This hidden Makati bar makes wine feel less intimidating and more enjoyable
Do you think wine just isn’t your kind of drink? With its myriad varieties, unfamiliar labels, and unspoken rules, wine can easily feel intimidating. But tucked inside an unassuming warehouse in Makati is a bar that could change your mind.
Located along Chino Roces Avenue, The Bevvy is a full-service wine bar that believes “fine wine can be casual.”
The drinking spot’s name speaks to that idea: “Bevvy” is British and Australian slang for a boozy drink. It’s a fitting choice, according to owner Jojo Vega, whose business partners are of Scottish descent and have lived in Australia since the late 1990s. The place is backed by their parent company, Don Revy Philippines Inc., which has been importing and distributing wines, beers, and spirits since 2013.
“In our brainstorming session before the incorporation of our company then, there was obviously a ‘majority’ influence on the name and inspiration of whatever concept we would come up with,” Vega told PhilSTAR L!fe with a laugh. “Turned out very nice, actually.”
Originally launched in 2018 as a retail showroom, the space transformed into a restaurant and bar in 2023. Following a brief renovation earlier this year, it welcomed guests back with more outdoor seating, improved service, and an even broader wine and spirits list.
When you enter The Bevvy, you can tell that every corner has been designed with intention. You’d be welcomed to a central bar and then some cozy dining spaces with wooden interiors that provide warmth inside the windowless space. “We made it that way so there are no distractions,” Vega said. “Guests can focus on the wine, the food, and the company they’re with.
At the far end of the hidden gem are shelves stocked with bottles from 11 countries and 65 wine regions. Once you’ve made your pick, you can enjoy it in-house with only a minimal markup since it’s supplied directly by its importing company.
The bar caters to both first-time wine drinkers and seasoned enthusiasts. While there are wines by the bottle that are equivalent to two glasses of wine in other establishments, there are also premium options from renowned wine regions like Burgundy, Bordeaux, Piedmont, Tuscany, Napa, Oregon, Ribera del Duero, Barossa Valley, and Marlborough—some of which are rare or limited releases.
The concept, Vega shared, was inspired by a gap that he and his business partners saw in the local dining scene. “Wine experiences were either too formal, too expensive, or not engaging enough,” he said. “We want our guests to explore wine organically through experience, without pressure or pretense.”
The Bevvy’s laid-back approach extends to its food menu, with crowd favorites like ribeye, crispy pork knuckle, and fish and chips made with premium cod or gindara. “We wanted our food to make wine more enjoyable, too, and vice versa,” Vega told L!fe.
If you’re a casual wine drinker, Vega suggested trying the Pebble Lane Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand since its citrus and tropical fruit notes make it easy to enjoy. But if you’re dropping by to enjoy hearty dishes, you can’t go wrong with a rich and bold drink like the Elderton Estate Shiraz from Australia’s Barossa Valley. If you’re a beer person, a properly poured Pilsner Urquell on draft could be your best bet.
Wine is the star at The Bevvy, but its cocktails—curated by award-winning master mixologist Lennon Aguilar—also have their own stories to tell. “We have Paso X, in reference to the old street name we are on (Pasong Tamo Extension). We also have Chino by Night, named after what we currently call the street we are on, inspired by Chino Roces Avenue’s serene, mysterious vibe especially at night.”
For Vega, what matters most is how guests wrap up their days at The Bevvy and walk out the door.
“We want them to feel comfortable, like they belong, regardless of wine knowledge. We want them to feel curious, encouraged to explore, and try new things. We want them to feel relaxed, no pressure, no intimidation. We want them to feel satisfied—not just with the food and drinks, but the overall experience,” he said.
The goal, he added, is simple. “At the end of the visit, we want guests to say: ‘That was easy, enjoyable, and worth coming back to.’”
You can find The Bevvy inside UPRC Building III at Chino Roces Extension, Makati. It's open from Mondays to Saturdays, 4:00 p.m. until late.