Grapes & Malts @ Chow Thye Road, Georgetown, Penang

Grapes & Malts, a relative new chill-out place for Penangite to enjoy a bottle of wine and whisky in the evening. This cozy and laid back place is tailored for friends and family to hang out after work, be it to socialize or engage in a business discussion. Just share them what kind of wine you wish to savour and your budget, they will do the rest. The space is designed into 2 areas. The Lounge that comes with easy to slump in sofas which been arranged for you to enjoy intimate conversations, while Courtyard cater for chatty and high spirited with high tables and bar stools arrangement. There is also a private room comfortable for a small gathering of 8 persons. In case you wish to host a private function here, feel free to work out with them. Besides, do keep note on their Facebook page for monthly exciting events such as Wine Tasting, Blind Tasting event and more.

Note: They are currently running Wine Hour promotion with 2nd bottle of Reilly's wine at 20% discount, from 4pm - 8 pm daily.

Many thanks to Grapes & Malts for extending this invitation.

Remarks: Grapes & Malts has since ceased operation.

Grapes & Malts @ Chow Thye Road, Georgetown, Penang

Wine lovers will be glads to learn that there are more than 100 labels of wine selection here ranging from different regions, either from the old world (France, Italy, Germany, Portugal) or the new world (Australia, New Zealand, Chile, Argentina). Their wine are reasonable and affordable which average around RM 150. You would find numerous of white wines here such as Sauvignon Blanc, Cardonnay, Pinot Gris, Riesling and even Gewurztraminer. not forgetting the reds such as the Shiraz, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Brunello or Grenache. They have the extensive range of wine from easy on the palate to complex and longer finishing, from simple Bordeaux glasses to burgundy exquisite one and even decanters. Of course there are bubbly champagne, sparkling and rose wine too. Engage a wine talk with their wine sommeliers on board, they are more than willing to share their knowledge with the guest on the wine itself and even the best way to savour the wine with their tapas dishes.

Le Contesse Prosecco Extra Dry Sparkling Wine (RM 180)

Banfi Chianti DOCG red wine from Italy (RM 141), the food friendly wine that well complemented with Grapes & Malts tapas dishes. The wine is fairly light on the palate, with sufficient acidity and tannin.

Chateau de Malengin, Montagne St Emillon red wine from France (RM 178) gives you more rich in mouth, with denser tannin and end with aromatic finish. This is my favourite red of the night.

Saito Sake (RM 39), clean and refreshing rice wine.

Reilly's Cabernet Sauvignon 12,Clare Valley (RM 100), the new world red wine from the Australia is fuller bodied with bolder fruit flavours.

Whisky Flight (RM 50), From left: Bowmore 12 years, Auchentoshan 12 years, Glen Garioch 12 years.
Auchentoshan was the most easy to go on palate among the 3, while Bowmore should be tried at the very last due to its distinctive taste. For Bowmore, it is either you like it or you dislike it.

Ice Ball to go with the whisky.

For the whisky enthusiast, there are over 20 labels of whisky here from the single malt and the blended with the pioneer being the preferred choice. Their whiskies are well selected, exclusive with premium quality. Enjoy the luxury savouring of the single malt whiskies with the tulip shaped design glass, which gently holds the whisky's aromas that allows you to nose each of the subtle notes at your leisure. If you are looking for smoother, lighter and easier to drink, they have triple distilled single malts whisky.

Cheese Board: 4 types of cheese with plain crackers & spring onion (RM 26 for small, RM 49 for large)
Cheese would vary depending on the cheese available.

Grapes & Malts offers the simple options of food that perfect to complement the wine and whisky. It is noteworthy that the food uses the freshest ingredients that replenished daily, lightly seasoned with some might use only Himalaya natural sea salt to give it a little flavour, not taking away the sparks of the drinks. The portion basically come in the tapas size for the ease in sharing with family and friends. If you stomach has some room after wine and tapas, you may check out their mains such as aglio e olio which will surely satisfy the hunger.

We started with their house specialty of Cheese Board. We were introduced in a unique way of enjoying the wine. First, pick your cheese, cut out a small slice to top your cracker. Take a small bite of cracker with cheese, munch it with spring onion without swallowing anything. Then, take a sip of wine and enjoy that zest in a mouthful. The foods then take away the wine's tannin sensation, and further enhance the wine's aroma.

House specialty Chicken Quesadilla served with guacamole sauce (RM 20)

House specialty Mushroom Quesadilla served with guacamole sauce (RM 20)

Quesadilla is Chef's favourite, so as their guest. Thin tortila sheet sandwiched with lavish amount of cheese, and your choice of either Chicken or Mushroom or just pure cheese. Spread your quesadilla with their special guacamole sauce for best savory.

House Dip with carrot, celery & cucumber served with garlic aioli (RM 8)

Antipasto Olive & Mushroom (RM 12)

Clockwise: Sauteed Beef seasoned with rosemary leaves (RM 18),
Sauteed Chicken seasoned with salt, pepper & paprika (RM 16),
Sauteed Mushroom seasoned with salt & pepper (RM 20)
Chicken Jumbo Sausage served with mustard sauce & sauerkraut

The more filling choice to complement your wine, try their mains and pasta.
Photo on left: Aglio e Olio Spaghetti with Prawn (RM 25) or Chicken (RM 20)
Photo on right: Grilled Chicken served with steam vegetables & pasta (RM 32)