Think you know your riojas from your rieslings? Your merlots from your malbecs? Haven’t the foggiest what all that means because the only types of wine you know are red, white and pink?! Whether you’re a regular at your local wine bar or a total newbie to the world of wine, there are some excellent spots for a sommelier-led wine tasting in London that will take you through the whole process from vineyard to vino.
Here are some of our favourite wine tasting events to learn how it’s made, how to taste it, and most importantly – how to sound like you know your stuff at your next dinner party.
The Best Places For Wine Tasting In London
Hedonism Wines
For a truly special wine experience, Hedonism Mayfair is unbeatable. It’s the crème de la crème of London’s wine scene. Stocking an extensive collection of the finest and rarest wines, guests will be able to enjoy fantastic tastings with some of the world’s greatest distilleries, and even use their fancy machines to sample nearly 50 wines on site.
With stunning interiors that mirror the quality of the wine, peeling yourself away from the luxury of Hedonism might be a little tricky…
Where: 3-7 Davies St, London W1K 3LD
Website: www.hedonism.co.uk
Gaucho
Whether you’re a wine whiz or total novice, Gaucho’s Sour Grapes is a new monthly event packaging the world of wine into an informal, interactive and accessible evening that bridges the gap between winemaker and wine drinker. Launching on 13th February for Galentine’s Day, you’ll be guided through four different glasses of the good stuff by Head Sommelier Marina Diaz, and taken on a tasty trip through the world of tannins, terroir and texture whilst grazing on a selection of small plates. By the end, you’ll be armed with an arsenal of basic terms and tasting notes tailored to your tastes.
Taking place monthly, each event will examine four new wines: celebrate International Women’s Day at the March event with a ‘Women in Wine’ instalment featuring female winemakers and tarot readings, then on 17th April it’s all about marvellous malbec.
Where: 60A Charlotte St., London W1T 2NU
Website: www.gauchorestaurants.com
Corrigan’s
A wine event with a difference, head to Corrigan’s this February for the first in a series of Wine Dinners – where the drink comes first. Joined by a host from one of the world’s finest wine producers, the kitchen team will create a showstopping four-course menu designed to pair perfectly, highlighting the flavour profiles of the area through the inspiration of seasonal ingredients.
The first event will be led by Domaine Temperi, Bandol’s most prominent wine producer, boasting some of the world’s finest Rosés and aged Red Wines.
Where: 28 Upper Grosvenor St, London W1K 7EH
Website: www.corrigansmayfair.co.uk
Restaurant 1890 by Gordon Ramsay
Exceptional wines accompany exquisite dishes at Restaurant 1890. Led by Head Sommelier, Emanuel Pesqueira, the restaurant has an extensive list of fine and rare wines available as a wine pairing or to order by the glass. There’s a Discovery wine pairing and a Fine wine pairing option, where you’ll enjoy a selection of six wines hand selected to perfectly compliment the dishes served. The ultimate culinary wine tasting experience in the glamorous surrounding of the Savoy.
Where: Savoy Hotel, Strand, London WC2R 0EZ
Website: www.gordonramsayrestaurants.com
Humble Grape
Handily located in places like Battersea, Canary Wharf and Islington, Humble Grape is your friendly neighbourhood wine bar and one of the top wine tasting spots in the capital.
Book into one of their weekly wine masterclasses and their wine gurus will take you on a tasting adventure in a warm and welcoming environment. With a goal to bridge the gap between the wine-drinker and the wine-maker, this will be your chance to learn about the stories that go into making every bottle.
Where: Multiple Locations
Website: www.humblegrape.co.uk
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Berry Bros & Rudd
Tucked away in their Pickering Cellar, Berry Bros & Rudd’s tutored tastings are known for being one of the best wine tasting experiences in London. Not to mention they’re the oldest and most well-respected wine merchants in the biz. They’ve traded from the very same shop since 1698 and even hold two Royal Warrants (which means they’re the official wine supplier to the British Royal Family).
Their experts are insanely knowledgeable, guiding you through a range of wines or spirits whether you’re already well-versed in wine or a complete newbie. And we seriously love the range of tastings available – from different styles and regions of wines, to cheese and wine pairings.
They're the oldest and most well-respected wine merchants in the biz.
Where: 63 Pall Mall, St. James’s, London SW1Y 5HZ
Website: www.bbr.com
Bedales Wine
Looking for a wine tasting in the most iconic of locations? Look no further than Bedales Wine, with locations in three of London’s most iconic markets – Borough Market, Spitalfields Market and Leadenhall Market. This unforgettable wine tasting can be experienced in two ways. The first as a private tasting for an extra special occasion, for groups of 6 up to 80 guests including venue hire, flight of wines and a dedicated sommelier.
