A little bit of Napa in Shanghai

In the past, business travelers and expatriates who were wine lovers and based in China have had few venues to enjoy good wines while the traditional Baijiu spirit, which is sometimes mistakenly translated as white wine or wine, is actually 80 to 120 proof or about 40-60% alcohol by volume (ABV). However, as China changes, so does the wine scene and increasingly new wine bars and wine shops are appearing to cater to status conscious local Chinese and foreign expatriates alike.

One such venue to recently appear is the Napa Wine Bar & Kitchen/The Wine Residence located in a century-old Tudor mansion along a narrow alleyway amid pet shops and fruit stands. Wines at the Napa are stored in a former bomb shelter located under the mansion where members of the Wine Residence Club can store their wine collections in individual lockers. Above the wine cellar is a 40 seat wine bar area, a 60 seat dining room, an 8 seat private dining room and a 40 seat outdoor area – perfect for either a large party or for a more intimate gathering.

On offer is one of the most extensive wine lists in Mainland China featuring all major wine growing regions plus less known ones and patrons should expect to pay 50 Yuan or US$7 and up for wine by the glass. Also on offer is an a la carte menu and a tasting menu that offers everything from truffled mushroom risotto (138 Yuan or US$20) to pan seared sea bass (218 Yuan or US$32) to citrus cured salmon (95 Yuan or US$14). In addition, a party of 6 to 10 may enjoy a theme wine and matching food served in large sharing platters – perfect for a small informal gathering with other expatriates or business associates. 

Napa is located at 57 Jiangyin Lu (a downloadable map is available on their website) and reservations can be made by calling 6318-0057.