A new concept in Dubai’s evolving dining landscape is set to debut this April, as VNTG Grape & Cheese Society opens at the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai, positioning itself as a more accessible and experience-led take on the traditional wine bar.
Located in Business Bay, the venue is designed around a simple premise: deliver a serious approach to wine while maintaining an informal and welcoming atmosphere. The concept draws inspiration from European enotecas, emphasizing discovery, social interaction, and ease of engagement over formality.
The offering combines an extensive wine program with chef-driven food and a curated cheese selection. The wine list features more than 350 labels sourced from around the world, with over 55 available by the glass, along with rotating wine flights curated daily by an in-house sommelier. These flights are positioned as guided tastings, allowing guests to explore different regions and styles in a structured yet approachable format.
Food plays a complementary but equally defined role in the experience. The menu, developed by Chef Tom Allen, focuses on shareable dishes designed to pair naturally with the wine selection. Highlights include mussels prepared with white wine and seaweed butter, a traditional chicken pie with creamed potato and kale, and roasted cauliflower served with yogurt and pine nuts. Classic desserts such as apple tarte tatin and sticky toffee pudding round out the offering.
A key differentiator lies in the venue’s approach to pricing. Rather than following conventional hospitality markups, VNTG lists wines at retail prices and applies a transparent corkage fee, indicated through a simplified system. The model is intended to reduce pricing barriers and encourage exploration, particularly among newer wine consumers.
The cheese program further reinforces the concept’s European influence, featuring selections sourced from French affineur Frères Marchand, known for its expertise in maturation and sourcing. The offering is available for both dine-in and retail, adding an extra layer to the experience.
Designed as a social space with both indoor and outdoor seating, the venue aims to cater to a range of occasions, from casual after-work visits to extended dining experiences. The broader positioning reflects a shift in Dubai’s F&B sector toward more relaxed, community-driven formats that prioritize repeat engagement over one-off visits.
As part of the wider culinary portfolio of JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, VNTG introduces a differentiated concept that blends accessibility with curation. Its launch comes at a time when demand for experiential dining continues to grow, particularly in segments that combine premium offerings with informal settings.
With its focus on transparency, curated selection, and social experience, VNTG Grape & Cheese Society enters the market as a concept designed to broaden the appeal of wine culture in Dubai while aligning with the city’s evolving hospitality trends.
