Wine appreciation in Singapore is evolving — and Straits Wine Company is leading the charge with its innovative Art and Wine series. Forget stuffy tastings and intimidating jargon; this newly launched event blends creativity with conviviality, offering participants a chance to paint, sip, and socialize in a relaxed setting. We recently attended their official launch at UE Square, and here’s our take.
Walking into the Straits Wine outlet at UE Square, we were greeted by rows of blank wine glasses waiting to be transformed, upbeat music, and the hum of conversation. The vibe was casual yet chic — a fusion of an art studio and wine cellar. At SGD $39, the ticket included two hours of free-flow wine and a guided wine glass painting session. It felt approachable, fun, and refreshingly different from the usual tasting format.
The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the painting activity. Each participant received a glass and a set of paints, with guidance on techniques to personalize their creation. Some went for bold abstract designs, others for delicate florals. The act of painting while sipping wine created a playful rhythm — brushstroke, sip, laugh, repeat. By the end, everyone had a unique keepsake to take home, a tangible reminder of the night.
Straits Wine curated a mix of easy-drinking reds and whites, perfect for newcomers. The tasting began on a light and playful note with the Pasqua Sweet White Frizzante, a bubbly and sweet opener that eased everyone into the session. This was followed by its Rosé counterpart, slightly richer and fruitier but still refreshing. The shift to reds started with the Loire Cabernet Franc, offering a clean and elegant profile that prepared the palate for more intensity. Mala Vida came next, introducing deeper flavours and complexity. Finally, the Malbec closed the lineup with bold, dark fruit and a strong finish—the peak of the tasting’s progression.
One of the highlights of the experience was their cheese bar. We ordered a Cold Cut & Cheese Platter along with a serving of Chicken Tenders, and both were surprisingly good. The cold cuts were fresh, the cheeses were well-selected, and everything paired nicely with the wine lineup. The chicken tenders were a fun, comforting addition—crispy, juicy, and unexpectedly perfect between sips of the heavier reds. While the focus wasn’t on deep wine education, the staff were on hand to answer questions and offer pairing suggestions. The free-flow format encouraged exploration without pressure, making it ideal for those still discovering their palate.
The audience skewed younger — couples, groups of friends, and curious first-timers. The atmosphere was lively and social, with plenty of mingling between tables. Unlike traditional tastings, there was no sense of hierarchy or intimidation; everyone was there to enjoy themselves, whether they knew their tannins from their terroir or not.
The Art and Wine series is a refreshing addition to Singapore’s lifestyle scene. It’s less about mastering wine terminology and more about enjoying the experience — a perfect date night, team outing, or creative escape. Straits Wine Company has found a clever way to demystify wine for younger audiences while keeping things engaging for seasoned drinkers. If this is the future of wine appreciation, we’re excited to see what’s next.
About Straits Wine Company & Its New Chapter
Founded in 2006, Straits Wine Company has established itself as one of Singapore’s leading wine importers, retailers, and distributors — celebrated for its curated selection of artisanal wines from around the world and for its close relationships with top-end restaurants, hospitality groups, and discerning wine lovers.
Over the years, the company has built a wide footprint: multiple retail and “drink-in” venues across Singapore, a strong e-commerce presence, and a broad portfolio of wineries globally.
In 2024, Straits Wine Company’s excellence was officially recognised at the inaugural ProWine Singapore Awards 2024: it was honoured as Best Wine & Spirits Retailer (Wine) and also named among the Top 10 Outstanding Wine & Spirits Importers / Distributors.
More recently, the company entered a new chapter — it was acquired by Santero & Oliva Group Holdings, a lifestyle-oriented group with roots in artisanal food, wine, and hospitality. This acquisition marks the beginning of a refreshed vision for Straits Wine: beyond just retail and distribution, the company is now expanding into immersive wine-experience concepts, aiming to make wine more accessible, social, and lifestyle-driven.
With this new ownership and vision, Straits Wine Company continues to uphold its long-standing commitment to quality wine, while evolving to meet modern tastes — blending tradition with fresh ideas to bring wine experiences to a wider, younger audience.
* This experience was attended as part of a media invitation.
