Trying to describe a passionate Asian female wine enthusiast, is like trying to describe a unicorn. Does such a thing really exist? Mun, is the entrepreneurial and proud owner of the latest Wine bar in Windsor, is living, breathing proof, that they do.
Originally from Hong Kong, Mun worked at high-end restaurants and discovered her affinity to wine. After a short stint in Europe, she realised she ‘still calls Australia home’, so came back to open her passion project, a clever spin on her name and favourite grape ‘MuNoir.’
MuNoir is dedicated to the complex and exceptional variety, Pinot Noir, this venue not just offers a drink, but an epic journey around the world through grapes. There’s also sparkling, champagne, riesling and others if Pinot is not your thing.
Inside, it’s a gorgeous petite venue, with a captivating ambience that speaks formality without bordering pretentiousness. Wooden tables, hand drawn paintings and fresh flowers, are sweet and humbling. But the real eye candy is the wine walls. Exposed brick with open cabinets of different bottles with elite labels from around the globe, each boasting their own adventurous tale. And there to step you through the wondrous stories behind these idyllic drops in real life time is the Mun, the unicorn herself.
There is a ‘by the glass’ list you could choose from, but what makes this little gem stand out is rather than a ‘one size fits all’ approach, she offers a tailor made ‘side by side’ tasting or a ‘wine flight’ designed to your preference. Nothing cookie cutter, you let her know what you’re into and she works her magic, And these ain’t no main stream wines, every one is elite. And ‘nothing on the menu that I’m not completely confident in backing, no matter the hype’,
A bowl of olives has notes of orange peel and rosemary, which work exceptionally well with both the French and Australian sparkling. (And PSA, surprisingly, the Aussie held up its own compared to a real Champagne. A testament to the unicorn’s exceptional palate).
Slices of vibrant slices of orange king Ora salmon gravlax cured in the house Pinot noir, sit on sweet curls of shaved nourishing cucumber and earthy beetroot grain crackers. It happily marries two polished glasses of a bold Chardonnay and flinty Chablis, hard to pick the standout. Thai beef salad looks a bit limp but stunning peppery flavours burst through and speak nicely to the side by side Tumbarumba and Geelong Pinots.
Before we know it, we’re knee-deep in bubbles, whites and reds, gas bagging away and engulfed in newfound wine education (if only ‘studying’ was always this pleasurable). And, what was initially intended as date night, it was hard not to strike up a conversation a neighbouring table, to share notes. Suddenly, the strangers next to us, become new best friends, and study buddies, and before we know it, we’re arranging the next catch up, and of course which bottle will be opening.
So much in life is scripted, and it’s always far more exciting to choose your own adventure. At MuNoir, you really never know what you’re going to get. But what is certain, is that the chalk scribble on the board speaks true….. ‘Great Pinot reaches your heart’,
