Yaksu Wine Bar, Vin’s is a private wine bar operated by a professional sommelier, located in the heart of Yaksu. If you’re someone who has recently developed an interest in wine or if you enjoy a glass of wine without delving too deep into the technicalities, this place is perfect for you. Situated in a serene corner near Beotigogae Station, Vin’s offers a cozy and intimate atmosphere ideal for winding down with a glass of wine after a long day. Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or a beginner looking to explore the world of wine, Vin’s provides a welcoming space for everyone.
Personally, I have made an effort to get acquainted with wine since my days as a gallery curator. It wasn’t so much about studying wine like a sommelier but more about acclimating myself to it, especially given my initial weakness for fruit wines, particularly grape wines.
While living in the United States, it became a habit to drink a bottle of wine every night before bed, and I always went on wine tours whenever I visited France. Despite this, I still can’t say I have a refined palate for high-end wines, nor do I fully understand which ones suit my taste. I simply have a few favorite white and red wines and some affordable options that I enjoy regularly.
This is probably why I prefer sommeliers who simplify wine rather than complicate it, those who engage in conversations about my preferences and suggest something I might enjoy.
Overview, Yaksu Wine Bar, Vin’s
Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting Bang Geuk-Young, the owner and sommelier at Yaksu Wine Bar Vin’s, who embodies this approach.
- If you are just starting to explore wine,
- If you’re somewhat familiar with wine but not interested in deep expertise,
- If you have a strong curiosity to learn about good wines one by one, or
- If you’re looking for a relaxed wine bar to unwind with a glass after work,
I highly recommend opening the door to Yaksu Wine Bar, Vin’s.
Situated on the slope of Beotigogae Station, Vin’s stands out with its atmospheric charm. It is the perfect cozy spot to relax with a glass of wine in weather like this.
Yaksu Restaurant Vin’s Opening Hours
Monday – Saturday: 6:00 PM – 3:00 AM
Closed on Sundays
more info: Official Instagram
Vin’s is incredibly accessible, just a 10-second walk from Exit 2 of Beotigogae Station. Parking at wine bars in Yaksu is rare, but Vin’s offers free parking, making it convenient even if you drive.
Parking is available on the 1st or 2nd basement floors of the Nam San Jeong Eun Sky Apartment, where the wine bar is located. Follow the road down, and you’ll see a Lotte Mart. Pass the mart, and you’ll find the entrance to the shopping mall parking lot.
With a quiet, unique presence on the main street in front of Nam San Apartment, Vin’s exudes a vibe reminiscent of a local wine bar in Bordeaux or a small wine bar in Saint-Paul-de-Vence.
The bar’s logo, a stylish blend of the owner’s name, Bang Geuk-Young, and the French word for wine, “Vin,” is etched elegantly into the chic tile wall. The sleek mosaic tile exterior in peacock green, paired with a contrasting red mailbox, makes a statement.
The wine bottles lined up below the wall tell a story of a true wine lover, signaling that this place is a wine bar and that the curator has a great eye for wines.
Interior Atmosphere of Yaksu Wine Bar, Vin’s
The atmosphere inside is sophisticated yet casual, perfect for a relaxing visit. The wood-themed interior features wooden floors, furniture, and even oak barrels, adding to the charm. The lighting is set to a cozy level, with stylish fixtures enhancing the decor.
Early evening visitors often finish their drinks quickly, while night owls have yet to arrive. Vin’s is open until 3 AM, making it a great spot for unwinding with a friend over a glass of wine, lost in conversation as time flies by.
Most of the seating is for two people, with a few tables for larger groups. A private room in the back provides a more secluded setting for those seeking a more intimate experience.
The space isn’t small, but it does have a few choice spots where people like to sit. If you want to secure a specific seat, it’s best to make a reservation through CatchTable or Naver. If you walk in, you might end up in a less desirable spot.
