Wine Not Penang
Monica Tindall
Wine Not, Penang’s latest wine bar, feels like you’re in someone’s home. It’s a comfortable space with a marble dining table and low lounges, all in a palette of neutrals. Located above Communal Table by Gen 根, the wine bar benefits from high ceilings, exposed wooden beams and colonial shutters. Racks of wine show what’s on offer, and guests usually purchase by the bottle.
Wine Not Penang
Wines from around the world are on display ranging from around RM 100 to RM 600 per bottle. There are lots of boutique labels here with some interesting biodynamic vineyards too.
I’m sipping on a 2019 Austrian Singing Grüner Veltliner by Laurenz V (RM 140 bottle). My nose thinks it smells young pineapple, white flowers and a whisper of toasted brioche. The bottle simply reads “floral notes with a refreshing zip.” Focusing solely on Austria’s native Grüner Veltliner grape, Laurenz V named this one “Singing” for its bright acidity that “sings on your palate.”
When fully reopened, Wine Not Penang will have a menu of cold cuts, cheeses, and hearty meals to share, such as Beef Wellington and Tomahawk. Currently, food is supplied by their sister restaurant, How Shy in Hin Bus Depot. Tonight, Sydney rock oysters provide a fitting food mate. Like wine, oysters reflect the conditions in which they were grown. The racy acidity and fruitiness of the wine balance the saltiness and creaminess of the oysters.
Reasons to visit Wine Not Penang: relaxed vibe; great for small gatherings or events; feels like a home; great value – closer to retail prices than dine-in.
Wine Not Penang
Above Communal Table by Gen 根
68, Lebuh Presgrave 10300 Georgetown
Penang, Malaysia
www.winenotpg.com
Wine Not Penang Opening Hours
Wednesday to Sunday: 6 pm-midnight
Find more recommendations for travel to Penang here and stay up to date with the latest gourmet happenings around Malaysia here and here.