Our Top 10 Things To Do At The London Wine Week
It wouldn’t be entirely unfair to argue that living in London in summer is probably the next best thing to getting to go gallivanting around the winemaking regions of Europe. Apart from all the top quality restaurants, bars and wine sellers, the (usually) fine weather and the city’s close proximity to the continent just in case you change your mind and decide that you do want to go on a little wander abroad, our glorious capital also has its own wine week.
Now in its second year, the London Wine Week is a celebration of London’s wine scene which sees venues around the city host a whole range of talks, exhibitions, tastings, meals, tours and masterclasses. There’s no short supply of stuff to do, so we’ve rounded up the events that we reckon you really can’t afford to miss.
The Wines Of Portugal Discovery Bar
Port may be the most famous alcoholic export that Portugal has to offer, but it’s certainly not the only wine that’s made there. The country has over twenty-five DOCs within its borders, and this pop-up event in Devonshire Square, near Liverpool Street, is your chance to learn about and enjoy a dozen wines in four tasting flights, showcasing the best that Portugal has to offer.
This one’s going on all day (12:30-9:30pm), all week, and is free entry with a LWW wristband.
Rothschild Evening In The Stars
If it’s indulgence and extravagance you’re after, look no further than this Rothschild Wines masterclass, champagne aperitif and four course dinner held on the 31st floor of the Shard on Monday evening. It’s not cheap – not by a long shot – but considering what you’re getting, it’s certainly worth it.
Under The Table
For those of us who didn’t recently win the lottery/inherit a fortune from a distant uncle/rob a bank, there’s always Under the Table – which mixes together a wine tasting, sharing platters and a bit of comedy on the side. Hosted by award-winning comedian and regional champion of the Best Names in the World Competition 2011-2015 (probably) Jarred Christmas, it’s bound to be, if nothing else, a decent laugh. Free glass of champers if you show up with a LWW wristband, too.
A Hedonistic Lunch Break
More from Rothschild on Wednesday. This walk-in wine-tasting at Hedonism Wines in Mayfair is completely free (it’s almost as if they’re trying to make up for something) and is a great opportunity to get a look-in on London’s high-end wine shopping experience.
A Regal Rogue Journey Of Jago’s Gastronomic Indulgence
Well, that’s a heck of a name. Regal Rogue, purveyors of the finest vermouth, have teamed up with Shoreditch’s Jago restaurant to bring you a feast fit for a king – including (but definitely not limited to) scallops, green tomatoes, cucumber and basil, duck heart, prunes, fennel and all the Regal Rogue wines you could ever want. Thursday night, 7pm. Be there or be hungry.
An Evening With The Master
No, not the guy from Doctor Who. Or the one in that Joaquin Phoenix film. This master is Michelle Cherutti-Kowal, Master of Wine and member of the Association of Wine Educators. This is a three-course wine and food pairing, taking place in Farringdon’s Vinoteca, in which guests will be guided through the dinner by Michelle’s expert skills. This is one that’s not for beginners – according to LWW, it’s ‘geared towards those who consider themselves semi-knowledgeable in the wine field’.
Dine With A Bordelais Winemaker
Ah, Bordeaux. You may be dining in Canary Wharf, but the presence of Marie-Pierre Lallez (owner of Château des Tourtes), some top notch French cuisine and three different Château des Tourtes wines will make you feel like you’re about 650 miles to the south. This is your Thursday night.
Wine Stories
From 7pm-9pm on Friday night, author Helena Nickin – also known as Winebird – will be hosting an evening of tales and tastings at the Waterstones Plaza on Oxford Street. If you’re after a break from all the straight-faced long dinners going on through the week, this will be the perfect break for you. Show up in a cape (it’s for Cape London) and you’ll win a super-secret prize, too. Winner.
The Big Byronic Lunch
Good old Lord Byron himself once said that ‘man, being reasonable, must get drunk.’ We’re not going to argue. Live his words on Saturday morning at Polpo in Soho, where you can soar into the Bank Holiday weekend with a range of sherries and port, served with some of Polpo’s speciality Venetian dishes. Leave the sermons and soda water for the next morning – Byron would have done the same.
The Quaffing Good Regal Rogue Brunch
Round out your week at the Gunmakers on Eyre Street, who will be hosting an afternoon of BBQ, beats and vermouth tastings, courtesy of Regal Rogue. Flights are only £5 all day (with a wristband), and Regal Rogue insist that you bring all the cheek and charm you have, so head down there and end the London Wine Week with a bang.
Wristbands for the London Wine Week are £10 each, and can be purchased here. If you do come out of next week craving some more wine-based culture (or just craving some more wine), why not check out our tours and experiences? Some of them are actually cheaper than that Rothschild dinner in the Shard, you know.
