Wine bars in Penang
Forget whisky shots or tankards of craft beer. Nothing gets quite as sophisticated as bonding over a glass of wine with your best girlfriends.
Though limited, the wine bar scene in Penang has been evolving gradually, especially since Covid-19 restrictions have been eased. So, whether you are a wine aficionado or an occasional drinker, the island has a comprehensive list of wine bars. Some are quaint and stylish, while others casual and packed – but rest assured, the quality is always top-notch.
We have rounded up 8 unmissable wine bars in Penang, with great food options, ambience, prices, and of course, wine selections.
1. The Three Wines – minimalistic decor
Image credit: The Three Wines
Owned by a wine-to-beer convert and assisted by several in-house wine enthusiasts, The Three Wines is rather a warehouse-meets-chic industrial lounge, complete with concrete tables and minimalistic decor.
Upon entering the premise, you’ll see an entire wall of bottled wines, with a long table that stands in the middle of the spacious interior and a glowing sign that reads “Good Times Good Wines”.
Their wine list is relatively extensive – spot a mix of familiar and lesser-known brands from Austria, Chile, France, Italy, Spain, and a few other countries. For those dining in, by-the-glass options are available.
Image credit: @ohjustmunch
Instead of the usual meagre snacks offered at wine bars, you can expect hearty meals here. Order filling house specials such as Gambas Al Ajillo (depending on market price) which are humongous-sized prawns in garlic and olive oil, Grilled French Lamb Rack (RM59), Aglio Olio Pasta with Pork Bacon (RM28), and Sausage Platter (RM38).
The Three Wines also offers delivery services for their wines, and the menu can be found on their website.
Address: B-8-1, Bay Avenue, Lorong Bayan Indah 3, 11900 Penang
Opening hours: Mon – Sat 12pm-12am (Closed on Sundays)
Contact: 010-865 8665 | The Three Wines’s website | Facebook | Instagram
2. Wine Not – a cosy house setting with a curated wine selection
Image credit: Wine Not
Wine Not is a lovely haunt, with a rare setting that checks out as one of the cosiest wine bars in Penang. It features lounges and rooms that look and feel just like a friend’s snug penthouse.
With comfy couches for seats, retro vinyl records playing relaxing tunes, and scattering candlelights decorating the space, this wine bar is a charming peaceful spot for small groups to relax over glasses of wine.
Image credit: Wine Not
Though their food options are limited to cheese platters as wine accompaniment, their curated wine selection makes up for it. From champagnes to sake, Wine Not focuses on quality wines from boutique winery labels and small-scale producers that you might not be able to try anywhere else. So, wine-loving patrons can discover lesser-known wines such as Terapia Rosato Frizzante (RM248/bottle) and La Fanfarria Tinto’s Red Albarin Mencía (RM190/bottle).
While their prices per bottle are on the pricier end, the ambience is perfect – an island of calm amidst the more hectic pubs and bars nearby.
Address: Above Communal Table by Gen 根, 68, Lebuh Presgrave 10300 Georgetown, Penang
Opening hours: Wed – Sun 6pm-12am (Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)
Contact: 012-600 3323 | Wine Not’s website | Facebook
3. Six Wine – a perfect space for private events & celebrations
Image credit: Sam Shee
There’s something deliciously opulent about sipping on a glass of wine in a lavish mansion-like bar. Enter Six Wine. Swathed in a sense of timeless elegance with imposing chandeliers and gold-framed artworks, the wine bar exudes an old-world glow.
Once you are seated comfortably on a velvet armchair by the faux fireplace, take your pick of bloody red wine – Rusden Black Guts Shiraz (RM288/bottle) or Amador Medrano Terra Tempranillo (RM210/bottle) – or citrusy white such as Concha Y Toto Frontera Sauvignon Blanc (RM75/bottle). For something sparkling, the Provenance Western District Rosé (RM130/bottle) is perfect for celebrations.
Image credit: Sixwinehuttonlane
The experience doesn’t fall short when it comes to food either. Quality dishes and fusion meals are served for both lunch and dinner, such as Beef Steak Tenderloin (RM65) and Creamy PenangStyle Prawn Soup (RM18). Their Meat Platter (RM160) is great for a crowd, and Tapas options (RM12-15) as bites to go with your wine.
