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Located in the Xitun District of Taichung, this top-tier luxurious bar offers a selection of exquisite French Bourgogne red and white wines. It also features a variety of cocktails. Beyond just fine wines, “CRU cave a vin” provides a sensory experience like no other. The sophisticated decor, high-end French boutique audio systems, Austrian handcrafted wine glasses, and a smoke-free aromatic ambiance, all meticulously crafted to create an enchanting evening for you. “CRU cave a vin” is the place you should choose if you want to have a relaxing night.

**Do not consume alcohol if you are under 18 years old. Don’t drink and drive.**

⬇️Table of Contents ⬇️

Environment of “CRU cave a vin”

As the night falls, concealed on the ground floor of a luxury residence in Taichung’s 7th Redevelopment Zone, “CRU cave a vin” (CRU Bar), transforms from a wine specialty shop into a high-end bar. During your initial visit, you might overlook it due to its understated exterior. However, by heading towards the intersection of Hualai Road and Shizheng South Road, you’ll come across the patiently awaiting “CRU cave a vin.”

“CRU” is French for “vineyard,” representing a superior grape-growing location. The concept behind “CRU cave a vin” is to create a captivating wine-tasting experience for everyone who enters this space—through excellent wine selections, great vibes, and attentive service. Even if you’re not a wine expert, you can be touched through various senses: sight, smell, hearing, and taste. The goal is to provide a sensory journey that evokes emotions, resonating with each individual who walks in.

Although the exterior of “CRU cave a vin” is understated, the interior decor is so stunning that it feels like stepping into a movie scene.

The Divin wine refrigerator with carefully selected bottles inside, occupying an entire wall, exudes an impressive presence.

The bar counter’s expansive gray mirror cleverly reflects Riedel handcrafted crystal wine glasses, DCW éditions table lamps, and Tom Dixon lava pendant lights, elegantly diffusing light and infusing the entire space with a splendid atmosphere.

The bar area is truly atmospheric. With a total of 8 seats, it is recommended to make a reservation before going, as it can easily become fully seated.

Artistic beauty can be found in every corner of the bar.

Sitting on the leather sofa, smelling the faint fragrance in the air, and listening to the gentle music from the high-end French Devialet sound system, you already feel relaxed even before taking a sip of the wine.

Upon being seated, the staff will first introduce the overall environment and the wine menu. If you are in the sofa area, they will also light a scented candle. There are a total of six candle fragrances that rotate, with three options provided for guests to choose from each time.

On that day, we chose the sandalwood-scented candle, which emitted a very relaxing aroma.

Price of “CRU cave a vin”

[Bar Counter Area]: Minimum spending of $400 per person on weekdays, $800 per person on weekends and holidays.

[Sofa Area]: The minimum spending is $4000 per table, regardless of weekdays or weekends.

Menu of “CRU cave a vin”

The wine menu at “CRU cave a vin” is exceptionally extensive and is frequently updated with new selections. You can find the complete menu here。

The majority of the red wines here are from Bourgogne, France, ranging from Grand Crus and Premier Crus to more affordable Commune appellations and Regional appellations.

The white wines also encompass the vineyards of the three major villages in Bourgogne: Puligny-Montrachet, Meursault, and Auxey-Duresses.

To meet the diverse preferences of wine lovers, “CRU cave a vin” also offers wines from the New World, such as Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley in the United States, as well as white wines from New Zealand or Italy. If you’re interested in trying Nature Wine, you can also discover delightful surprises at “CRU cave a vin.”

In addition to the classic red and white wines, this place also offers renowned champagnes such as Louis Roederer Cristal and Krug Champagne, along with a variety of affordable champagnes to choose from.

Enthusiasts of spirits, sparkling wines, beers, and cocktails can all find the perfect drink here. If you’re driving tonight, there are also non-alcoholic beverage options available.

Most of the wines available in the bar can be ordered by glass, allowing you to savor a variety of different wines.

There are also several dishes available that are perfect for pairing with the wines.

Enjoying alcohol is a pleasant and relaxed experience. When you visit “CRU cave a vin,” even if you’re not knowledgeable about wine, there’s no need to worry because the bar has friendly and knowledgeable professional sommeliers. The sommeliers have already tasted a variety of wines for you. You just need to let them know your preferred style, and they will recommend suitable options for you. They’ll even guide you on how to appreciate the unique characteristics of each wine.

Food & Wine at “CRU cave a vin”

■ Complimentary Treat – Sweet Popcorn

Upon taking a seat, a plate of crispy and sweet popcorn will be offered, which serves as a delightful appetizer.

■ Single Glass of White Grape Sparkling Wine NT$360 | M. Chapoutier La Clairette de Die 2019

***Do not drink and drive. Persons under 18 years old should not consume alcohol.

This sparkling wine has a light body and a bright golden hue under the lighting. The delicate and elegant bubbles shimmer in the glass, creating a soothing view.

