Last year, we gave you a list of the best wine bars in the area. Sadly, some of these places have closed, so it's time to give the list an update. You'll see some favorites like Caveau and Napoleon, but get acquainted with The Black Swan and Praelum Wine Bistro. Check them out:

The Black Swan

A 1920s-style joint in heritage building The Quadrant in the heart of the CBD, this restaurant offers European bistro classics with a contemporary twist, such as steak tartare, an addictive baked bone marrow crostini and a pretty mean burger. They also have a great oysters and Champagne happy hour combo, as well as a condensed late-night bar snacks menu.

The Quadrant, 19 Cecil St., 8181-3305. Open Mon 11:30am-10:30pm; Tue-Thu 11:30-1am; Fri 11:30-2am; Sat 5pm-2am. 

Caveau Wines & Bar

This understated yet stylish spot with wooden flooring and furniture transitions easily from daytime coffee bar (8am-5pm), using beans from local roasters including Papa Palheta, to wine lounge by night (from 5pm). Wash down fancy bar bites like char-grilled bratwurst and duck rillettes with crostini with over 16 different wines by the class from their Enomatic machines. There’s also a retail store with a 400-strong collection of wines to keep the connoisseurs entertained; enjoy them there or take some home with you.

#02-10 Shaw Centre, 1 Scotts Rd., 6737-2622. Open Sun-Thu 10:30am-11pm; Fri-Sat 10:30-1am.

Drinks & Co.

This low-key bottle shop has retail shelves on one side and colorful bar on the other and with a few outdoor tables that are quite popular in the evening. Expect very forward, forthright vinos, available by the bottle from as low as $38, while selected labels are served by the glass. You can purchase mixers like Fever-Tree Tonic and have them with snacks from Spizza down the street or with their in-house cheese platters. 

 44 Club St., 6222-2005. Open Mon-Sat 11am-midnight; Sun 2pm-midnight. 

Merchants

This wine cellar & store carries mostly Australian bottles in the space formerly occupied by The Pigeonhole. On the list are over 200 labels (from $30) from more than 50 boutique vineyards. 

52-53 Duxton Rd., 6222-1162. Open Mon-Fri 8am-midnight; Sat 10-1am; Sun 11am-10pm.

Napoleon Food & Wine Bar

Fitted with dark wood and sleek black leaher, this chic bar has enomatic machines dispensing wines by four catgories—smooth, fruity, deep and spicy. Food-wise, opt for fancy-free nosh like chicken caesar salad and desserts like lemon tart brulee.

206 Telok Ayer St., 6221-9282. Open Mon-Fri 11:30am-midnight; Sat 6pm-midnight.  

Ô Batignolles

Named after the Parisian neighborhood, this Amelie-esque bar sports an old school look involving marbletop tables and rattan chairs outside and a rich dark wood and red color scheme indoors. Drinkswise, there are affordable by-the-glass options with bottles (from $35) categorized according to flavor: fresh, fruity and light, balanced and elegant or intense and rich. Most of the wines—around 75 percent—are sourced straight from French vineyards and are exclusive to the place.

2 Gemmill Lane, 6438-3913. Open Mon-Tue 11am-midnight; Wed-Fri 11-2am; Sat 10-2am; Sun 10am-10pm

Praelum Wine Bistro

With understated black-and-white interiors, metal birdcage lights and art from the owner’s personal collection, this laidback spot is perfect for a quiet drink. There is a selection of wines by the glass dispensed by two Enomatic machines.

4 Duxton Hill, 6238-5287. Open Mon-Fri noon-1am; Sat 5pm-1am. 

Verre Wine Bar

Located in a refurbished warehouse on the quieter side of Robertson Quay, this is an oenophile’s dream, with over 750 labels represented in its walk-in cellar with Bordeaux and Burgundy wines from $59. They’ve also got a rotating wine-by-the-glass list that allows you to experience new offerings every time. The food menu offers grub like steak tartare, chicken liver parfait and artisanal cheese platters.

#01-05/06 8 Rodyk St., 6509-1917. Open Mon-Thu 4pm-midnight; Fri 4pm-1am; Sat 3pm-1am; Sun 3-11pm.

Wine Connection Cheese Bar @ Robertson Walk

Their branch at Robertson Quay is a contemporary cheese and wine bar. This 190-seater offers over 40 matured farm cheeses flown in from Europe, a selection of giant salads, homemade tartines and raclette sets, as well as over 250 wines. 

#01-05 Robertson Walk, 11 Unity St., 6238-1279. Open Mon-Thu 11:30-1am; Fri-Sat 11:30-2am; Sun 11:30am-11pm. 

WOOBAR

This hotel lounge has it all: DJs spinning in the evenings, seaside breezes and views, tropical drinks, ladies nights and pool parties. Thanks to being part of a big-deal hotel, they also have a decent wine and Champagne list, which can be enjoyed alfresco, if typical stuffy wine lounges aren’t for you.

21 Ocean Way, 6808-7278. Open Mon-Fri 11:30am-1pm; Sat-Sun 9am-1pm.