How Much Is A Glass Of Wine In Singapore? - 2025 Price Guide

Singapore, a vibrant cosmopolitan city-state at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, has established itself as a premier destination for food and wine enthusiasts in Southeast Asia. Despite its small size of just 728.6 square kilometers, Singapore offers an impressive diversity of wine experiences that reflect its multicultural heritage and international outlook. However, the Lion City is also known for its relatively high wine price in Singapore compared to neighboring countries.

This guide explores why alcohol costs what it does and breaks down wine pricing across different establishments throughout the island nation.

 

Understanding Singapore's Alcohol Pricing

Singapore's government has historically maintained strict control over alcohol through taxation and licensing as part of its social policy. This approach has shaped the country's drinking culture and pricing structure:

The Singaporean government imposes substantial taxes on alcoholic beverages, including:

• An excise duty of S$88 per liter of alcohol

• A Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 9%

• Additional import duties for foreign products

As Singapore has virtually no domestic wine production, all wine is imported, primarily from Australia, France, Italy, and Chile. This introduces shipping costs, temperature-controlled storage requirements (crucial in Singapore's tropical climate), and distribution fees that further increase base prices before establishment markups.

Wine Prices by Venue Type

Hawker Centers and Casual Dining

In recent years, Singapore's beloved hawker centers UNESCO-recognized communal dining venues that showcase the country's multicultural cuisine have begun incorporating wine options:

• Chinatown Complex Wine Bar offers house pours from S$8-12

• Timbre+ at one-north features local craft beer alongside affordable wines

• Maxwell Food Centre now has stalls serving wines to pair with local favorites

Meanwhile, casual dining chains like Wine Connection (found in neighborhoods from Orchard to Katong) offer house wines starting around S$12, making quality wine more accessible across the island.

Mid-Range and Upscale Restaurants

Singapore's reputation as a food paradise extends to its mid-tier restaurants, where you'll find excellent wine selections:

• PS. Cafe locations throughout Singapore (from Dempsey Hill to the East Coast) offer wines from S$15-30

• The Wine Company in Robertson Quay balances quality and value

• Din Tai Fung locations provide affordable options to pair with their dumplings

Fine dining establishments like Les Amis (Shaw Centre), Waku Ghin (Marina Bay Sands), and Cut by Wolfgang Puck (Marina Bay Sands) showcase extensive wine programs where premium pours can exceed S$40-80.

Tourist Areas and Cultural Districts

Singapore's diverse neighborhoods each offer distinctive wine experiences:

• Little India: Limited wine options but unique South Asian spirits

• Kampong Glam: Growing number of wine bars near Arab Street

• Chinatown: Traditional Chinese spirits alongside international wines

• Clarke Quay: Tourist-oriented pricing (typically S$18-40 per glass)

• Orchard Road: High-end hotel bars with premium pricing

Factors That Affect Wine Prices

Singapore's Climate and Storage Requirements

Singapore's year-round tropical climate (averaging 26-32°C with high humidity) creates unique challenges for wine storage. Professional temperature-controlled facilities are essential, adding to costs throughout the supply chain. Consumers pay not just for the wine but for the infrastructure, keeping it in optimal condition.

Singapore's Drinking Culture

Historically, Singapore has maintained conservative attitudes toward alcohol consumption, reflected in policies like:

• Restrictions on public drinking between 10:30 PM and 7:00 AM

• Special licensing requirements for venues

• Designated "Liquor Control Zones" in areas like Geylang and Little India

These regulations influence both availability and pricing across different neighborhoods.

Tips for Wine Lovers on a Budget

Singapore-Specific Recommendations

Take advantage of Singapore's unique offerings:

• Visit retailers like Benchmark Wines for take-home bottles at significantly lower prices than restaurants
• Explore wines at hawker centers for authentic local food pairings
• Visit Sentosa Island during non-peak hours for waterfront wine with lower markups
• Check out wine bars in emerging neighborhoods like Tiong Bahru and Joo Chiat
• Look for Singapore Wine Fiesta and other annual events offering promotional pricing
• Consider Singapore duty-free alcohol purchases at Changi Airport when arriving or departing

Wine Districts in Singapore

Emerging Wine Scenes

Keep an eye on these up-and-coming areas:

• Tiong Bahru: This heritage district is becoming known for boutique wine shops

• Joo Chiat/Katong: East Coast area with a growing selection of wine-focused venues

• One-north: This research and development hub features contemporary wine bars

Summing Up

Understanding how much is a glass of wine in Singapore requires appreciating the unique context of this island nation, from its tax structure and tropical climate to its multicultural influences and sophisticated urban landscape. While Singapore's reputation for expensive alcohol is justified, the city-state offers wine experiences at every price point.

Whether you're enjoying a simple house pour at a hawker center (S$8-12) while sampling local delicacies, splurging on a premium glass at a Marina Bay rooftop bar (S$40-80+), or purchasing bottles from specialty retailers like Benchmark Wines for home enjoyment, Singapore's wine scene reflects the country's remarkable blend of tradition and modernity, local flavor and global influence.

 

FAQs

1. Is wine expensive in Singapore?

Yes, the cost is generally higher due to import taxes, duties, and operational expenses. However, you can find budget-friendly options at hawker centers and during happy hours.

2. What is the most expensive drink in Singapore?

Exclusive cocktails, rare whiskies, and vintage champagnes can cost thousands of dollars in top-tier bars. One example is the Jewel of Pangaea, once priced at a staggering S$32,000.

3. What is the signature Singapore drink?

The Singapore Sling, created at Raffles Hotel, is considered the city’s iconic cocktail. It’s a refreshing blend of gin, cherry liqueur, and tropical juices.