The primary grape variety for this sparkling wine is Clairette, which combines fruity and floral notes. The most prominent flavor is the sweetness of lychee, accompanied by subtle hints of honey. The wine’s slight acidity adds liveliness and freshness, preventing it from becoming overly sweet. The balanced sweetness creates a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere, making it an ideal choice for ladies, especially for those with refined tastes.

■ Single Glass of Red Wine NT $520 | Arnaud Baillot Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2019

***Do not drink and drive. Persons under 18 years old should not consume alcohol.

Pinot Noir is one of the most popular grape varieties in the wine world, known for its rich flavors typically characterized by fruit, floral, and herbal notes.

This Pinot Noir, resembling a ruby gem, comes from an emerging Domaine in Bourgogne – Arnaud Baillot. With every sip, you’ll experience elegant aromas of red cherries and raspberries. The texture of the tannins is smooth and rounded, while the acidity is well-balanced, resulting in a refreshing and harmonious overall taste. Whether paired with food or enjoyed on its own, it’s a delightful choice.

The wine glasses at “CRU cave a vin” are carefully selected and provided by the Austrian brand Riedel, known as the Glass King of Jizera Mountains. Riedel handcrafted crystal glasses have thin walls, offering an exquisite and lightweight touch. The wide bowl provides a larger surface area for interaction between wine and air, enhancing the wine’s aroma, taste, and finish. Different wines are designed for their respective glass shapes!

■ Signature Cocktail | Summer Gin NT$420

This cocktail comprises gin, watermelon, peach, and Yakult.

***Do not drink and drive. Persons under 18 years old should not consume alcohol.

The transparent layer at the bottom contains peach concentrate and gin, and the dreamy pink foam on top is a delicate mousse made primarily from fresh watermelon juice. A sprig of rosemary adds the finishing touch. It’s a visually stunning cocktail.

Gin itself carries refreshing citrus and fruity aromas. After combining it with the sweet peach juice, the fruity notes are further enriched. The drink is sweet with a hint of fizziness, offering a refreshing yet aromatic experience that transports you to a summer orchard.

The light gin and velvety mousse blend harmoniously, creating a layered cocktail.

■ Spanish Estrella Damm Inedit Beer (750ml) NT$900

***Do not drink and drive. Persons under 18 years old should not consume alcohol.

This beer is extraordinary. Typically, high-end restaurants only recommend wine pairings for meals, and beer rarely makes an appearance on upscale dining tables. However, Estrella Damm Inedit Beer breaks this convention!

Inedit Beer is the first “gourmet beer for gastronomy,” specially crafted to complement meals. Produced by the Spanish Estrella Damm brewery in collaboration with top chefs, it combines lager beer made from 100% malted barley and wheat malt beer. The two beers are brewed separately and mixed just before bottling, resulting in a unique aroma and smooth texture, often referred to as “Champagne Beer.”

For those who haven’t tried Spanish Estrella Damm Beer, I would strongly recommend you try it at “CRU cave a vin.”

The dense bubbles envelop the rich malty sweetness, and upon tasting, there’s virtually no bitterness. The mouthfeel is incredibly refreshing and smooth, without any irritation. After swallowing, a subtle lingering floral aroma remains in the mouth. Truly, it’s the best beer I’ve ever had in my life!

No wonder this “Spanish Estrella Damm Inedit Beer” has received awards in numerous international beer competitions and has been recommended by Michelin-starred chefs!

■ Taiwanese Braised Dish NT$500

This Taiwanese dish offers a diverse selection of flavors, including savory tofu, refreshing bamboo shoots, crispy vegetarian gluten kidneys, chewy Tempura, collagen-rich pork skin, and tender yuba, topped with freshly-cut spring onions.

The seasoning of this dish strikes a balanced note, savory but not overly salty, making it a great match with the chilled Estrella Damm Inedit Beer.

■ 8-inch Thin Crust Pizza (Double Cheese) NT$320

This double cheese pizza is made simply with flour and heaps of cheese. The simple seasoning makes it a perfect accompaniment to red or white wine.

The server will freshly grate some cheese onto the pizza, enhancing its aroma. The combination of pizza and red wine is a delicious and well-balanced ensemble. The creamy cheese blends harmoniously with the acidity and fruity flavors of the wine, creating a layered taste experience. Even after cooling down, the thin and crispy crust retains its crunchiness, making it delicious even when cold.

My Evaluation of “CRU cave a vin”

Is “CRU cave a vin” a bar suitable for solo visits?

“CRU cave a vin” is definitely a bar in Taichung, Taiwan that you can go to alone. The atmosphere of the bar is very comfortable, creating an environment where you can relax and enjoy your own company.

Is “CRU cave a vin” a recommended bar in Taichung, Taiwan?

Absolutely! The attention to detail at “CRU cave a vin” leaves a lasting impression. The sophisticated and luxurious ambiance, paired with high-quality French red and white wines, as well as perfect foods, makes it a haven for grown-ups with refined taste. If you’re looking to have a wonderful evening in Taichung, I highly recommend “CRU cave a vin” over the usual noisy bars.