1 Palette Vino

Enophiles and connoisseurs alike will feel like they’ve died and woken up in the afterlife alongside Dionysus. Located out in Shunyi, Palette Vino is a store and restaurant featuring an extensive selection of wines for purchase, regular wine tastings and food. Tel: 8046-4461

2 The Cellar

Designed to look like a medieval European wine cellar. The Cellar (TRIO) offers Mediterranean-style food, a selection of wines from around the world and amazing Wine Club options (you get your own temperature-controlled wine locker). Not to be missed. Tel: 6437-8399 ext 220

3 La Baie des Anges

French for “The Bay of Angels,” this cozy little place out in Houhai proves to be a more than welcome getaway from the flash and flair of the lake’s more touristy areas. Its three French managers maintain a menu that tries to stay as up-to-date as possible. Happy hour on Thursdays; organize your own wine tasting on Mondays. Tel: 6657-1605

4 Aria

The décor alone should blow you away, you’ll be more than pleased to take advantage of the bar downstairs or the European restaurant upstairs. Happy hour (half price drinks) every weekday from 6-9pm. Located in the China World Hotel. Tel: 6505-2266 ext 38

5 Hao Feng Cellars

Opened very recently to provide Beijing wine enthusiasts with something the city has been lacking: a pure wine cellar. Great for hosting events, this is definitely the place to go to sample the finest and best wines the city has to offer. Thursdays you can taste wines along with their resident wine expert. Tel: 6518-0788