Image credit: Sixwinehuttonlane
Address: 4 & 6, Hutton Lane,10050 Georgetown, Penang
Opening hours: 12pm-2.30pm (Lunch) & 5pm-12am (Dinner), Daily
Contact: 012-721 6863 | Six Wine’s website | Facebook
4. The Wine Shop – artisan cheese and meats
Image credit: The Wine Shop (Penang) Malaysia
Having three outlets in various locations on the island, The Wine Shop is no stranger to the wine bar scene in Penang. This wine shrine embodies the energy of Penang in a package – friendly people, great wine, and amazing food.
Wine connoisseurs and casual diners flock to this buzzing spot frequently. With wine bottles in an open cellar and more wines decorating the walls of the restaurant, you won’t be short of choice whatever your preferences are.
Image credit: Lim Kok Beng
Feel free to ask the owners for recommendations from their list of full-bodied house wines (RM21 per glass), champagne (RM44 per glass), whiskey (RM29 per glass), and gin (RM46 per glass).
Each wine can be complemented with artisan cheese, gourmet meats and handmade sausages that you can choose from their notably good charcuterie.
Image credit: The Wine Shop (Penang) Malaysia
There’s also a lovely food menu from their kitchen. Go for their Platters (RM38-114), or mains such as their BBQ Iberico Pork Ribs (RM74), Pastas (RM20-26), and selection of Pizzas (RM25-30).
Image credit: @sandyneoh
The Wine Shop @ Burma Road
Address: 11A&15, Lintang Burma, 10250 Penang
Opening hours: Mon – Sat 9am-1am (Closed on Sundays)
Contact: 04-226 1824 | The Wine Shop’s website | Facebook | Instagram
The Wine Shop @ Persiaran Mahsuri
Address: 60G & 62G, Persiaran Mahsuri 2, 11950 Penang
Opening hours: Mon – Sat 10am-12am (Closed on Sundays)
Contact: 04-611 1885 | The Wine Shop’s website | Facebook | Instagram
The Wine Shop @ Tanjung Bungah
Address: 1K, Sungai Kelian, Tanjung Bungah, 11200 Penang
Opening hours: Mon – Sat 12pm-12am (Closed on Sundays)
Contact: 04-890 2227 | The Wine Shop’s website | Facebook | Instagram
5. Vantage Wine & Cigar Lounge – exclusive bar & cigar smoking rooms
Image credit: Vantage Wine
A place with a menu you can get lost in, Vantage Wine & Cigar Lounge is a glamorous wine bar that radiates an old-world romantic British charm, with its rich, leather furnishings and beautiful glass shelves that hold rows of wines.
As hinted in its name, Vantage Wine & Cigar Lounge is a huge luxurious spot with an exclusive bar, grandeur lounges and even designated cigar rooms.
Image credit: Vantage Wine
Its interior isn’t just all for show. As ample as its venue, the wine bar has a lush list of over a thousand selections of interesting wines, including old wine vintages peppered throughout.
You’ll be glad to know that their thoughtfully curated drinks selection has very little mark-up, making it an affordable night out with your girlfriends.
Go for their new arrivals, such as the Chateau Fortuneau AOC Bordeaux Superieur 2016 (RM88 per bottle), or the oldie but a goodie – B&G Reserve Merlot (RM78 per bottle). The bar also serves snacks and light meals to go with your wines, mostly platters, tapas and pizzas to share.
Image credit: Vantage Wine
The wine bar has a retail and online store on their website as well, with delivery options included. Wine Bars in Penang
Address: B-1-2, Vantage Point, Jalan Desiran Tanjung, Seri Tanjung Pinang, 10470 George Town, Penang
Opening hours: Wed – Mon 12pm-11pm (Closed on Tuesdays)
Contact: 014-909 8523 | 04-898 1606 | Vantage Wine’s website | Facebook | Instagram
6. Hutton Mansion Wine Haus – a casual wine bar with amazing tapas
Image credit: Hutton Mansion Wine Haus
Put together a rustic stripped-back space with scattering trinkets and antique furnishings, and a whole cellar of wine bottles – and you’ve got the quaint Hutton Mansion Wine House. Casual yet bewitching, this wine bar is wholly unpretentious and a perfect spot to casually sip on some wine with your buddies.
