this one-hour interactive class, the Sommelier will share interesting facts about the wines, its tasting notes and the food pairing ideas. Wines will be served with canapés to give a real taste of how the pairing works.
The Cellardoor Hatten Wines
We have mentioned in the beginning that Bali also has its own vineyard. One of them is Hatten Wines, which has been making wine on the island since 1994, breaking the rules of traditional viticulture and winemaking by braving the climate, the elements and fierce critics. The results can be tasted in its facility, The Cellardoor in Sanur display the proud wines by Hatten Wines.
At the cellardoor, guests can sample the wines accompanied by friendly hosts who will share the specific characteristics of the wines. Over 20 years of production, guest can sample Hatten’s 7 kinds of wines and counting, plus its sister product, Two Islands. Shop the ones you like, and there are also some wine accessories available on site for purchase.
Arwana Restaurant at The Laguna Resort & Spa
As one might guess from its name, Arwana Restaurant, located in the shoreline of Peninsula Island in Nusa Dua, specialises in delicious fish and seafood dishes with an extensive wine list as pairing options. The setting offers a rustic, air-conditioned dining room, al fresco and outdoor setting allowing a dining experience with a gentle sea breeze and panoramic view.
Every day from, 5:30PM – 7PM, Arwana has Wine-derlust package for wine enthusiasts to satisfy their wine palate amidst the soothing sunset atmosphere at the beachfront Arwana Bar. During the hours, free floe wine tasting buffet featuring distinctive local Balinese wines and Balinese-made cheese tapas are prepared for your pleasure. A good way to cheers to the sunset, indeed!
