Vin+ offers booze at attractive prices in stylish surroundings
Rich Simons, Contributor/Jakarta
Port (wine) is the comfort of age and the companion of the scholar and the philosopher. (Evelyn Waugh)
In yet another tangible indicator that Indonesia, and Jakarta in particular, is recovering from the economic and social confusion of the 1990s, VIN+, a bright, spacious, oh-so-chic wine boutique has opened its doors to the public in Kemang.
It is the first such "wine boutique" in the country, complete with wine accessories, a soon-to-open delicatessen and a wine- tasting room, not to mention an airy, minimalist-style main market with aisles and aisles of wine.
There are also a few corners with some top-notch spirits and imported German beer.
Its prime location on Jl. Kemang Raya, and large ritzy storefront, which resembles an elegant, fashionable art gallery, would lead some to jump immediately to the conclusion that such an upmarket presence and style would also mean outrageously overpriced, imported wines, beers and spirits.
Au Contraire! This sexy little number also has extremely competitive prices, just as if they were -- well -- in a manner of speaking, free of duty costs and other add-on fees that lead to the exorbitant prices of so many imported items in Indonesia.
So many places in Kemang are like that, only affordable for the CEOs of oil companies, famous actors and politicians.
But VIN+ has something for everyone's budget and taste buds, including the US$300 Penfold's Grange, 12-year-old Chivas Regal for $33, Isle of Jura Scotch for $70, Dom Perignon, Cinzano, Jack Daniels as well as several bottles of wine for less than $7.
They will take U.S. dollars or rupiah.
VIN+ has a special cooperative agreement with a winery in southern France to bottle and label its own house brands of red and white.
The red is called MV privilege and will set you back about $7.
The white is called Vendange de Minuit, or VDM, and costs just under $4. Both are sweet, fruity and refreshing.
As one of the local owners explained, most Indonesians prefer sweet wine, and thus it could be a way to get more folks attracted to wine, as it is still a relatively new taste to most Asians.
They even deliver for those not keen on dealing with the traffic before popping the cork.
Another fact that sets this apart from other upscale import goods markets is that all of the owners are Indonesian and they aim to please both Indonesians and expatriates alike.
Well-traveled to be sure, but clearly they have done their homework and have done a great service to all residents of Greater Jakarta.
This brings to mind a famous quote by one of America's founding fathers, Thomas Jefferson: "By making this wine available to the public, I have rendered my country as great a service as if I had enabled it to pay back the national debt."