Our Story
A Sanctuary for the Curious.
Perched above Communal Table by gēn, Wine Not is a cozy neighbourhood sanctuary dedicated to the honest expression of the grape. As Penang’s premier tasting space for natural wines, we specialise in a curated collection of low-intervention labels, biodynamic gems, and bottles from boutique, small-scale producers worldwide.
We believe that wine is a living thing. At Wine Not, we strip away the pretension of traditional tasting, offering instead a space for discovery and conviviality. Whether you are a curious novice or a seasoned enthusiast, our collection invites you to explore stories of terroir that are as bold and diverse as the community we serve.
Valen Wong
Meet Our Winekeeper
DEMYSTIFYING LOW-INTERVENTION WINE,
ONE PALATE AT A TIME.
Valen’s journey in luxury hospitality began in 2020 at gēn, before she stepped into her role at Wine Not in March 2021. It was here, working alongside seasoned sommeliers, that she discovered her deep passion for the world of low-intervention wines. For Valen, the beauty of low-intervention wine lies in its vast, expressive spectrum offering a broader, more nuanced playground than conventional natural or biodynamic classifications.
More than just serving wine, Valen thrives on connection. Her true joy comes from guiding guests through a personalized discovery, moving away from standard, popular trends to recommend unique flavour profiles tailored to each individual's palate. She firmly believes that wine holds an incredible depth of character capable of suiting anyone; if you don’t like wine yet, it simply means you haven’t found the right one. Her mission is to help you find it.
Our Group
As the flagship foundation of our brand—where it all started—gēn 根 serves as the mother of our culinary journey. gēn 根 is a place that gives prominence to the reflection of Our Malaysian Story. We gave careful thought to how malaysia’s quality product and local flavour fused with the intangible. Through food we translate relinquished memories, cultures and experiences into something tangible that our guests can be a part of. We hope to have it transport us back to the past and allow us to reminisce about it through our tastebuds. introducing to you, our very first interpretation of Malaysian ingredients and local flavours
- Our Malaysian Story.
gēn 根
A vibrant sister venture where community, passion, and culinary craft come together around a shared table. Nestled in the heart of George Town, our restaurant is a warm culinary haven designed for togetherness and memorable dining experiences. We take pride in curating a menu that seamlessly balances local tradition with playful innovation.
Our talented chefs transform fresh, locally sourced ingredients into soul-warming dishes, infusing every plate with creativity and an uncompromising commitment to quality. From mouthwatering starters to decadent desserts, every bite is a celebration of flavour and culinary excellence.
Communal Table by gēn
Welcome to Root House by gēn, a sister venture exploring the intersection of history, heritage, and culinary evolution.
Located within the heritage walls of the 1926 Hotel, our menu reflects the cultural dialogue between Malaysia and China—a story shaped by migration, local ingredients, and time.
Our philosophy centers on the "return journey," tracing how recipes adapted to new surroundings and the traditions of Malaysia’s major dialect groups: Hokkien, Fuzhou, Cantonese, Teochew, Hakka, and Hainanese. As these communities settled, their regional flavours seamlessly evolved into an essential part of our shared Malaysian identity.