Tucked away amongst the industrial buildings in Bukit Merah is the future of wine tasting. The 75CL Tasting Lab looks as inviting as it sounds and practices exactly what it preaches: making wine tasting and wine appreciation accessible to all.
75CL started online and still processes wine sales through their website, boasting over 1600 wine and spirit labels from all over the world. Unfortunately we don’t live in a world where wine tasting is possible through the internet (one can only hope!), which is exactly why 75CL has opened this tastefully decorated space to conduct tasting sessions.
‘Try before you buy’ is taken to a whole new level here, with 56 diverse wines available for tasting daily, you’ll definitely find something for any occasion.
I don’t know about you, but the concept of wine tasting has always been quite a daunting one for me. As it is, drinking wine sounds like an expensive indulgence, and I shudder at that awkward moment after a wine tasting when the sales person asks if you would like one or two boxes.
However, at 75CL, you can be rest assured this won’t happen as this place aims to break the hardsell stereotype with a wholesome culture of no judgment — everyone is served on the same level, and I could feel the good vibes from the moment I walked in.
Helpful and friendly staff will get you settled in and hand you a Tasting Card. It’s basically like a tab card that you slot into their wine dispensers and at the end you pay for the portions that you’ve tasted.
I know right, what a time to be alive! I mean…WINE DISPENSERS! What?!
With tasting portions (30ml each) priced as low as $2, I couldn’t find a reason to stop drinking. I needed to…you know, umm, make sure I was buying the right wine.
I was spoilt for choice, I’m not just referring to your usual French and Italian varieties. 75CL also caters to a younger and more hipster palette with their offerings of German and Brazilian wines.
When you think German wine, you probably think of a Riesling. I’m personally not that big a fan of white wine, so I was pleasantly surprised when I was introduced to one of 75CL’s bestsellers: Gunther Steinmetz Kestener Paulinsberg Pinot Noir Mosel 2014.
With intense nodes of dark cherry and beautiful length, I could tell why this was a favourite. Wines that are on rotation for tastings are also discounted, which meant that this bottle was only going to cost me $56 instead of the usual $70.
Another up and coming favourite was the Aurora Varietal Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 from the Serra Gaucha region in Brazil. At only $26 instead of $33.50, this smooth and supple wine was definitely one that I could see myself making a weekly thing of.
I also may or may not have stood there for a good ten minutes dispensing tasting portions.
Just when you think it can’t get any better, the 75CL Tasting Lab takes you to the next level. Literally. Besides another row of wines on display for tasting, a comfy seating area awaits for you to lounge at.
An eye catching display of gift hampers will draw you in, and I found myself thinking of all sorts of reasons just to send myself one. These gift hampers are specially curated with products that have been handpicked in Italy and suitable for different occasions.
For example, The Picnic Galore ($188) caters for the perfect outdoor picnic leaving you to only worry about bringing music and good company. Did I mention that a butler will personally deliver each gift hamper to your door step?
Enjoying a nice bottle of wine with friends is something that is becoming increasingly popular amongst the younger generation. Instead of just asking ‘Red or White?’ the next time, get your best buds together and book a tasting session at 75CL.
75CL also organises the occasional workshop for wine pairings so watch this space for more information.
Expected Damange: $2- $5 for tasting portions; $25 onwards for a bottle of wine
