The 10 best wine tasting spots in London for a perfect night out
After a long week, my friends and I love to kick back with our own bottles of wine and chat about our favourites. Problem is… our wine vocabulary basically stops at “delicious” or “not delicious.” Not exactly sommelier-level stuff.
So, we decided to step it up a notch and went on a little wine tasting tour around London. A few tipsy nights later, we’ve got a list of the wine tastings we’d actually recommend.
1. Humble Grape Fleet Street – Wine Bar & Restaurant
Media credits: humblegrape
Address: 1 St. Bride’s Passage
Contact details: +44 20 7583 0688
Operating hours:
- Monday: 3 PM – 11 PM
- Tuesday to Friday: 12 PM – 11 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: Closed
Price: ££
Humble Grape Fleet Street is where wine feels casual and fun, not intimidating. We even saw someone bringing their dog along!
They stick to 100% organic wines from small family vineyards, priced at £5 a glass. Pair them with a simple small-plate menu, and that’s two dishes for £10.
We tried a few of their monthly tasting selections, and the host made it feel approachable. He explained the origins and characteristics of each wine without ever being stuffy.
The placemat overview was handy, though we all agreed a few food-pairing notes would’ve made it even smoother.
| Pro tip: If you want more fun, join a Wine 101 night and ask the host to throw in a quick blind-tasting challenge. Guessing the country or grape keeps things interesting, and most hosts are more than happy to accommodate it. |
2. Davy’s Wine Bar
Media credits: davysoflondon
Address: Liverpool Street Station, 2 Exchange Sq
Contact details: +44 20 8858 9147
Operating hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday to Friday: 12 PM – 10 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: Closed
Price: £££
Davy’s Wine Bar’s tastings are structured, and that’s what makes them feel a bit special. By the end of it, I felt slightly smug about suddenly being able to say wine observations without sounding like a fraud. It’s a good place if you actually want to learn something.
The host explained each wine in a way that’s easy to follow along. Even the tasting notes (which can sometimes sound like a foreign language) actually made sense.
They run tastings across multiple locations. It’s a plus, especially for groups trying to coordinate schedules.
Certain themed nights (especially champagne flights or pairing dinners) can get pricey, though. It’s worth it, but definitely something to check beforehand so your wallet doesn’t stage a protest.
| Pro tip: If you love something, ask about buying it there and reserve it ahead of time. Davy’s sells bottles and sometimes opens special stock at tastings. |
3. The Wine Tasting Shop
Media credits: thewinetastingshop
Address: 18 Hildreth St
Contact details: +44 20 8616 8658
Operating hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 1 PM – 9 PM
- Wednesday: 1 PM – 10 PM
- Thursday: 1 PM – 11 PM
- Friday: 11 AM – 12 AM
- Saturday: 10 AM – 12 AM
- Sunday: 11 AM – 7 PM
Price: ££
The Wine Tasting Shop in Balham was a masterclass in discovery. Everything here is about natural, biodynamic bottles and small producers you don’t normally come across. It made our whole experience feel fresh and exciting.
The host kept things relaxed and fun—no snobby wine talk, just good energy and simple explanations. She made everyone in our group feel comfortable, even the ones who usually stick to whatever red is on special.
Our tasting experience felt intimate and personal because the space itself is small. It can feel a bit tight if there’s a bigger group, but that closeness actually works in its favour. We ended up chatting, comparing notes, and getting more into the experience.
| Pro tip: Ask about shipping or case discounts. Small producers like what they offer are often sold in mixed-case formats. Even if you only want one bottle now, buying two or a mixed mini-case can be cheaper. |
4. Balfour at Bow Wine Vaults
Media credits: bowwinevaults
Address: 10 Bow Churchyard
Contact details: +44 20 3870 5000
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 11 AM – 10 PM
- Friday: 11 AM – 8 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: Closed
Price: ££
We booked one of Balfour at Bow Wine Vaults’ Bow Wine Nights, and for £40, we weren’t expecting to walk out feeling so boujie. You get six wines, and sometimes even six wings if you catch the food-pairing nights (which are chaotic in the best way).
There’s something sweet, smoky, and even fiery. Not exactly first-date material unless you want to test the strength of the relationship early.
Everything happens in the evening (mainly Wednesdays and Fridays), which works great for after-work spontaneity but can be limiting if you prefer daytime tastings.
And because each night is heavily theme-driven, repeat visits can depend on whether the theme hits your interests.
| Pro tip: If you want a more controlled experience, book one of their private tastings. They customise the theme, tailor the wine selection to your group’s preferences, and run it in a quieter part of the venue. |
5. Gordon’s Wine Bar
Media credits: designmynight and gordonswinebar
Address: 47 Villiers St
Contact details: +44 20 7930 1408
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 11 AM – 11 PM
- Sunday: 12 PM – 10 PM
Price: £££
If you want a wine tasting that feels cinematic, intimate, and drenched in London’s history, Gordon’s Wine Bar absolutely delivers. It felt like a secret, candlelit underworld—the kind of place that makes you whisper for no reason.
Their guided tasting sessions run on set dates. Most of their wines were also classic European picks, nothing overly experimental. But the real trap was the cheese since it’s dangerously addictive.
