There are endless weeks celebrating food and drink nowadays (including both Tomato and Doughnut Week), but we’ve got to say that this week is one our favourites: oenophiles rejoice, it’s London Wine Week. Now in its second year, the capital’s grape-athon involves over 100 venues, all offering special deals, events and expert knowledge.
If the sound of all of this is popping your cork, read on: we’ve cherry-picked the best events coming up this week, as well as our favourite venues taking part – you’ll be scanning those wine lists like a pro in no time.
Don’t forget to order your £10 London Wine Week wristband to take part, available for collection from London Wine Week’s hub in Devonshire Square. Find out more here.
Berry Bros & Rudd Secret Wine Sale, 3 St James’s Street, SW1A 1EG
All week
They might have established themselves in 1698, but wine merchants Berry Bros & Rudd still manage to cause a stir: they’ve cracked open the bargain bin to end all bargain bins, with over 100 bottles discounted by up to 40% with a wristband. Don’t miss Friday’s ‘Wine Tasting Games’ either; a two-hour tasting of Bordeaux, Burgundy and Rioja, held in the historic cellar.
Nyetimber Masterclasses, Devonshire Square, EC2M 4WQ
All week
Give an English sparkler a go with Nyetimber, who will be guiding fizz fanatics through current vintages including the Classic Cuvee 2010, Blanc de Blancs 2007, Rosé 2009, and England’s first ever demi-sec. Booking is advised but if you’re a spontaneous sipper, Nyetimber may have a space for you.
The Big Byronic Brunch, Polpo at Ape & Bird, WC1N 4HS
Sat 23 May, 11am-1pm
Named after Port, grouse, poetry and (probably) brunch enthusiast Lord Byron, Honest Grapes wines are preparing a vinous, gut-busting Saturday morning feast in Covent Garden. Grouse has lost out to rabbit in a spread which will also include arancini and salmon tartare, alongside fortified gems such as 180-year-old Bodega El Maestro Sierra, Ports from the fabled first Quinta do Tedo and Madeira from Barbeito.
Léoube and the love of Provence, Heddon Street Kitchen (above), W1B 4BE
Sat 23 May, 12N
Provençal vineyard Château Léoube is taking it to the terrace on Saturday, with an alfresco lunch of shellfish á la Gordon Ramsay paired with rosé wine. So sit back and pretend you’re in the south of France…
Book: 020 3641 0657
Mid Sussex vineyard and winery tour, train from London Victoria-Hayward’s Heath
Fri 22 May, 9.30am-4.30pm
If a four-day week is in order, take a trip to Mid Sussex this Friday for a tour of the vineyards of the Bolney, Albourne and Ridgeview Wine Estates, with plenty of samples and a well-deserved gastropub lunch along the way.
West Sussex vineyard and winery tour, train from London Victoria-Pulborough
Sat 23 May, 9.55am-4.40pm
Alternatively, head to West Sussex on Saturday for a tour of the Refold, Stopham and Upperton vineyards, rounded off with a glass of Upperton’s sustainable wine on the sun deck with views over the vines.
WSET wine and food matching dinner, Vinoteca Farringdon (above), EC1M 4AA
Thurs 21 May, 7pm-9.30pm
The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) is getting in on the action with a three-course wine-matched dinner at Vinoteca Farringdon. Master of Wine Michelle Cherutti-Kowal will be on hand to explain the interactions between wine and the food, which include Dorset crab salad and slow-roasted lamb shoulder. Education and food? Porqué non?
Top London bars offering discounted wine flights
Having a wristband also means you can visit one of a long list of bars across London and test drive a mini wine flight for just £5. The full list of bars is here and here’s our pick of the crop:
Bar Pepito, Kings Cross (above)
Why? Elegant sherries are the thing here, and Pepito has helped overturn the common perception that this fortified wine is only fit only for vicars and maiden aunts.
Bread Street Kitchen, St Paul’s (above)
Why? Over 30 wines by the glass, including fine claret and top-notch Burgundy for Square Mile dealers.
Heddon Street Kitchen, Mayfair
Why? It’s refreshingly affordable compared to much of Mayfair.
Mission, Bethnal Green
Why? While California dominates the stock, don’t expect a raft of Napa Valley wines; instead, the list traverses such areas as Russian River Valley and Costa County.
Polpetto, Soho
Why? The snappy Italian wine list is a good match for the food in this charming Berwick Street spot.
Sager + Wilde, Hoxton (above)
Why? Staff talk enthusiastically about their stock, effortlessly guiding guests looking for more help in this game-changing wine bar.
The 10 Cases, Covent Garden (above)
Why? This smart little metropolitan bistro is a real draw for wine lovers, thanks to a policy of fair mark-ups that even extends to fine wines and fizz.
The Kensington Wine Rooms, Kensington
Why? This debonair venue has a fun, buzzy feel that’s no doubt fortified by the copious quantities of wine by the glass it dispenses.
The Lockhart, Marylebone (above)
Why? Great service means you can expect a very knowledgeable guide to the US-dominated wine and beer list.