The Refinery is a wine bar and French bistro at 74 Hai Bà Trưng, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. It sits inside La Manufacture d’Opium, the French colonial opium refinery built in 1881, and has poured wine in this courtyard for over 20 years. The list runs to more than 80 wines from France, Italy, Spain, Australia, New Zealand, Chile, Argentina and beyond, with 19 served by the glass.
If you are looking for a wine bar in Saigon with real history, a serious cellar and a terrace you will not want to leave, this is it.
From Opium Refinery to Wine Bar: A History Since 1881
In 1881 the colonial government took direct control of opium refining in Cochinchina and built La Manufacture d’Opium on what is now Hai Bà Trưng Street. Most of the raw opium came from India. It was processed here, packed in stamped brass boxes and sold through licensed distributors at prices set by decree. By 1914, opium was one of the largest sources of revenue for French Indochina.
The factory is long gone, but the building still tells the story. Walk through the main gate and look up: the wrought iron O and M of the original logo is still there, and carved opium poppies crown the entrance. The courtyard, the high ceilings and the old façades are all part of the original compound.
The name The Refinery is a nod to that past. Where opium was once refined, we now pour wines chosen with care, decanted with patience and shared slowly. The marks of the 1881 building are woven into our wine list too, from the old Saigon street maps to the Rivière de Saïgon artwork on its pages.
What’s on the Wine List
Our list is built around the grape, so you can explore by style rather than by label. Bottles start at 900,000 VND and reach into Grand Cru Bordeaux and prestige Champagne.
Chardonnay. From an easygoing Grant Burge from South Australia to Burgundy classics: Louis Jadot Pouilly-Fuissé, Domaine Courtault Michelet Chablis and Domaine Laroche ‘Les Vaillons’ Chablis 1er Cru.
Sauvignon Blanc. Zesty Marlborough favourites including Cloudy Bay and the Māori-owned Aronui co-op, alongside Loire elegance from Henri Bourgeois ‘En Travertin’ Pouilly-Fumé.
White varietals. Vinho Verde, Gewurztraminer, Chenin Blanc, Viognier, a dry Mosel Riesling from Dr. Loosen and North Rhône whites from François Villard.
Pinot Noir. A strong Burgundy line: Mercurey Vieilles Vignes, Chassagne-Montrachet Rouge, Savigny-Lès-Beaune and Chanson Clos du Roi Beaune 1er Cru, plus New Zealand’s Clos Henri and Pa Road.
Cabernet and Bordeaux blends. Both banks are covered, from Margaux, Pessac-Léognan and Saint-Estèphe to Pomerol and Château Canon ‘Croix Canon’ Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. Robert Mondavi and Leeuwin Estate bring the New World.
Shiraz and Rhône blends. E. Guigal, Stéphane Ogier, Yves Cuilleron Crozes-Hermitage and Saint-Joseph, and a Châteauneuf-du-Pape from Domaine du Trapadis.
Italy and the rest of the world. Chianti Classico from Ricasoli, Ornellaia ‘Le Volte’ Super Tuscan, organic La Spinetta Nebbiolo, Argentine Malbec, Chilean Carmenère and Spanish Tempranillo.
Looking for something low-intervention? Try the Château Haut Meyreau ‘Nu Comme un Verre’ nature wine, or the organic Cantina Riff Pinot Grigio.
Wine by the Glass, Champagne and Decanting
By the glass. 19 wines are poured by the glass, from 190,000 to 280,000 VND. That covers every style on the list: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Rhône Blanc, Provence-style rosé, Pinot Noir, Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet, Shiraz and Italian Corvina. Ideal for a tasting flight of your own making.
Champagne and sparkling. Start with Tintoretto Prosecco or a Loire Méthode Traditionnelle by the glass. For a celebration, open Drappier Carte d’Or (also in a 375 ml half bottle) or Bollinger Special Cuvée.
Decanting. Many of our bigger reds and whites carry a decanter icon on the list. We recommend decanting these to let them open up and show their full expression. Just ask your server.
The Courtyard Terrace and Wine Thursdays
Tucked away from the traffic of District 1, our covered courtyard terrace is one of the calmest places to drink wine in Saigon. Armchairs, warm light and colonial walls set the mood for a long evening. Inside, the room keeps the original architecture with a Paris bistro feel.
Every Thursday is Wine Thursdays, with guest DJs playing in the heritage courtyard. Pair it with dinner from our French bistro menu and stay for one more glass.
Explore Heritage Saigon with PinGuide
The Refinery is one stop on a much bigger story. To discover more of Saigon’s colonial landmarks, hidden courtyards and the best places to eat and drink nearby, explore PinGuide, the city guide built by locals who know where to look.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best wine bar in Saigon with history? The Refinery at 74 Hai Bà Trưng, District 1, is a wine bar inside La Manufacture d’Opium, the French colonial opium refinery built in 1881.
Where is The Refinery wine bar? 74 Hai Bà Trưng, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Enter through the main gate into the heritage courtyard.
How many wines does The Refinery serve by the glass? 19 wines by the glass, priced from 190,000 to 280,000 VND.
How much is a bottle of wine at The Refinery? Bottles range from 900,000 VND to 3,900,000 VND, with over 80 labels on the list.
Does The Refinery serve Champagne? Yes. Drappier Carte d’Or and Bollinger Special Cuvée, plus Prosecco and a Loire sparkling by the glass.
Are there organic or natural wines? Yes, including a Bordeaux nature wine, an organic Pinot Grigio and an organic Langhe Nebbiolo.
What is on at The Refinery on Thursdays? Wine Thursdays, with guest DJs in the courtyard terrace.
Can I book a table? Yes, reservations are available online through TableCheck. (Add booking link)
