While cocktails and beer tend to be the staples of Siem Reap’s booze-quaffing community, there is something to be said for the finer things in life. A bold cabernet of a stormy night, a cheeky sancerre over a long lunch, or something a little cooler and crisp as you watch the sun go down over Temple Town. Well, now that we’ve got you thoroughly thirsty, here’s our pick of the best wine emporiums in town.

The List:

AHA Wine Bar and Restaurant

The Liquor:

A wine list as chic as its venue.

The Lowdown: 

AHA is one of Siem Reap’s coolest haunts and has an utterly cool wine list (and even cooler floor-to-ceiling wine cellar) to match.  You’ll have to pay for the pleasure because it’s one of the priciest wine menus in town. But the sumptuous arty surroundings, generous glasses and people-watching potential all make up for the fee. And with every glass of great wine deserving a great nibble to go with it, AHA’s tasting plates add the perfect accompaniment. For a decadent treat, pop in late for some crème brulee or honeycomb ice-cream with a glass of your favourite vintage – heaven.

The List:

L’Angelo

The Liquor:

Cool and classy and extensive – just like the setting.

The Lowdown:

One of several dining  experiences at L’Meridien Angkor hotel, L’Angelo talks tall boasting “some of the finest wines in the city.”  And as with most things at L’Meridien, it delivers. The restaurant has a hearty mix of Northern Italian cuisine with Asian flavours in a cool, European-style  luxury setting, so  it comes as no surprise that the wine list is rather luxe itself. The hotel’s extensive wine cellar is crammed with all manner of the good stuff, so whether you’ve a hankering for a chablis or a thirst for a pinot, consider it quenched.

The List:

Abacus Bar

The Liquor:

A refined wine-drinker’s haven.

The Lowdown:

As one of Siem Reap’s  best-loved restaurants, no rota of best-loved wine lists would be complete without Abacus. While you’d have a stomach of steel to resist the aromas of the kitchen, Abacus does serve as a bar as well as a restaurant. So if it’s just the booze you’re after, you can be more than accommodated in the lush garden setting. The wine list is packed with an impressive mix of varieties, with bottles from as little as $21 up to $92 for true connoisseurs. While most wines are French, considering the culinary offerings at-hand, some Italian and New World wines feature as well. There’s even some rare-to-Siem-Reap-Rosé: perfect if you’re opting for a mid-afternoon cooler.

The List:

Il Forno

The Liquor:

For wines as delectable as the eats

The Lowdown:

You can’t have cheesy baked-gnocchi, home-made ravioli, cooked-to-perfection pizzas, and mouth-watering seafood without a wine list that packs as much punch. As one of Siem Reap’s best loved eateries, we couldn’t leave Il Forno  out for those who prefer a lunch of the liquid variety.  The buzzing little Italian boasts a selection of wines from the delightful and affordable house offerings to more exclusive vintages for refined drinkers. Casual, laid-back, classiness, yet just a minute from Pub Street madness. We couldn’t think of a more pleasant spot to quaff.

The List:

Picasso Wine and Tapas Bar

The Liquor:

Fine wines by the caraf-load.

The Lowdown:

If you’re looking for a wine bar that feels like a wine bar, Picasso’s has that Spanish cavern vibe down to a tee. Brick walls, around-the-bar seating,  and a election of tasty tapas to meat-up the delicious Malbec. Picasso’s chilled-out atmosphere lends itself as the perfect spot to wile away a long balmy evening. While the signature sangria is something rather special, we reckon the house carafes, from $9 a pop,  are certainly worth a tipple. We defy you to stop at one though.

The List:

Le Malraux

The Liquor:

Fabulous wines with some dinner on the side

The Lowdown:

You may head to an acclaimed eatery like Le Malraux for the food, but as any foodies worth their salt knows, the wine can make the meal (and cost about the same price). This bistro’s concise, affordable and impressive wine list offers bottles of decidedly delicious vintage. Unsure of what to pair with your cote de boeuf or duck a l’orange? Simply ask the delectable man in charge, Christoph, and he’d be only too happy to assist your quaffing needs.

The List:

The Station Wine Bar

The Liquor:

120 wines served up by a man who knows his stuff.

The Lowdown: 

The Station’s proprietor Tony Munro knows a thing or ten about wine. Having worked in the business for years in his native Australia, he has a love for boutique wines produced by small vineyards with real vintage. With more wines available by the glass than anywhere in town, Tony’s willingness to open any bottle on his extensive list if you’re looking for a glass of something special is special. Ditto various price points with every budget in mind. Oh, and the complimentary olives and cheese. You’d be one fussy wino if you couldn’t find something here to please your palette.