Pop the cork, take a nice long sniff, then enjoy the palate-pleasuring perfection that is a chilled glass of wine. London has an advantage of being close to some of the best wine making regions in the world, that we have fabulous wine stores all over town. We are truly spoilt for choice, from the intoxicating delight of wines from France, Italy, or even New World wines from Austria or Spain. Having trouble finding the right drop for your palate? Here are some of the best spots across the city to guide you through the maze of choices.
Bottle Apostle
Opened in 2009 to cater to rookie wine lovers as well as connoisseurs, Bottle Apostle has expanded across the city, with branches at Victoria Park, Crouch End and Clapham. As an independent wine merchant, it offers 16 rotating tasting samples from an Enomatic wine preservation system, plus 450 wines in total, with an emphasis on Italy and Portugal. The Apostle also has in-store tutored tastings, and a good selection of craft brews and ciders. For a more in-depth wine experience, visit any of their shops. There are regular wine-tasting events and courses.
Address: 59 Abbeville Road, London SW4 9JW Tel: 0203 376 1447
Website: www.bottleapostle.com Nearest tube station: Clapham South
Berry Bros & Rudd
Berry Bros. & Rudd is Britain’s oldest wine and spirit merchant, conducting operations from the same Gregorian premises since 1698. Despite its rich history, Berry keeps up with the times. Burgundy and claret lovers will discover hundreds of drool-worthy labels and there is a generous selection from France and Italy. The company also has offices in Japan, Singapore and Hong Kong, a Wine School and an exclusive fine wine and dining venue in St. James’s.
Address: 3 St. James’s Street, London, SW1A 1EG Tel: 0207 022 8973
Website: www.bbr.com Nearest tube station: Green Park
Cavas De Gaucho (Gaucho)
Cavas de Gaucho specialises in authentic Argentine fare. They serve quality wines produced from vineyards throughout this South American country, including Malbec and Torrontés, which can be hard to track down in London. Cavas de Gaucho has maintained its exclusivity by not offering retail at supermarkets.
Address: 25 Swallow Street, London W1B 4QR Tel: 0207 734 4040
Website: www.gauchorestaurants.co.uk Nearest tube station: Picadilly Circus
El Vino
Boasting wines from Spain, Portugal, France and Germany, El Vino is the London godfather of European wine sellers. This establishment began in Mark Lane in 1879 and through its 138-year history has spread to four bars across the city. Not for regular retail wine buffs, El Vino stocks only the non-familiar and believes the best value and quality is to be found in boutique wineries. It’s a varied choice, with a 200-strong list featuring indie producers, for example a 2008 Viu Manent cabernet sauvignon.
Address: 161-165 Greenwich High Road, London SE10 8JA Tel: 0207 353 5384
Website: www.elvino.co.uk Nearest train station: Greenwich
Handford Wines
Established in 1989, Handford has upheld the traditional values of personal wine selling. They offer hand-selected wines and a host of other services. Wines purchased here can be bought by the bottle or in bond, where they will be stored in a cellar managed by Handford.
Address:105 Old Brompton Road, South Kensington, London SW7 3LE Tel: 0207 589 6113
Website: www.handford.net Nearest tube station: South Kensington
Haynes Hanson & Clark
Founded by Denis Haynes, Anthony Hanson MW and Nicholas Clark in Gloucester Street in 1978, Haynes, Hanson & Clark is a widely popular wine merchant. Notable for its exquisite burgundy collection, HH&C is the kind of place where regulars drop by for a quick drink and a chat. They ship wines from Burgundy, New Zealand, Italy, Spain, South Africa and the Americas.
Address: 7 Elystan Street, London SW3 3NT Tel: 0207 584 7927
Website: www.hhandc.co.uk Nearest tube station: South Kensington
Jeroboams
Founded in 1985 by Peter Rich, Jeroboams currently operates five specialist wine shops – in Notting Hill, Belgravia, Hampstead, Holland Park and Knightsbridge – plus its flagship food and wine outlet in central London. Jeroboams has a rich legacy of selling an extensive range of wines sourced from various regions such as France, Argentina, Italy and the Lebanon – everything from fruity young wines to rich vintage wines, from Bordeaux to Piedmont to Cava. They also provide en primeur service – buying wines before they are bottled and released onto the market.
Address: 43 Portland Road, London W11 4LJ Tel: 0207 288 8888
Website: www.jeroboams.co.uk Nearest tube station: Holland Park
Lea & Sandeman
With operations across London, Lea & Sandeman first opened shop on Fulham Road in 1988. They source wine directly from the producers and vineries, and are known for a value-for-money ethos. Their growing range of wines comes from the best wine-producing regions and reflects traditional and innovation wines. The product list includes Bodegas Piqueras, Poggerino, Château Poujeaux and Château Grand Puy Lacoste.
Locations: Chelsea, Kensington, Barnes, Chiswick
Website: www.leaandsandeman.co.uk
Philglas & Swiggot
Founded in 1991 by Mike and Karen Rogers, Philglas & Swiggot has become one of London’s most loved wine merchants. With a coveted range of wines from French to Australian, they specialise in stocking independent producers. Their exceptional list includes brands such as Dom Perignon, Louis Barthelemy and Brut Saphir. Loved by customers and connoisseurs alike, they were awarded Best London Wine Shop by the International Wine Challenge. With branches in Richmond and Battersea.
