Glorious Wines: Wine Bars in Brussels: Chai&Bar

On our eternal quest, discovering wine and consequently, wine bars, we came across the Chai&Bar which promises a total wine experience. Answering to another wine tasting invitation, we recently spent a very pleasant evening at the Chai&Bar.

Upon entering the establishment, I was at first slightly worried we got the wrong place and ended up in a

warehouse and not a wine bar. I was soon to discover this is the exact feature which sets the Chai&Bar apart form the other wine bars in Brussels. When entering, you find yourself surrounded by ceiling high shelves stocked with bottles of wine. The different wine regions of France are all present on the ground floor.

My initial disappointment was also soon dismissed, as the underground floor offers a satisfactory range of wines from the rest of Europe and the New World. the choice of French wines is amazing. Some of the famous names pop up here and there – the Margaux’s and the Hermitage to name just two. The rest is a discovery of wine and producers. Prices vary between 4.50euro to the … well the prices you usually don’t tend to look at afraid of a potential heart attack!

However I should get back to the Chai&Bar wine bar. After crossing the shop, you find in the back a very minimalist, even purist, wine bar. State of the art technology keeps 16 bottles of wine at the optimal temperature, and sommeliers Christophe Dufournier and Frédéric Dufrasne take you through their wines.

I like the feel and the concept of this wine bar. Albeit small – the bar sits a maximum of 15

people – you have the (correct) impression of being in an expert, wine loving environment. Our tasting included a Bourgogne – Macon-Fuissé, Thibert & fils 2004, a Rhône – Vinsobres, Domaine Constant Duquesnoy 2004, a Bordeaux – Pauillac, Chateau Lynch Bages 2001 to name just a few. Besides the tastings, the Chai&Bar also offers several red and white wines by the glass to be tasted at the bar (prices vary between 2.50euro and 25euro). The perk, all the wines tasted at the bar can then be bought in the shop.

Overall Chai&Bar stands out as a quality wine bar and wine shop. Signing up on their website will give you access and invitation to their tastings, and the wonderful world of wine. Extra added bonus: the sommeliers speak English as well.

In conclusion: our evening ended with yet another purchase of French and Argentinean wins, and a solid promise we will go back.