The word "Champagne" embodies celebration, conviviality, and hospitality. So, when Convivial marked its first anniversary in September, it seemed only natural for Singapore to have a dedicated Champagne bar. While many bars offer some form of bubbly, Convivial's dedication to Champagne with a full sommelier programme sets it apart. This focus is something Singapore has yet to see, making Convivial’s concept an exciting first.
A New Wave of Champagne Appreciation
Co-owner Yeo Xi Yang noticed a surge in Champagne appreciation during Covid-19. Supply shortages, particularly from major Champagne houses, highlighted the rising demand, even in challenging times. According to Yang, there’s been a noticeable increase in Champagne at tastings, whether with wine influencers or at restaurants and bars. But there lays the question: is this due to increased availability or an elevated palate among consumers? Yang believes it’s both, and credits distributors who have deliberately expanded the Champagne selection in Singapore.
Importing Champagne requires a substantial investment. One batch can cost at least five figures (in Singapore dollars) and distributors wouldn’t commit to this level of investment without market confidence. This indicates a strong demand for Champagne as distributors are intentionally and continually seeking out brands to represent.
Champagne’s Unique Place in the World of Wine
From left: Adrian Lai, Yeo Xi Yang, and Mickey Huang [Image source: Convivial Champagne Bar]
Despite the progress, Yang doesn’t think that Singapore has reached its peak for Champagne in the world of wines. Champagne stands shoulder-to-shoulder with other prestigious wine regions like Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Barolo, yet occupies its own unique category. As Yang notes, a hundred-dollar bottle of Champagne offers a diversity and excitement, whether from commercial or boutique producers, that’s hard to match with French reds at the same price.
So, how do you know which Champagne to choose? According to Yang, Champagne is sophisticated due to its double fermentation process, the additional process makes it more technically complex than still wines. Champagne can be enjoyed mindlessly at a club or appreciated for its finesse – the bubbles can be fizzy yet creamy, and as Yang explains, “No one drinks wine in a club; it’s just not that kind of product.” His insight highlights Champagne’s versatility as both a celebratory drink and a refined, complex wine.
With so much sophistication, shouldn’t all Champagne be equally prestigious? Yang believes yes, though the challenge remains in choosing the right bottle at the right price. His advice? Drink more Champagne, get to know the brands, and understand how they differ in process, grape variety, and taste. Each label offers its own unique qualities, and discovering them takes time and exploration.
Convivial's First Year
When I met Yang at Convivial, the bar had just celebrated its first anniversary. Winner of the 2022 Singapore National Sommelier Competition, Yang reflects on the first year with humility. “We have a good team, and somehow, pieces just fell into place,” he says, mentioning key team members like Adrian Lai, Chef Henry, and Mickey Huang, a regular customer who has recently joined the team.
Located on North Bridge Road, Convivial welcomes guests with a chic, modern 36-seater space. The cosy atmosphere, with minimalist arches mimicking a Champagne cave, feels intimate yet refined. At Convivial, either Yang or Adrian personally greets guests, setting a relaxed and inviting tone. Here, you feel like you’re at a friend’s bar, with Champagne as the focus.
Minimalist arch design that mimicks a Champagne cave. [Image source: Convivial Champagne Bar]
A Curated Champagne List
Convivial offers eight labels by the glass and a rotating selection of unique Champagne vintages sourced from 55 local distributors. This wide network of partnerships ensures sustainable, long-term relationships and allows Convivial to curate an ever-evolving list. By working with local importers, Convivial avoids tying up cash flow in inventory, while remaining flexible in vintage selection and focusing on what matters most – creating a warm and welcoming experience.
The wine list aims to authentically represent the Champagne region, showcasing both large houses and smaller boutique growers. Champagne is home to over 13,000 winegrowers, with only around 5,000 producing their own wines. Many of these small producers are not well known outside of France, but Convivial is committed to bringing their unique expressions to Singapore.
On top of the extensive Champagne list, there are also sparkling from around the world, white, rose, and reds to choose from.
An Enhanced Champagne Experience with Kvetna 1794 Glassware
For optimal tasting, Convivial uses handmade Champagne glasses from Kvetna 1794 in the Czech Republic. Developed in collaboration with sommeliers, these glasses break away from traditional bowl or flute shapes, providing a wider surface area that enhances the wine’s phenolic aromas as the bubbles release. At Convivial, a glass of Champagne is a 150ml pour, which they recommend enjoying within 15 minutes, though, of course, guests can linger at their own pace.
In a city where Champagne appreciation is still blossoming, Convivial offers a refreshing, sophisticated haven for exploration. The bar captures Champagne's convivial spirit, combining quality, variety, and an approachable vibe that encourages both casual sips and in-depth discovery.
I also recommend trying their anniversary collaboration, Champagne Henri Giraud engraved with Convivial’s logo. From the press release: This limited-edition release, priced at $295 per bottle or $59 per glass, is a tribute to time and legacy, featuring a perpetual reserve blend: 1⁄3 wine from 1990 to 2019 (a nod to Yang's birth year in 1990) and 2⁄3 from vintages spanning the 1950s to today. This bottle captures the vibrant and ethereal qualities that mirror Convivial's mission to establish a lasting legacy in the world of fine bubbles.
The food menu by Chef Henry at Convivial is designed to complement their Champagne offerings, featuring a selection of charcuterie, cheeses, and oysters alongside indulgent bites like karaage and frog legs. For heartier fare, enjoy mains such as gourmet burgers, guinea fowl, tortellini, and sea bream.
Convivial Champagne Bar is located at 11 N Canal Rd, #01-01 The Offshore, Singapore 048824. Mon - Thu: 4pm - 12am, Closed Sundays. +65 8076 5674