James Sibley drops by this tech-savvy wine bar for a preview tour and tipple. Photography by Calvin Sit

This newly opened wine bar and retail store at the IFC has the potential to be great – but with all new ventures come trials and tribulations, and Amo Eno is certainly in the thick of it. At first glance, the space looks like just another shop peddling the usual wines and wares, so you wouldn’t know they have a vast selection of vino to try out, as well as some tasty nibbles to boot.

On our visit we attempt to browse the fancy and innovative interactive wine technology, which Amo Eno markets as the highlight of the venue. Only upon request are we told that this feature is not ready until February. Bummer. However, from what little we do manage to see, we can tell that the marriage of technology and education/selection could become a big hit.

After 15 minutes or so of standing around and looking bewildered, we’re offered a table at the back of the bar where we finally get down to business. This small room houses only three tables and boasts a great view of IFC Two and, um, passing taxis. We ask our server (a sommelier in training) if he can give us suggestions for a cheese and wine pairing. This must be a bizarre question they’re not trained for as he stands stunned, humming and hawing for a few seconds. But our server does eventually suggest some vintages. Choosing a 2008 L’Ecole 41 Sémillon ($80/75ml) would not have been our first choice (the grape is primarily used for ice wines these days) but, hey, we give it our best try. Next up is the 2008 Château La Commanderie cabernet blend ($64/75ml) from St Estephe, Bordeaux. Although 2008 is not the recommended vintage, we’re very pleased with the earthy and robust flavours. To finish it all off, we sample the South Australian Seppeltsfield muscat ($37/25ml). With its dark brown appearance and floral aromas, it's the perfect closer.

Forget the wine, though. The best part of the whole experience is definitely the cheese. We choose an assortment of five cheeses (Irish coolea, Montgomery’s cheddar, reblochon, roquefort and taleggio), three meats (cured beef, smoked duck and serrano) and two jams (Staud’s kracher eiswein and Staud’s cuvee red wine), which come to a total of $218. They all taste heavenly. The server may not have helped us pair our cheeses and wines – but we have fun doing it ourselves. Be sure to mix and match for a wonderful taste experience.

With its wide selection and good location, Amo Eno has a great chance for success with the experienced wine crowd. But we’re going to wait until the technology kicks in before we give this place another go.

Shop 3027, 3/F, IFC Mall, 8 Finance St, Central, 2954 9922; www.amoeno.com.