Hiring a winery in Walthamstow might sound like an odd idea - until you step inside Renegade Urban Winery. Set in an unassuming corner of East London, this indie wine producer is doing things differently. Since 2016, they’ve been rewriting the winemaking rulebook, unbound by the rigid traditions of the continent. Instead, they source grapes from both small UK growers and some of Europe’s best vineyards, bringing them back to London where every part of the winemaking process - from fermentation to bottling - happens onsite. The result? A constantly evolving range of wines, spanning the classic to the utterly experimental, all crafted with a good dose of curiosity and a healthy disrespect for convention.
It’s this sense of energy and openness that makes Renegade such a brilliant venue to hire. The winery itself is a working production space, filled with fermenting tanks, stacked barrels and the buzz of a team doing something they clearly love. It feels raw and real - more Berlin warehouse than white-tablecloth wine bar. And because it's tucked just a short walk from Blackhorse Road station, it’s surprisingly easy to get to despite its offbeat vibe.
Whether you're after a large table for a birthday, a half-venue hire for 75 guests, or a full-scale takeover for up to 150 people, the team here are experts at throwing a good party. Private wine tastings are available too - ideal if you'd like your guests to learn something in between glasses. The wines themselves are always changing, but expect the unexpected: perhaps an English Chardonnay fermented in Burgundy oak; a dark, juicy red made from Portuguese grapes; or a pét-nat fizz that’s got more personality than most people at your office party.
And the labels? They’re not just pretty - they’re portraits. Each bottle features the eyes of a different UK resident, reflecting the diversity of modern Britain. It’s a small but powerful reminder that this is a winery made by people, for people. In short, if you’re looking for a venue that’s a bit off-piste - in the best possible way - Renegade Urban Winery is one to raise a glass to.