6 WINE AND CHEESE NIGHTS WE'RE LOVING THIS MAY

Wistfully dreaming of relaxing with a glass of wine and some delectable cheese in the French countryside? Or maybe reclining in a vineyard under the Tuscan sun? We aren’t miracle workers, but we can offer you the next best thing - right on our own doorstep. Tuck in for our picks of the best cheese and wine nights in Abu Dhabi.

UVA WINE BAR & LOUNGE

MARRIOTT HOTEL AL FORSAN

It doesn't get much better than a Saturday evening of wine and cheese - enter Aperitivo: UVA’s weekend antidote to a busy week. One of our favourite off-island bars, if you haven’t been yet, here’s your excuse! Relax and unwind as you enjoy two hours of unlimited house wine, complemented by a charcuterie board full of the good stuff.

Fancy getting a headstart on your Saturday night? Aperitivo kicks off from 4PM, so you can arrive early and linger into the night. It’s the perfect option to start - or end - your Saturday night out, for a catch up with the girls or a relaxed date night. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a go-to!

Timing: Saturday | 4-11PM

Price: AED129 with unlimited pours for a two-hour seating

Bookings: 02 201 4131

JAZZ BAR

RADISSON BLU ABU DHABI CORNICHE

20% OFF WITH BB+

Thursday night is basically the weekend if you ask us, and we’re sure the crew at Jazz Bar would agree! They’re serving up the perfect combo of cheese, wine and jazz each week from 7PM. Tuck in to a tasty cheese and charcuterie board as the music kicks off, and let the sultry sounds of the talented band smooth your troubles away - good live music can be hard to come by in the city, and these guys deliver.

The hardest decision you’ll make all night? Whether to behave yourself on a school night (with three glasses of wine), or if it’s time to treat yourself - and indulge in two hours of unlimited pours for just AED50 extra. We won’t tell if you don’t!

Timing: Thursday | 7-11PM

Price: AED149 with 3 glasses of wine | AED199 with unlimited pours for a two-hour seating

Bookings: 056 104 1114

THE WAREHOUSE WINE AND TAPAS BAR

PEARL ROTANA

20% discount with BB+

Wine and cheese night any day it strikes your fancy has us sold, but live music Thursday through Saturday definitely sweetens the deal! Chic interiors, an inviting feel and friendly staff along with 2 hours of unlimited wine paired with a cheese board, all we can say is, wine not?

Time: Daily | 5-11 PM

Pricing: AED180

Contact: +97123075552

LEXX

GRAND HYATT ABU DHABI

Palace-adjacent location, excellent live jazz music and a high-quality cheese and charcuterie offering? This one checks all the boxes. We love the feeling of sophistication that comes with this wine and cheese night; pulling up to the entrance, strolling through the vast foyer and then taking your seat in a dedicated alcove with an abundant range of cheese and charcuterie. You can pick and choose wines to your preferences from a good range, with 3 paired wines starting at AED135.

Time: Daily | 5pm - 1.30AM

Pricing: AED135 with 3 x 50ml | AED160 with 3 x 100ml | AED190 with 3 x 150ml

Contact: +97125101234

THE GRAPE ESCAPE | RAY’S BAR

CONRAD ETIHAD TOWERS

Let the elevator wizz you all the way to the 62nd floor as you anticipate an evening to remember. Dubbed the Grape Escape, this Friday night offering is one that will definitely make you feel a world away. Free-flowing wine and bottomless cheese? You won’t go hungry or thirsty here! A beautifully presented buffet awaits, filled with a generous charcuterie offering - we rate the array of French and Italian cheeses, contrasted with the saltiness of some pancetta. The wine selection is also a winner - with reds, white and rose available you can conduct your own mini tasting until you land upon the perfect pairing. The pièce de résistance? Great live music and one of the best views in the city!

Time: Friday 8-11PM

Pricing: AED190

Contact: +97128115666

RACLETTE

MAMSHA AL SAADIYAT

This cheese and wine night is a cut above others with 2 hours of unlimited wine and some excellent cheese on offer including Raclette's signature baked camembert - the perfect accompaniment to a lovely glass or two of your favourite grape.

As usual, the team at Raclette goes over and above to make sure a good experience is had by all: there's plenty of bread and crackers to go with the cheese including some sinfully good garlic bread and even a bowl of melted cheese, giving a nod to the Raclette moniker.

What makes it even better is the recent addition of live music. Starting from 8PM, enjoy the classics in English, French and Spanish, making for a magical ambiance, giving that little bit of je ne sais quoi that gives Raclette its sublime edge.

Pricing: AED159 | 2hr package of free flowing wine

Availability: Wednesday | 8-11PM

Bookings: 02 546 2277