4 of the best wine tasting spots in London

To assist in identifying the premier wine tasting experiences in the capital, London's leading venues have been evaluated against key criteria:

• Sommelier Expertise: Selection focused on venues hosted by knowledgeable, engaging specialists who introduce wine profiles clearly and without pretension.
• Diversity of Selection: Priority was given to establishments offering exceptional lists, including organic, biodynamic, and rare historic vintages.
• Setting and Atmosphere: Venues were assessed on their environment, ranging from historic candlelit cellars to modern, inviting spaces.
• Value and Pairings: Evaluation considered the quality of the pours alongside the standard and pairing quality of the food accompaniments provided.

Whether seeking to expand a private cellar or simply enjoy an evening of wine discovery, selecting the correct tasting environment is key. Local wine experts have been consulted and venues across the capital assessed to identify the finest options available.

The following four wine tasting destinations consistently offer outstanding tasting flights and masterclasses.

1. Humble Grape Fleet Street

Website

Contact details: +44 20 7583 0688

Operating hours:

• Monday: 3 pm to 11 pm
• Tuesday to Friday: 12 pm to 11 pm
• Saturday to Sunday: Closed

Price: ££

Humble Grape Fleet Street delivers an informal and engaging wine tasting experience, situated in a vault structure designed by Sir Christopher Wren. The environment is welcoming and relaxed, contrasting with more traditional, formal tasting rooms.

The venue focuses on organic and biodynamic wines sourced directly from independent, family-managed vineyards. Instructors lead monthly tastings, highlighting the history and regional traits of each bottle. A small plates menu is available to accompany the wine flights.

Pro tip: For an interactive experience, the Wine 101 sessions incorporate blind tastings and sensory games to help develop tasting skills.

2. Davy’s Wine Bar

Website

Contact details: +44 20 8858 9147

Operating hours:

• Monday: Closed
• Tuesday to Friday: 12 pm to 10 pm
• Saturday to Sunday: Closed

Price: £££

Davy’s Wine Bar specialises in structured, educational tastings, making it suitable for those seeking to develop their knowledge of classic regions and vintages. The atmosphere is traditional and formal, reflecting the merchant's history in London.

Tastings are led by professional wine hosts who explain tasting notes, grape varieties, and production methods. Davy’s operates tasting events across several London venues, accommodating corporate groups and private bookings.

Pro tip: Wines sampled during the event can be purchased directly from the cellars, with rare or limited-allocation bottles occasionally made available to tasting participants.

3. The Wine Tasting Shop

Website

Contact details: +44 20 8616 8658

Operating hours:

• Monday: Closed
• Tuesday: 1 pm to 9 pm
• Wednesday: 1 pm to 10 pm
• Thursday: 1 pm to 11 pm
• Friday: 11 am to 12 am
• Saturday: 10 am to 12 am
• Sunday: 11 am to 7 pm

Price: ££

Located in Balham, The Wine Tasting Shop specialises in natural, biodynamic, and organic wines sourced from small, independent growers. This focus yields a distinctive selection of bottles not typically found in national retail outlets.

The tasting sessions are structured as intimate, informal gatherings in a rustic venue. Hosts share the histories of the independent vineyards alongside tasting notes. The boutique scale of the shop encourages discussion among participants.

Pro tip: Case discounts are available on many of the independent wines featured in the shop, allowing visitors to assemble a mixed selection to take home.

4. Gordon’s Wine Bar

Website

Contact details: +44 20 7930 1408

Operating hours:

• Monday to Saturday: 11 am to 11 pm
• Sunday: 12 pm to 10 pm

Price: £££

Established in 1890, Gordon’s Wine Bar is London's oldest wine bar, featuring a candlelit vaulted cellar. The venue is one of the capital's most famous historic drinking establishments.

Whilst standard daily service is self-guided, structured tastings are hosted on specific dates, concentrating on classic European wine regions. The cellar list is paired with an extensive cheese and charcuterie counter. Due to high demand, the bar operates on a walk-in basis for small groups, making early arrival advisable.

Pro tip: For larger groups wishing to secure a cellar space, the historic "Cage" area can be booked online for up to 12 guests, subject to a minimum spend.

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