I reserved through CatchTable and felt that getting to know the very sociable sommelier, Bang Geuk-Young, could be a great experience. It made me think it would be nice to come alone to the bar for a quiet drink sometime.
Once seated, the staff set up vintage-inspired plates and cutlery, adding to the overall charm.
Menu
Vin’s offers over 120 varieties of wine. The menu starts with an introduction and some house rules:
- By the glass: One glass per person or one bottle per table is required.
- On Fridays and Saturdays, only bottles can be ordered.
- Corkage: One bottle per table, with a fee of 30,000 won per bottle.
Curious about the name Vin’s, I did some research. The owner, Bang Geuk-Young, has a long history as a sommelier in the Gangnam and Cheongdam areas. He ran his first wine bar, Oksudong Bang’s, in Oksu-dong successfully for about eight years before opening this new bar in Yaksu. He is currently active as a judge and has dedicated his life to wine, making me even more eager to see what Vin’s has to offer.
Vin’s offers a range of dishes to pair with wine, including onion soup, octopus dishes, pasta, and steak, which were recommended. However, since we had already eaten dinner, we opted for something lighter: gambas and melon prosciutto.
Personally, I’m also very curious about their hangover ramen. It seems to pair well with wine, as dipping raw ramen in ramen soup is surprisingly good with wine, making me wonder how the combination of hangover ramen and wine would taste.
Given the sommelier’s 18 years of experience, it’s no surprise that Vin’s boasts an extensive wine list. The menu seems endless, with prices that aren’t overwhelming. Though I considered getting a bottle, since I drove and it was a weeknight, we opted for two glasses of wine.
Dining Experience at Yaksu Wine Bar, Vin’s
Our Order:
- Gambas: 20,000 won
- Melon Prosciutto: 18,000 won
- Two glasses of wine: 12,000 won each
Honestly, the prices for a bottle aren’t too high, and they even had some on special while we were there. In hindsight, it might have been better to get a bottle, but we decided to leave that for another visit.
The sommelier himself came over to explain the wine briefly. He described it as a great value daily wine from southern France, made from ripe grapes that receive plenty of sunshine, offering an attractive and soft body. The wine, called BLACKBOARD, was opened right there, and the glasses were generously filled.
He asked about our usual wine preferences and suggested a wine that matched our tastes. I typically prefer white wines, especially non-sweet ones. However, that evening we chose red to suit my companion, who enjoys it more. This wine was light and fragrant, an unexpected addition to my wine list.
We began with crackers served with a ricotta cheese and arugula dip. As we nibbled on these, the gambas we ordered were being prepared in the open kitchen. The sommelier, now chef, gave a five-minute heads-up, adding to the fun of watching the cooking process live.
The warm bread served with the garlic-flavored shrimp gambas was delicious, making it hard to resist despite already being full. The dish was so flavorful that I kept going back for more.
Melon Prosciutto
The presentation was impressive! Melon prosciutto can be a tricky dish; if the melon isn’t sweet enough, it falls flat, and if the prosciutto isn’t stored properly, it can taste gamey. The prosciutto at Vin’s was perfect, with melon, ham, and a sprinkle of truffle salt combining beautifully. Sometimes salt is used to enhance the sweetness of less ripe fruits, which might have been the case here. Regardless, the taste was spot on.
Though full, I still enjoyed the melon prosciutto immensely. It’s one of my favorite wine pairings when I’m already full, and at Vin’s, it tasted just right.
If you need any assistance in Korea, just visit my own Instagram, and send DM:)
A Warm and Cozy Atmosphere
Vin’s is a comfortable space where you can enjoy wine without feeling out of place. It’s the kind of place where getting to know the sommelier might make you appreciate a wider variety of wines, even if you’re not a wine expert.
It’s not too far from home, and I feel like I’ve found the perfect new hangout spot. Whether for a date, a year-end gathering with friends, or a cozy evening with family, Yaksu Wine Bar, Vin’s, promises a warm and inviting experience.