Nestled in a quiet neighborhood of Dongshankou, The Courtyard’s domed rooftop is just barely visible from the road outside. Peering between the winery’s regal iron gates, it’s hard not to let a juvenile burst of Christmas morning excitement rush through one’s veins. The place is immaculate – ivory columns illuminated before a broad boardwalk epitomizing the glamour of Gatsby’s era and then some.
Originally intended to be an exclusive wine cellar and venue for private parties, The Courtyard is altering plans in its third month of business and extending an invitation to anyone and everyone who lusts for luxury. It’s a chance to wine and dine in a divine atmosphere, with warm decor featuring electric fireplaces, hardwood floors, vintage prints and, of course, some of the best wines available in China.
As the city’s primary “wine cultural center” for Milon – a wine import agent, wholesale and retail company based in Guangdong – The Courtyard features staggeringly low prices for both its bottles and in-house menu. The 2012 Moselgarten Spatlese Riesling we sampled, for example, sells for RMB185, about half the price charged by other distributors in Guangzhou. The bar doesn’t offer wine by the glass, however, and those who purchase a bottle to drink on site are subject to a service charge of 15 percent, the sting of which is ameliorated by pleasantly professional waiters.
In addition to a full-service bar featuring freshly squeezed juices, espresso beverages (both RMB38), cocktails (RMB63), imported whisky and more, The Courtyard also rents out an elegant dining room for small private parties (reservation RMB500) as well as a spacious chamber for business meetings or banquets. Following the Chinese New Year, an English afternoon tea service will commence every day at 1pm, while two KTV rooms will be available on the second-floor balcony. There is also a European-inspired ‘guimi’ or ‘bestie’ room for women to gossip over tea amidst handmade fashion pieces, including Taiwanese silk gowns, vintage scarves and imported bling.
Bidding farewell to the premises, it’s difficult to imagine such a place exists in Guangzhou, a city where class and cost generally resemble a looming exponential function. Yet the day has finally arrived – it’s time we all recline before a fireplace and sip fine wine without paying a fortune. Who said Beijing and Shanghai have it all?
Price: Approx. RMB100
Who’s going: Chinese executives, Daisy Buchanan
Good for: Wine by a fireplace, exclusive business parties
// Listing.
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