Address: 22 New Quebec Street, London W1H 7SB Tel: 0207 402 0002
Website: philglas-swiggot.com Nearest tube station: Marble Arch
Planet of the Grapes
This small shop and bar-restaurant is packed with wines from across the world. With an emphasis on good food and wine, Planet of the Grapes’ target audience includes the £10-£15 a bottle drinker, although they stock high-end wines such as Bordeaux and Burgundy. With branches in Holborn, London Wall and Leadenhall Market.
Address: 74-82 Queen Victoria Street, Bow Lane, London EC4N 4SJ Tel: 0207 248 1892
Website: http://planetofthegrapes.co.uk Nearest tube station: Mansion House
Roberson Wine
This outlet had a shop in Kensington until August 2015, but now only sells online. It is a champion of wine, and unsurprisingly has won several international wine challenges and accolades. Roberson supply wines to independent retailers and the wholesale market. The wines come from a spectrum of regions including Brut, Muscadet Sevre and Puligny-Montrachet.
Website: www.robersonwine.com
The Sampler
With more tag 1,500 classic and niche wines, The Sampler is one of the best places to shop for wine in London. Founded in 2006, with the aim to make wine non-elitist and accessible to everyone, this shop has come a long way. Their assorted wine list is truly global and includes wines such as sake, champagne, Musar (Lebanon) and Tokaji (Hungary). With a branch in Islington.
Address: 35 Thurloe Place, London SW7 2HP Tel: 0207 225 5091
Website: www.thesampler.co.uk Nearest tube station: South Kensington
Theatre of Wine
Theatre of Wine is a purveyor of wines and spirits with a range hailing from such exotic and obscure wine producers as Georgia, Hungary and Morocco. They are passionate about small producers, but also stock popular choices such Burgundy, Piedmont and champagne. They offer all the services of a traditional wine merchant and conduct wine tastings for private and corporate clients.
Locations: Greenwich, Tufnell Park Website: www.theatreofwine.com
Uncorked
Attention to quality is what makes Uncorked one of the best independent wine merchants in London. They offer a variety of wines from across the globe, while specialising in wines from France.
Address: 3 Exchange Arcade, 175 Bishopsgate, London EC2M 3WA Tel: 0207 638 5998
Website: www.uncorked.co.uk Nearest tube station: Liverpool Street
The Wine Tasting Shop
This is the place to find lesser-known indie wines. They specialise in obscure wine producers from Hungary, Italy, Bulgaria, Austria, etc. They also operate a wine bar and have introduced a try-before-you-buy concept. Fabre Montmayou, Soli White Blend, Chateau Cantemerle Cru are some of the wines on their list.
Address: 18 Hildreth Street, Balham, London, SW12 9RQ Tel: 0208 616 8658
Website: www.thewinetastingshop.co.uk Nearest tube station: Balham
The Winery
The Winery is all about celebrating individual small wine producers and avoids big brands. They constantly update their list to include wines from Germany, France, Italy, Spain and California.
Address: 4 Clifton Road, London, W9 1SS Tel: 0207 286 6475
Website: www.thewineryuk.com Nearest tube station: Warwick Avenue
Wimbledon Wine Cellar
Offering a great selection since 1986, this shop is one of London’s best. Although they specialise in Burgundy, Bordeaux and fine Italian wines, they also have an exquisite range from the US and Spain. They have regular wine tasting sessions and also offer bespoke wine club services.
Address: 1 Gladstone Road, London SW19 1QU Tel: 0208 540 9979
Website: www.wimbledonwinecellar.com Nearest tube station: Wimbledon
Zelas
Founded in 2003, Zelas has an exceptional list of producers, a unique range of wines and specialise in organic wine trading. They source their products globally to meet the various expectations of their amateur to connoisseur clientele.
Address: 216 Archway Road, London N6 5AX Tel: 0208 347 9006
Website: www.zelas.co.uk Nearest tube station: Highgate
Friarwood
Friarwood is a boutique fine wine merchant with an exceptional selection of wines across wholesale and retail. Founded in 1967, Friarwood specialises in vintage and classic wines, but now also stock New Age wines from Argentina. Their product list includes Rhône and Languedoc along with a wide range of claret.
Address: 26 New King’s Road, London SW6 4ST Tel: 0207 736 2628
Website: www.friarwood.com Nearest tube station: Parsons Green
Bedales
Rival families, the Cartwrights and the Harrisons, both with extensive experience in importing fine wines, set up this shop in collaboration. Bedales has an £8 mark-up on any bottle consumed on the premises. An immaculate wine collection and well-sourced food ensure the crowds keep coming. With branches at Spitalfields and Leadenhall.
Address: 5 Bedale Street, London SE1 9AL Tel: 0207 403 8853
Website: www.bedaleswines.com Nearest tube station: London Bridge
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