Art, cookies & unlimited wine: Why Straits Wine’s sessions feel slightly more special

Right before Christmas, Nick and I were invited down for what sounded like a civilised evening of art and wine at Straits Wine: Art & Wine sessions.

We’re no strangers to the classic paint-your-own-canvas routine. It’s familiar, reliable, usually priced somewhere in the mid-$30–$50 range. Fun, yes… but also predictable. This time, though, we weren’t handed canvases. We were handed Christmas cookies!

And also – unlimited wine!

And macarons (we turned one of them into a MacDonalds logo)

The outcome? We butchered a few biscuits in the name of free expression... turning flowers into demogorgons, and gingerbreadmen into something closer to the Grinch. You can tell that it was fun, right? 😂

At Straits Wine, the idea is simple: make wine feel more approachable through intimate, easygoing creative sessions. There’s no pressure to “know your wine,” no rigid structure to follow.

Naturally, the question arose: would alcohol help or hinder the creative process? (Not a serious question, by the way.) Would everything end up looking like abstract art? Or would it simply become an excuse to laugh with my friends and call our designs “free expression”?

Gingerbreadmen, Christmas trees, snowmen, and reindeer shapes

Turns out, the wine did exactly what it was supposed to do. Any lingering inhibition quietly dissolved as we went increasingly rogue with our designs, laughing at our weird creations, choice of colours, and simply having a ton of fun.

You also get to savour a thoughtfully curated selection of wines by the founders themselves. They were genuinely good and easy to drink, especially for beginners, while still offering deeper, more robust options for seasoned wine drinkers. Overall, it struck a lovely balance. Approachable without being boring, relaxed without feeling careless.

The wines up for unlimited drinking that night! <3

That night, we were presented with five different wines (which rotate seasonally): two sweeter, easy-drinking whites and three stronger, more robust reds. Whether you’re cautious or curious, there’s room to try a bit of everything. I also appreciated how intuitive the staff were: simply let them know what you’ve already tried, and they’ll guide you down the line, gradually building up the intensity according to your preference. It's so chill!

Our favourites that night? The first two white wines for me, and the boldest red for Nick.

The space itself felt generous and welcoming, with plenty of room to sit and roam. Friendly servers checked in just enough, and the charcuterie board—piled with cheeses, caper berries, and cured meats—was a lovely touch alongside the wine and biscuits.

Tucked within Straits Wine is also a walk-in wine closet that’s gorgeously designed... elegant, luxurious, and slightly intimidating. I didn’t dare step inside, in case I broke something. Heh.

The wine "walk-in closet" is behind these featured wines for today!

During the session, we also got to hear from Stefano Oliva and his partner, Puwaneswari Naidu, who shared the story behind Straits Wine and the philosophy behind their Art & Wine sessions. It felt cosy and intimate. Wine amateurs and wine lovers gathered in the same room, with no airs about it.

Stefano Oliva & Puwaneswari Naidu

Beyond this session, we learnt that the Art & Wine evenings aren’t fixed to a single format. Each edition takes on a different creative shape. There's wine glass painting, cookie decorating, canvas painting, even painting your own wine label. What stays consistent is the intention behind them: shared learning, easy conversation, and making wine feel less intimidating for newer drinkers.

Introduced earlier this year on a trial basis, the sessions were consistently sold out, suggesting there’s an appetite for wine experiences that feel social, hands-on, and unpretentious. Going forward, Straits Wine plans to continue running these monthly Art & Wine evenings across its outlets, often in collaboration with local artists and creative partners.

Follow them on their website and social platforms for upcoming themes and session dates, as slots tend to fill up quickly. Come with friends, curiosity, or just a willingness to try something new. Art skills is completely optional, enjoyment guaranteed 🍷🎨

📍 Straits Wine, 81 Clemenceau Avenue 01-11, Singapore 239917