The place can get busy. You can absolutely find yourself circling for seating, and some tables require you to accept that your primary light source will be one flickering candle barely holding on. However, that’s part of the charm.
| Pro tip: If you’re a party that wants guaranteed cellar seating, reserve the “Cage” online. It seats up to 12 but comes with a minimum spend. It’s great for birthdays or team nights. |
6. London Cru Winery
Media credits: londoncru
Address: 21-27 Seagrave Rd
Contact details: +44 20 7381 7885
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 10 AM – 4 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: Closed
Price: ££
At London Cru Winery, it felt less like a tasting room and more like a stylish warehouse that just happened to serve wine made on-site. The industrial vibe in Fulham sets the tone: big, open, and absolutely not pretending to be a countryside vineyard.
We loved how our host explained the wine fundamentals without making you feel like you’re cramming for an exam. Then we got into grape varieties, and this is where things took off. By the end of it, our team finally understood the differences between them.
It’s social, energetic, and ideal for groups. We could see why people recommend checking availability if you want something calmer. The space thrives on that lively atmosphere.
| Pro tip: If you make your own blend, don’t just snap a photo and leave it behind. Besides, you can take it home. It’s a tangible souvenir of the day, and tasting it later is a fun reminder of your experience here. |
7. Vagabond Wines Charlotte Street, Fitzrovia
Media credits: vagabondwines
Address: 25 Charlotte St.
Contact details: +44 20 8145 9080
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 12 PM – 11 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 12 PM – 12 AM
- Sunday: 2 PM – 10 PM
Price: £££
Vagabond Wine’s tasting is intimate, but somehow, it still feels lively without tipping into chaos. We dove straight into one of their masterclasses, pairing five wines with carefully selected cheeses.
The interactive angle really shines here. Rather than just sipping, we were encouraged to explore textures, flavours, and contrasts.
We really liked how they introduced options from lesser-known regions, which made our palates perk up more than once. Each pour came with context, making even unfamiliar varieties approachable.
Tickets sit around £45+, so it might feel pricey for casual tasters. But considering the central London setting and the interactive format, it’s reasonable.
| Pro tip: They have multiple venues, each with slightly different schedules. Booking in advance ensures you snag your preferred date and time. |
8. Brother Marcus
Media credits: brothermarcus
Address: 23 Slingsby Pl
Contact details: +44 20 4553 6470
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 8 AM – 10 PM
- Sunday: 8:30 AM – 9 PM
Price: ££
Everyone might know Brother Marcus as an Eastern Mediterranean restaurant, but they often host themed wine nights. Greek wine tastings are paired with their dishes, and it was a full sensory journey through Greece, right in the heart of London.
The Greek house white was a highlight. It had a rich, luxurious character that felt far more expensive than it actually was.
Each wine was introduced with little stories about its region, its varietal, and why it paired so perfectly with the food. And the dishes? They weren’t just sidekick—they elevated the wines in ways that made us want to take our notes for our own dinner.
| Pro tip: Check their calendar ahead of time and book at least a week in advance. If you’re aiming for a weekend slot, try to reserve as soon as the schedule drops, as these are the first to go. |
9. Boulevard Brasserie
Media credits: boulevardbrasseriewc2
Address: 40 Wellington St
Contact details: +44 20 7240 2992
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 12 PM – 11 PM
- Sunday: 12 PM – 10 PM
Price: £££
Picture candlelight, soft jazz music, and a space that feels stylish—that’s the kind of wine tasting Boulevard Brasserie offers. It’s basically Paris without the flight.
They usually kick it off with a glass of champagne, which was a lovely way to ease into the evening. From there, we moved through three carefully selected French wines supplied by Boutinot Wines.
Each pour had its own story, and it’s paired beautifully with their French cheese board. The sommelier gave just enough guidance to appreciate the subtleties without turning it into a lecture too.
The intimate setting and the focused selection of wines meant we could really savour each one. While the flight is small, the quality and thoughtful pairings more than make up for it.
| Pro tip: With only three wines in the flight, there’s no need to rush here. Instead, take small swips, swirl gently, and note everything that you can. |
10. MUST Wine
Media credits: mustwine.bar and georgestreetstalbans
Address: MUST Wine Bar, 2 – 4 Camden Passage
Contact details: +44 20 3149 9748
Operating hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday to Wednesday: 4 PM – 10:30 PM
- Thursday: 4 PM – 11 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 12 PM – 11 PM
- Sunday: 12 PM – 7 PM
Price: £££
Wine tastings at MUST Wine are completely relaxed. Think wine night with friends, not a formal sommelier lecture. We really felt like the staff wanted everyone to enjoy themselves rather than be intimidated by the wine jargon.
They have lots of wine tasting varieties, like Introduction to Wine Tasting and even Mums & Babies Wine Tasting (which was a unique touch).
We went on with their World Wine Tasting Tour. This included five wines from across the globe. Each with a short and friendly intro. We got plenty of time to sip, compare notes, and debate favourites.
That said, if you’re chasing rare vintages or high-end bottles, it’s best to look elsewhere. But if you want a sociable, relaxed, and genuinely enjoyable wine evening, MUST Wine hits it out of the park.
| Pro tip: Mix and match experiences strategically. Each wine tasting variation is designed for a slightly different angle. |