Rather than a wine club, SBR is more like a living room, according to Moon (Credit: South Bridge Réserve)
Rather than a wine club, SBR is more like a living room, according to Moon.Photo: South Bridge Réserve

South Bridge Réserve (SBR), tucked discreetly at 42 South Bridge Road, is quietly disrupting Singapore’s wine scene. Currently, membership to this exclusive, invitation-only club is strictly limited to 250 passionate Burgundy wine enthusiasts. “What excites us most is the region’s incredible diversity,” says Managing Director James Moon.

“A chardonnay, made the same way by the same producer on the same plot, can offer a completely unique experience simply by changing the vintage by a single year.”

Keeping the membership small allows for more purposeful, better curated experiences. Besides offering exclusive access to rare vintages and private tastings with winemakers, SBR strives to foster new relationships and spark fresh conversations. “Wine,” as Moon enthuses during this interview, “is part of life.”

To ensure a passionate community, membership is by invitation only (Credit: South Bridge Réserve)
To ensure a passionate community, membership is by invitation only.Photo: South Bridge Réserve

What makes SBR different from other wine clubs?

Most wine clubs focus on scale, such as long lists and large memberships. By deliberately keeping ours small and selective, every member has access to rare bottles and curated experiences. We are not about status or price tags. We’re more of a living room for Burgundy wine lovers than a club.

You described SBR as “luxury without formality”. What does this have to do with wine appreciation?

For us, luxury means exceptional wines and thoughtful experiences, not bow ties and hushed tones. You might taste wine as rare as a Domaine du Comte Liger-Belair or Domaine de la Romanée-Conti here in a warm, welcoming environment, along with little-known stories told by the families or winemakers themselves.

We also like to make our events much more personal, such as sitting down for Sunday dinner, so members can get together, enjoy, and be inspired by the wine as intended by the makers. This balance keeps wine appreciation alive and engaging.

Describe the community you’re building.

In addition to seasoned collectors who bring depth, we invite younger enthusiasts whose energy and curiosity will enhance the collection.

Lifestyle-focused gatherings are the highlights here (Credit: South Bridge Réserve)
Lifestyle-focused gatherings are the highlights here.Photo: South Bridge Réserve

What has been your most memorable moment?

We hosted a community cellar evening to celebrate Burgundy’s rising stars. Instead of focusing on established grande maisons, each member brought a bottle from an up-and-coming producer. They included Charles Lachaux, Bastian Wolber, Fanny Sabre, Jérémy Carteret, and Nicolas Protin.

It was a night of discovery and exchange. Throughout the process, everyone contributed and learnt from each other. Although the wines were exceptional, the sense of community made it memorable. That’s exactly what SBR is about: exploring, connecting, and celebrating Burgundy’s future talents together.

SBR is expanding across Asia. What is your selection process for locations?

Our next outpost will open in Niseko, Japan, in December. Our goal is to find places that are genuinely curious about fine wine and have an appreciation for it. While each chapter shares the SBR heartbeat, its rhythm is shaped by the local culture and lifestyle.

Find out about membership opportunities here.

ADVERTISEMENT

Recommended