VITIS Is A First-Of-Its-Kind Wine Bar In Singapore That celebrates Asian Winemaking
Veteran sommelier Gary Low launched VITIS in late 2024 to spotlight underrepresented Asian wines and create a platform for showcasing winemakers of Asian descent.
19 November 2024
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Photo credit: Emma Maxwell Design
Many wine enthusiasts might be surprised to learn that countries like China, Thailand, and Japan are carving a niche in winemaking. Japan’s vineyards, in particular, have garnered global acclaim, with two vintages from Yamanashi earning prestigious platinum medals at the 2021 Decanter World Wine Awards—the largest wine competition in the world. Meanwhile, China’s Canaan Winery in Hebei and Grace Vineyard in Shanxi secured spots on the 2023 World’s 50 Best Vineyards list, further showcasing Asia’s rising prominence in the global wine scene.
Taiwan, Thailand, and India are also emerging as wine-producing countries with some exceptionally drinkable wines.
Enter, VITIS Wine Bar & Bistro in Singapore a luxuriously intimate space that celebrates Asian winemaking.
“I want to promote wines that are underrepresented. There is both demand and curiosity for Asian wines in Singapore, and with VITIS, we aim to fill that gap,” says Gary Low, founder and director of VITIS Wine Bar and Bistro. “VITIS provides a platform for the small but growing community of Asian winemakers and producers to showcase their bottles while offering bold and curious wine lovers an opportunity to expand their appreciation.”
VITIS exclusively focuses on wines from Asian countries as well as wines crafted by Asian winemakers in other parts of the world.
Photo Credit: VITIS Wine Bar & Bistro
VITIS at Singapore’s DUO Galleria has the region’s wine industry buzzing with its exclusive focus on wines from Asian countries such as Japan, China, Taiwan, Thailand, and India, as well as those crafted by Asian winemakers. With a curated selection of over 100 brands, VITIS also goes beyond geography to celebrate Asian heritage in wine production. Winemakers of Asian descent producing exceptional wines in regions such as Australia are also spotlighted—for example, Terry Chellappah of The Next Hundred Years winery in Western Australia, and Ray Chen and Josh Liu of Rongo Wines in Yarra Valley.
Veteran sommelier Gary Low has held roles at some of Singapore’s finest Michelin-starred restaurants, including JAAN by Kirk Westaway, Corner House, and Burnt Ends. He is a CMS-certified sommelier with experience in Singapore and Australia, it was during his time at these fine establishments that Gary recognised the need for change in the wine space.
“I think what I want to create over here is a venue where people can explore the terroir and diversity of Asia without travelling,” says Low
Josh Liu of Rongo Wines in Yarra Valley is an example of an Asian winemaker from Australia who produces exceptional bottlings.
Photo Credit: VITIS Wine Bar
VITIS is an intimate space where wine appreciation takes centre stage, brought to life by acclaimed hospitality designer Emma Maxwell. Inspired by the creative process of winemaking, the design thoughtfully translates the landscapes and textures of viticulture into the physical space. Solid spotted gum timber, used extensively for flooring, walls, and ceilings, pays homage to the earth’s raw beauty. Deep sage green banquettes, crafted from vegetable-dyed, natural materials, echo the vegetal notes of fine wines. Dining chairs, adorned with a Temperley of London print, add an artistic flourish, mirroring the complexity of a perfectly balanced wine.
The pièce de résistance is the custom-designed lighting: solid crystal spheres inspired by the effervescence of sparkling wine and champagne. These fixtures catch and reflect light, mimicking shimmering bubbles and adding a playful yet elegant sparkle that celebrates the joy of wine.
Photo Credit: Emma Maxwell Design
“I hope that when guests first walk into the space, they feel an immediate sense of warmth and being embraced by the atmosphere. There’s an element of subtle seduction, combined with comfort and luxury, that invites them to relax and fully enjoy their experience. The goal is to create a space that feels both intimate and indulgent” says designers. Maxwell also shares her excitement for the project, noting that working on VITIS opened her eyes—and palate—to the world of Asian wines.
“We drew inspiration from various Asian countries in the design,” explains Maxwell. “The handcrafted wallpaper, made from traditional Japanese paper, adds artisanal elegance. The tables, crafted from sustainably sourced fallen timber in Singapore, highlight local craftsmanship, while the custom-made crystal lighting fixtures from China introduce a refined, modern touch. Together, these elements create a design that feels authentic and rich in character.”
While the light fixtures shine a spotlight firmly on Asia, Low isn’t ignoring the traditionalists. Around 30% of VITIS’s wine selection features non-Asian options, including modest offerings from Champagne and Bordeaux. However, VITIS is aimed at those eager to explore new horizons, Low is particularly excited about his selection of Indian wines, such as Fratelli’s Sangiovese Bianco from Sandhan Valley, as well as those from Taiwan such as the Weightstone Blanc des Blancs Extra Brut 2020 from Houli Valley.
Photo Credit: Emma Maxwell Design
With a curated list of over 100 varietals and a flexible by-the-glass programme, Low estimates that “around 40% to 50% of my list isn’t available anywhere else in Singapore. I work closely with select suppliers to bring them in.”
VITIS stands out as the only destination in Singapore—and possibly the world—offering a comprehensive experience of Asia’s diverse wine culture in one place.
Photo Credit: Emma Maxwell Design
Author: Priyanka C. Agarwal
Priyanka is a writer, editor and storyteller. Her words have appeared on the print and online pages of The South China Morning Post, SilverKris, Her World, The Michelin Guide, Time Out, and more. She has also created custom content for leading brands like Sentosa, Mediacorp Special Projects, Asia’s 50 Best, IKEA, and Meat and Livestock Australia. Her expertise includes food and drink, wellness, luxury and travel.
