The Connoisseur’s Christmas: Elegant Dining with Free Corkage in Hong Kong
- andersonstonewine
- 2025年12月23日
- 讀畢需時 4 分鐘
By Anderson & Stone
As the city transforms into a glittering wonderland of festive lights, the search for the perfect Christmas table begins. While Hong Kong offers world-class wine lists, there is a unique joy in unmasking a bottle you’ve carefully sourced—perhaps a rare find from a small French vineyard or a vintage that holds a special memory.
Whether you are planning an intimate dinner for two or a lively gathering for twelve, these Hong Kong
institutions allow you to bring your own "liquid gold" to the table. Here are our top picks for a festive feast with complimentary corkage, paired with the curated excellence of Anderson & Stone.
1. The French Connection: Bonheur
Located in the heart of Sheung Wan, Bonheur is a sanctuary for those who appreciate refined French cuisine without the pretension. Known for its impeccable execution of classics like pan-seared foie gras and Australian lamb rack, it remains a favorite for the BYOB crowd because of its generous free corkage policy during dinner.
The Pairing: A Symphony of Red
For a hearty Christmas lamb or a rich beef tenderloin, you need a wine with structure and soul.
Our Recommendation: A high-altitude Malbec or a classic Bordeaux Blend. The velvety tannins and dark fruit notes cut through the richness of the meat, while the wine’s earthy undertones echo the savory depth of French jus.
Why it works: The elegance of a curated red from Anderson & Stone mirrors the sophisticated, quiet luxury of Bonheur’s dining room.
2. Spice and Soul: Sijie Sichuan Restaurant
If your Christmas tradition involves a bit of "fire," Sijie Sichuan in Wan Chai or Causeway Bay is a must-visit. Sichuan cuisine is notoriously difficult to pair, but Sijie’s welcoming BYOB policy (often offering free corkage for groups) makes it a playground for adventurous tasters.
The Pairing: The Aromatic Shield
To balance the "mala" (numbing heat) of Sichuan peppercorns, you need a wine with high acidity and a touch of residual sweetness or intense aromatics.
Our Recommendation: A Dry Riesling or an Alsace Gewürztraminer
Why it works: These "Aroma-gic" wines act as a cooling veil. The floral notes of lychee and rose petal in a Gewürztraminer harmonize with the complex spices, while the acidity of a Riesling cleanses the palate between every spicy bite of Laziji (Chongqing Fried Chicken).
3. Hidden Gem: AnOther Place
Tucked away in Tin Hau, AnOther Place is a private kitchen that truly celebrates the "Bring Your Own" culture. With a focus on seasonal ingredients and a contemporary European menu, it offers a "Free of Charge" corkage policy that is rare for a venue of its caliber.
The Pairing: The Celebration Starter
A Christmas feast at a private kitchen demands a grand opening.
Our Recommendation: The Sparkling selection from our Sparkling & Dessert Duet. A crisp, traditional-method sparkling wine with notes of brioche and green apple.
Why it works: The fine bubbles and mineral finish of a premium sparkling wine are the perfect match for AnOther Place’s delicate seafood appetizers, such as Hokkaido scallops or crab tartare.
4. Traditional Elegance: Sing Kee Seafood Restaurant
For a truly "Hong Kong" Christmas, many families opt for a traditional Cantonese seafood banquet. Sing Kee in Central is a legend, offering free corkage in a bustling, authentic atmosphere.
The Pairing: The Versatile White
Cantonese seafood—steamed garoupa, ginger-scallion lobster—requires a wine that respects the ingredient’s natural sweetness.
Our Recommendation: A Chardonnay (lightly oaked) or a Sauvignon Blanc from the Anderson & Stone collection.
Why it works: The minerality of a cool-climate Chardonnay enhances the salinity of the seafood, while a vibrant Sauvignon Blanc provides a zesty counterpoint to ginger and soy-based sauces.
Curating Your Holiday Cellar with Anderson & Stone
At Anderson & Stone, we take the guesswork out of your festive planning. Our team of WSET-certified experts hand-selects every bottle, ensuring that whether you’re heading to a high-end French bistro or a local seafood haunt, your wine will be the star of the show.
Why Choose Our Curated Boxes for Your BYOB Dinner?
Expert Curation: No more staring at a wall of labels. We select wines based on seasonality and character.
The Story Behind the Label: Every bottle comes with a pairing card, giving you a story to share with your dinner guests—from the terroir of the vineyard to the winemaker’s vision.
Temperature-Controlled Delivery: We ensure your wine arrives in pristine condition, ready to be chilled and taken to your favorite restaurant.
The Ultimate Festive Choice: The Ultimate Box
For the true connoisseur planning a multi-course Christmas gala, The Ultimate Box offers the full spectrum:
Three Curated Reds: Perfect for the main course and cheese platter.
A Refined Sparkling: To toast to the New Year.
A Rich Dessert Wine: To pair with Christmas pudding or a traditional log cake.
Festive Etiquette: Tips for the Perfect BYOB Experience
While these restaurants offer free corkage, a little "wine etiquette" goes a long way in ensuring a seamless evening:
Call Ahead: Policies can change during peak festive dates (Dec 24-26). Always confirm the free corkage offer when booking.
Check the Glassware: While some BYOB spots provide great stems, others may be more basic. If you’re bringing a truly special vintage, don't be afraid to ask about their glassware or bring your own "tasting" stems.
Share the Joy: It’s a lovely gesture to offer a small taste of your special bottle to the sommelier or restaurant manager—it’s the spirit of the season!
Make This Christmas Unforgettable
Christmas in Hong Kong is about the fusion of cultures, the warmth of friendship, and the joy of discovery. This year, don't just order from a list—bring a piece of your own story to the table.
Explore our latest collections at www.andersonandstonewine.com and find the perfect companion for your holiday dinner. From our vineyards to your table, we wish you a merry, flavorful, and wine-filled Christmas.
Cheers to a spectacular 2025!
