Lede
Just months after opening its doors, Temper Wine Room & Lounge—a Duxton Hill destination known for a 1,000-label wine list and sommelier-led service—has earned Best Newcomer and Best Long List at the Star Wine List of the Year Southeast Asia 2026. The wins, announced in late April, place the venue among the region’s most distinguished wine programs.
Background: A Duxton Hill newcomer with instant clout
Since launching in September 2025, Temper has quickly become a fixture for Singapore’s wine crowd. Located at 83 Neil Road, with access through the Mondrian Hotel lobby, the lounge pairs dim amber lighting and plush velvet seating with a wall of bottles that casually displays more than 1,000 labels. Guests can browse the entire collection on a tablet, a nod to the modern drinker’s expectation of both depth and discoverability.
Behind the program is Roberto Durán, a Master Sommelier, who leads a polished service team. The venue’s concept extends beyond wine: cocktails incorporate local storytelling, while the food menu leans luxe but familiar—think oysters, steaks, and a compulsory burger. The result is a space designed for long, indulgent evenings.
What the awards mean
At the Star Wine List of the Year Southeast Asia 2026 ceremony, Temper captured two categories:
- Best Newcomer – recognizing a wine list that has made an immediate impact.
- Best Long List – reserved for programs featuring more than 600 labels.
These are no participation trophies. The awards are judged by an international panel of top sommeliers and wine experts who evaluate depth, diversity, and how well the list aligns with the venue’s concept. Winning both categories signals that Temper’s offering is not just extensive but also coherent and experience-driven.
Broader context: Singapore’s evolving wine scene
Singapore has long punched above its weight in fine dining and cocktail bars, but its wine-focused venues have historically played second fiddle. Over the past two years, a wave of dedicated wine bars and lounges—many with curated lists and sommelier-guided service—has reshaped the landscape. Temper’s double win underscores that the city-state can now compete with established wine capitals like Bangkok and Hong Kong in terms of list quality and innovation.
Actionable takeaways for readers
For those planning a visit:
- Location: 83 Neil Rd, #01-07, access via Mondrian Hotel Lobby, Singapore 089813.
- Reservations are required. Book through the venue’s Google Maps reservation link or call ahead.
- What to expect: A warm, intimate setting with a tablet-accessible wine list, craft cocktails, and a menu built for sharing and lingering.
Next steps and related reads
Temper’s success may inspire more venue owners to invest in sommelier-led programs, especially as consumers increasingly seek curated experiences over generic bar selections. For more Singapore food and drink news, check out our coverage of Bake It Babe’s new Desker Road outpost, the handcrafted buns at Tanjong Rhu Pau, and three Chinese dessert spots that have earned recent buzz.