Every bottle of wine tells a story, shaped by the country it comes from, the climate the grapes were grown in, and the careful hands that crafted it to perfection. Grape variety has its own chapter, whether it be the boldness of a Cabernet Sauvignon from the Napa Valley or a more cool, crisp French Chablis. Wines are deeply influenced by the traditions and style of the individual winemaker, with some techniques being passed down through generations while others are innovative and modern, creating tastes that are contemporary and exciting. This results in a wine tasting experience becoming a true exploration of country and craftsmanship, a new flavour to be discovered.
Guided wine tastings add structure and education to the art of appreciating wine, helping people to enhance their palate and refine their tastes. There are various characteristics to be considered, such as aroma, flavour and acidity, all of which can be overlooked when drinking wine casually. It is by focusing on these often-ignored elements that the tasters learn how to identify differences in grape variety and region of production.
The wine tasting world of London has a diverse set of offerings, from trendy wineries to lavish tasting rooms that cater to every palate, beginner or distinguished. If you have an interest in broadening your wine tasting knowledge then there are plenty of opportunities to do so in London, one of the world’s most dynamic cities.
Humble Grape
With an emphasis on pulling down the barriers to the traditional wine world, the Humble Grape offers relaxed and entertaining wine tasting experiences in London. Tailored to any level of experience, these events give participants the chance to sharpen their palate and broaden their knowledge. There’s no risk of boredom in a Humble Grape tasting class as the lectures and slideshow approach has been cast aside in favour of an interactive environment filled with opinions and discussion. The wine gurus showcase the beauty of each individual wine by accompanying service with fascinating stories about cultivars and foreign wineries, keeping you engaged and entertained throughout the experience. Each monthly tasting has a different focus and theme, keeping the events accessible to anyone who wants to learn or just wants an enjoyable experience. Humble Grape has six wine bars across London, including Islington and Canary Wharf, and you can book bespoke wine tastings at any of these spots.
Davy’s Wine School
Davy’s Wine School offers a range of differing wine tastings, each more immersive and educational than the last. Set in the historic, intimate locale of Davy’s Wine Bars, these tastings cover a range of themes, some more general and tailored to beginners while others possess a more focused approach on regions like Bordeaux or on differing grape varieties such as Pinot Noir. Each event is led by an experienced sommelier who provides valuable insight and expert guidance on tasting techniques, food pairings and the nuanced nature of wine styles and vintages. Starting with a palate-cleansing aperitif followed by six samples all for the price of £45, Davy’s Wine School fosters a fun and relaxed atmosphere full of information and education. This makes it the perfect choice for wine enthusiasts as well as beginners who just want to deepen their wine appreciation.
La Nina Caffe and Mercato
Specialising in Italian wines, La Nina in London offers vibrant, curated tasting sessions. These tastings highlight some of the hidden gems of the wine world as well as the well-loved favourites like Chianti, transporting guests through the rich diversity of Italian wine. Led by an experienced wine steward, this 90-minute experience gives guests the chance to sample three different Italian wines while snacking on a selection of Italian foods. Costing just £70, this session is an adventure through the rich history of the Mediterranean without ever leaving the company of the skyscrapers of Canary Wharf. With an emphasis on immersive and engaging sessions, La Nina provides a welcoming environment for anyone who can appreciate the interesting heritage and flavours of Italian wines.
Fortnum & Mason
Nestled within the famous Lower Ground Floor Food Hall of Fortnum & Mason is a real hidden gem. The beautiful wine bar boasts an extensive list of bottles made by some of the most heralded growers and winemakers in the world and offers luxurious wine tastings that are the perfect blend of sophistication and education. These tastings feature handpicked wines from across the globe, often including rare vintages and exclusive varieties, and are led by some of the city’s best sommeliers. These wine stewards guide guests through the nuances of different wine regions and provide an indulgent experience wrapped in the elegance of the iconic Fortnum & Mason Piccadilly store. The wine is paired with an artisan cheese board, complete with three cheeses, cracker bread and chutney. For £140 this wine tasting is refined and luxurious and perfect for any level of previous experience.
Jeroboams
With a reputation as one of London’s most respected wine merchants, Jeroboams provides an immersive and educational experience that caters to novices and wine aficionados alike. The tastings showcase a deep passion and knowledge, covering a wide array of themes like specific wine regions such as Burgundy or Champagne, to detailed discussions about grape varieties and vintages. Each session offers insightful information on the backgrounds of each wine as well as the tasting profiles thanks to the abundance of professional sommeliers. Starting with a classic glass of champagne and a guide from an in-house expert, the experience continues with fine wines from Italy and France and is rounded out by a delicious charcuterie board.
Wine drinking is always something that can be enjoyed in private, but for those seeking a luxurious and educational evening filled with fine wines and expert teaching, London is the perfect destination. The expert guidance available in the beautiful wineries of London helps you to develop a deeper understanding of the well-loved drink while also providing a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
