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.
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
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*
WHERE: MULTIPLE LOCATIONS
WEBSITE: WWW.BEDALESWINES.COM
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
By The Handbook
Hedonism Wines
Gaucho
Bedales Wine
Vagabond Battersea Power Station
The Sloane Club
