It’s that time of the year when parties and dinners fill our calendars. Whether you’re celebrating the end of a good year or bidding farewell to bad vibes, having a drink in hand adds a touch of companionship – doubling the joy and halving the sadness. It’s also the perfect moment to hunt for gifts or that special bottle to impress at a house party. And what better way to learn about your drinks than through tasting-and-sale festivals? Pick up an electric aerator to enjoy that vintage wine while save space for a decanter.
Here’s a list of event, places and online market in Singapore to stock up on booze and buy gifts this festive season:
Wine and Spirits Tasting Events
1. Wine Connection Wine Fair
23 & 24 November 2024
Taste over 170 wines, including 40 new exclusive selections, before they hit the shelves at this wine fair. The event will also feature festive collections for preview, 30 winemakers and wineries, and 8 masterclasses to deepen your wine knowledge. Discover new favourites and snag them at special prices – many with stunning festive packaging for gifting or bragging rights!
📍 Venue: Wine Connection Bistro @ Robertson Walk, 11 Unity Street, #01-19/20, Singapore 237995
🕒 Time: 23 Nov: 1 PM - 4 PM | 24 Nov: 2 PM - 6 PM
💵 Price: $49.90 per person per session (includes a $20 wine voucher)
2. Whisky Live
24 & 25 November 2024
Taste whisky, rums and other premium spirits by participating brands. Cocktails will be served out of the VIP Central Bar. Each ticket includes access to tasting sessions, curated food pairings, and free masterclasses. Guests also enjoy discounts on retail and a complimentary cocktail at nearby “Cocktail Street” bars, underscoring Whisky Live’s integration with Singapore’s vibrant spirits community.
📍 Venue: Mandala Club, 31 Bukit Pasoh Rd, Singapore 089845
🕒 Time: 23 & 24 Nov: 12pm or 2pm – 7pm
💵 Price: S$188+ per ticket; S$220+ for Early Access ticket; S$388+ for 2-Day Early Access ticket
3. Whisky Journey
29 & 30 November 2024
Taste and purchase rare and limited-edition whiskies at Singapore’s largest whisky show of the year. Whether you’re looking for a special gift or bundle deals for everyday drams, Whisky Journey offers something for everyone. With 30 complimentary drams included in your ticket, it’s also a great opportunity to try something new.
📍 Venue: Level 3, Heliconia Ballroom, Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre
🕒 Time: 29 Nov: 1 PM - 11 PM | 30 Nov: 12 PM - 10 PM
💵 Price: $68 (pre-event), $78 (at the door) for two days
4. Winery Wines & Spirits Christmas Sale
7 & 8 December 2024
This two-day festival offers tastings and deals on 131 wines from 33 exclusive wineries, along with spirits like Glenfiddich, Bunnahabhain, and Paul John. Look out for $15 bottle deals, a chance to win prizes with Spin the Wheel, and masterclasses on whisky and cocktails. Perfect for bargain hunters or anyone wanting to polish their cocktail-making skills for the holiday season.
📍 Venue: The Winery Tapas Bar, CHIJMES
🕒 Time: 7 Dec: 11 AM - 5 PM | 8 Dec: 12 PM - 8 PM
💵 Entry: Free (pre-registration recommended)
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Year-End Sale
Check out year-end promotions on online wine and spirits websites. Many retailers offer bundle deals and discounted prices to clear stock. Some host themed pairing dinners, highlighting specific wine regions or grape varietals, with exclusive deals for attendees. Membership programs can also be a great way to maximise value, so consider joining if you're looking to get more bang for your buck.
The line up of premium wines at the Wine Discovery Walkabout, where visitors to the show could purchase wines at a promotional price and have them delivered. [Image source: eWineAsia]
1. eWine Asia
Wine distributor eWineAsia is known for organizing annual events like the Wine Discovery Walkabout (October) and periodic warehouse sales. Check out their Clearance section online for deals, and enjoy 20% off regular bottles with UOB cards.
2. FairPrice Finest
Stock up on wines and spirits while doing your grocery shopping. FairPrice offers competitive pricing and discounts on selected bottles – perfect for daily drinking or party bulk buys. Join their Wine Club to enjoy an 8% discount across all stores and online, plus collect points on purchases. Don’t miss their online promotion from 24 to 27 November 2024, with up to 50% off selected bottles.
3. Straits Wine
Known for advocating quality and artisanal wine producers, Straits Wine offers free tastings with their Coravin program in selected stores. They also feature buy-one-get-one deals on selected wines, rotating every five days between 12 and 27 November 2024.
4. Pop-Up Wine
An online retailer run by Australian owners based in Singapore, Pop-Up Wine specializes in award-winning wines for every budget and occasion. Look out for their membership events from 12 to 15 December 2024, catering to Christmas and New Year celebrations.
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Premium, Vintage and Collectables
For something truly special, explore these premium outlets:
The Macallan Horizon is a collaboration with Bentley Motors that combines single malt whisky and automotive design in a horizontal vessel. [Image source: Changi Airport]
1. 1855 The Bottle Shop
With a curated selection of over 1,000 fine wines and spirits, including exclusive labels, 1855 offers personalised recommendations for gifting or self-indulgence.
2. Malt & Wine Asia
This importer of premium single malts and fine wines recently debuted its Great Palate event in October, showcasing over 100 old-world wines and spirits. Explore their online Clearance section for bargain bottles, the Promotions section for bundle deals, and the Events section for affordable tasting sessions.
3. iShop Changi
The exclusive Lotte Duty-Free shop tied to Changi Airport offers GST-absorbed luxury items and rare collectables. Pre-purchase up to 30 days before your flight or opt for local delivery if you’re not traveling. Their 2024 World of Wines & Spirits catalogue includes gems like The Macallan Horizon and Highland Park 54-Year-Old.
Whether you’re shopping for daily drams, holiday gifts, or show-stopping collectibles, there’s something for everyone this festive season. Cheers to a well-stocked celebration!
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