Imbibers need no introduction to Stay Gold Flamingo, an award-winning cocktail bar helmed by accomplished bartenders Jerrold Khoo and Bai Jiawei. We still vividly remember Stay Gold’s debut in 2021, when face masks were mandatory under safe distancing measures.
Since then, the duo have gone from strength to strength, marking several exciting milestones along the way. Beyond Jiawei’s opening of cocktail playground White Shades, they now unveil Flamingo Wine Bar, a new concept located just outside their cocktail speakeasy.
A World of Wines Await at Flamingo Wine Bar
Flamingo Wine Bar showcases wines from across the globe, spanning classic regions from Italy to the United States, alongside unexpected countries in between. Thoughtfully curated and highly approachable, the menu is organised by “vibes” and wine styles, with each subsection named after a song to guide guests through their selection. Sommelier Jay Ho (formerly from Fool Wine Bar) was consulted to create the intriguing bottle list. With a strong emphasis on discovery, we were delighted to uncover uncommon wines that sparked curiosity.
The Sparkling Wine section is divided into three distinct categories: Lemon Tree, featuring citrus-driven, zesty and bright expressions; Life in Pink, with wines evoking strawberries and roses; and Billionaire, showcasing premium Champagnes including the coveted Cristal. We began the evening with the N.V. Nicola Gatta Quattrocento Extra Brut (S$150++/bottle) – a crisp, vibrant blend of 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Noir from Lombardy, Italy.
White Wines to Discover: Musann Blanc, Taiwanese Hybrid Grape
The White Wine list is divided into three song-inspired subcategories — In Bloom, Ocean Eyes, and AiScReam. A standout was the N.V. Weightstone WE White No. 6 (S$130++), a lush and tropical white from Taiwan.
Crafted from Musann Blanc, a 100% Taiwanese hybrid grape developed by the Taiwan Agricultural Research Station in 2010, it paired beautifully with the Fried Oysters, breadcrumb-coated and deep-fried to golden perfection.
Red Wines with Depth and Character from Georgia and Germany
Saperavi hails from Georgia, one of the world’s most ancient winemaking nations, and is regarded as one of the oldest grape varieties still in cultivation. As Georgian wine exports gain global momentum, we were particularly impressed by the 2021 Ilia Estate ‘Taoba’ Saperavi (S$85++ per bottle). This full-bodied, deeply hued red from Kakheti combines traditional qvevri methods with modern techniques, resulting in a complex, structured, and flavourful wine.
We were also pleasantly surprised by the 2022 Meyer-Näkel Spätburgunder, a 100% Pinot Noir from Ahr, Germany. This darker-styled Pinot Noir offers a complex, multi-layered finish, aged in large used oak barrels. It pairs wonderfully with red meats, such as the Steak Cubes (S$28++): 200g of ribeye diced into cubes, cooked in truffle teriyaki, and garnished with spring onions.
Exploring Unique Wines: Furmint and Assyrtiko Grape Varieties
Overall, the experience was a delight, giving us the chance to explore other intriguing wines. Highlights included the 2020 Kamara Ritinitis Retsina, a natural, certified organic orange wine from Thessaloniki, Greece, made entirely from the native Assyrtiko grape.
We also sampled the 2022 Moric Hidden Treasures NR1 Tokaj Furmint, crafted from 100% Furmint – a high-acid white variety from Hungary’s renowned Tokaj region.
Bar Bites and Desserts at Flamingo Wine Bar
No night at Flamingo Wine Bar is complete without pairing wines with their scrumptious bar bites. Try the Pickled Homemade Seasonal Vegetables (S$10++) or our personal favourite, the Monte Cristo Sandwich (S$22++), featuring fluffy Shibuya toast stuffed with ham and oozy melted cheddar. End on a playful note with their one-of-a-kind churros, seasoned with seaweed powder and served with a spiced chocolate dip.
Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or just curious to explore something new, Flamingo Wine Bar is well worth a visit. The carefully curated wines, playful menu, and thoughtful pairings make it easy to enjoy without any pretension — just good drinks, tasty bites, and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. It’s the kind of place where discovery meets fun, and everyone can find something to enjoy.
Flamingo Wine Bar
68 Amoy Street, Singapore 069887
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