Image credit: Hutton Mansion Wine Haus
This relaxed wine bar offers a vast selection of renown wine brands, as well as beer, whiskey, soju and many others. Though the list of alcoholic beverages are not as extensive as most wine bars, their budget-friendly prices make up for it.
Their food menu is worth raving about too. Their Baked Whole Brie (RM45) is an oozy staple, while their tapas – Creamy Champinones Al Aljillo (RM38) and Squid Tapas (RM42) – are crowd favourites. Their various main courses and desserts – Spanish Iberico Pork Ribs (RM130) and Homemade Brownie With Ice Cream (RM16) – can’t go wrong.
Image credit: Hutton Mansion Wine Haus & Hutton Mansion Wine Haus
Address: 149, Jalan Hutton, 10050 George Town, Penang
Opening hours: Mon – Thur 6pm-10pm | Fri & Sat 6pm-11pm (Closed on Sundays)
Contact: 012-566 1172 | Hutton Mansion Wine Haus’s Facebook
7. Pútáo Wine Shop – broad range of organic wines
Image credit: @chris.chong.ig
Almost hidden, Pútáo Wine Shop is a discreet wine bar that is relatively new in Penang. They do not fall behind in their knowledge when it comes to the topic of wine, however.
The wine bar is filled with shelves of top-quality organic and biodynamic wines from all over the world, and the friendly workers here are always ready to assist and recommend a bottle to suit your preference.
Image credit: Putao Wine Shop
The rare gems they have on their wine list are enough to make a wine fan geek out. There’s the refreshing Chinon Cab Franc, several elegant Savoie bottles, as well as the powerfully aromatic Mondeuse wines.
Image credit: @chris.chong.ig
With their exposed brick walls, minimalist interior and warm service, Pútáo Wine Shop is a classy space for casual get-togethers, as well as events, parties or fundraising. Their food menu of delectable fresh nosh and reasonable prices makes the wine bar a great trendy spot for a girls’ night out as well.
Address: 356 Lebuh Chulia 10200 George Town, Penang
Opening hours: Mon – Sat 3pm-11pm (Closed on Sundays)
Contact: 011-5583 8116 | Putao Wine Shop’s website | Facebook | Instagram
8. The Tuns Wine Bar – a cosy hangout spot with a pool table and karaoke facilities
Image credit: The Tuns Wine Bar
There isn’t a rule that good wine bars must resemble a fancy Parisian boutique with classy glassware and a trendy dimly-lit space that only welcomes sipping-elites. It isn’t about making spaces exclusive, after all, but about quality wine labels that will appeal to debonairs and novices alike – and The Tuns Wine Bar ticks all these boxes.
For those looking to unwind after a stressful day at work, The Tuns has all the amenities for you to enjoy your time – besides the wine sipping, of course – with their fun karaoke system and a pool table at their premise.
Image credit: @thetunswinebar
Their selection of still-expanding wine menu include Placinto Chianti Docg (RM100 per bottle) and Cono Sur Bicicleta Cabernet Sauvignon (RM95 per bottle), and also a range of beers and ciders. Hearty local meals and finger foods are served as well, for those who might get a little too famished after a karaoke session.
Casual and bustling, The Tuns is a no-frills spot for drinks that’s perfect as a fun hang-out place with your friends.
Address: 441-G-5, Jalan Burma, Pulau Tikus, 10350 George Town, Penang
Opening hours: Mon – Sat 4pm-12pm (Closed on Sundays)
Contact: 012-409 6036 | The Tuns Wine Bar’s Facebook | Instagram
Wine bars in Penang
Your girls’ night out in Penang isn’t limited to just cafes and kopitiams. Take your pick from this list of wine bars in Penang – sophisticated sensual bars, snug casual ones and under-the-radar gems that you’ll want to turn into your favourite haunt for a nightcap. Be it bold red, sweet white wines, or fruity rosé, gathering in an intimate space to spill secrets among friends over a lush bottle of wine never goes out of style.
More food places to check out in Penang:
- 9 traditional bakeries in Penang
- 8 best bars in Penang
- 9 breakfast cafes in Penang
- 10 cafes for coffee in Penang
- 8 breakfast hawkers in Penang
Cover image adapted from: The Three Wines, Vantage Wine, Google Photos, Wine Not