But their self-guided tastings are our favourite. For £25pp, you’ll enjoy a glass of bubbles on arrival followed by a flight of three wines selected by their sommeliers. They’ll also give you a tasting diary, full of fun facts, tips on how to correctly taste the wine and space for you to make your own notes. Hungry? For £10 extra per person you’ll be treated to pitta and roast red pepper dip, burrata with smoked almonds, and wild mushroom tartlets with leeks and cashew nut butter. *Chef’s kiss*
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Where: Multiple Locations
Website: www.bedaleswines.com
St Pancras Brasserie and Champagne Bar
Did you know that St. Pancras is home to London’s longest Champagne Bar? St Pancras Brasserie and Champagne Bar by Searcys is best known for its extensive collection of Champagne by the glass, bottle and magnum. And we have to say, we absolutely adore it here.
Tasting masterclasses involve sipping on fizz while learning about Champagne that’s been matched to a three-course dinner – all for £95pp. Expect monthly Champagne specials like The Great Ladies Of Champagne on International Women’s Day; Not Everything That Sparkles Is Champagne in April; and Champagne And The Arts in May.
Where: St Pancras International
Website: www.stpancrasbysearcys.co.uk
Le Cordon Bleu
Discover world-class wine courses with Le Cordon Bleu in London. With over 125 years of culinary education experience, their wine courses cover a range of topics, whether it’s professional or recreational, including wine management, food and wine pairing, and wine tasting.
Classes are held in their state-of-the-art facilities in the institute at Bloomsbury Square, or in their new Fleet Street site that’s equipped with a dedicated teaching kitchen. All their short courses are taught by Le Cordon Bleu Master Chefs and lecturers who are experts in their fields, so you know you’ll be in the best of hands when learning your new skill.
Where: 15 Bloomsbury Square, London WC1A 2LS
Website: www.cordonbleu.edu
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Hithe + Seek
More than a sit-down-and-listen type of tasting, Seekers monthly wine club at Hithe + Seek encourages you to taste and ask questions to experts on hand. In this interactive experience, you can expect to taste undiscovered gems that can’t be sourced on the high-street, as well as explore delicious, quality wines from different regions and cultures.
Even better, the venue overlooks the Thames, Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe for vino with a view.
Where: 60 Upper Thames St., London EC4V 3AD
Website: www.hitheandseek.com
The London Wine Academy
With the aim of helping you to make better wine choices with confidence, The London Wine Academy is one of the top spots for a down-to-earth wine tasting experience.
Offering a range of courses from a Beginner’s Sensory Wine Course right up to a Four Session Wine Course, they cover everything from tasting technique to food matches so you can learn to taste wine like a pro. Here you’ll receive an informal but informative experience, delivered by a knowledgeable team.
One of the top spots for a down-to-earth wine tasting experience.
Where: 116 Piccadilly, London W1J 7BJ
Website: www.londonwineacademy.com
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Milk Beach
For a non-group tasting experience, head to Milk Beach in Queen’s Park where the tastings are done table by table to enjoy with dates or mates alike.
Their regular tasting nights are perfect for aspiring travellers as you’ll get to take your tastebuds on a trip around the world – from Australian Wines to Rhine River German Rieslings. They also host seasonal specials like Women In Wine and a Valentine’s Day wine tasting.
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Take your tastebuds on a trip around the world
Where: 19-21 Lonsdale Rd, London NW6 6RA
Website: www.milkbeach.com
The Stafford
Fancy a wine tasting with a difference? Head to The Stafford London, and experience a wine tasting in their fascinating 380-year-old wine cellars. Used as an air raid shelter during WWII, these cellars house over 8,000 bottles of the World’s finest wines.
Journey around the world with five sparkling wines chosen specifically by their Sommelier, and enjoy with a selection of canapes.
Where: 19-21 Lonsdale Rd, London NW6 6RA
Website: www.staffordlondon.com
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Vagabond Battersea Power Station
Find a spot and settle in because Vagabond is one giant wine tasting! Their interactive machines dispense wines by the glass so no matter your expertise, you can taste test hundreds of bottles if you really want to (and manage to make it that far without passing out).
Top up your Vagabond card at the bar and go on a tasting adventure around the winery, letting the helpful tasting notes guide your selection, or ask a friendly wine advisor to help you choose the perfect fit.
And you can’t have wine without tapas. Don’t forget to sample the menu of nibbles and sharing plates including truffle parmesan fries, chorizo popcorn and padrón peppers. You’re in for one hell of a treat here.
Where: Unit 12, Circus Village West, Circus Road West Phase 1, SW11 8EZ
Website: www.batterseapowerstation.co.uk
The Sloane Club
Head down to private members club The Sloane Club on the 13th March and you’ll be treated to a Familia Schroeder Argentinian wine tasting with Federico Boxaca.
With extensive knowledge and huge passion for the produce of Patagonia, his experiences in the Argentinian wine industry means he has a wealth of knowledge and anecdotes that will keep you enthralled for the entire evening.
Where: 52 Lower Sloane St, London SW1W 8BP
Website: www.sloaneclub.co.uk
