Right, so you’ve been roped into going to a wine tasting in London, and you’re feeling a bit out of your depth. First of all, let me just say: relax. Seriously, wine tasting isn’t some scary, posh thing where everyone’s judging you for not knowing the difference between a Merlot and a Malbec. IIt’s really just a group of people enjoying wine and chatting about what they like or notice in each glass. And guess what? You can totally do that too!
The best part? Wine tasting can actually be a lovely mindful experience, like a mini holiday for your senses. It’s not about getting tipsy (although, let’s be honest, that’s a nice little bonus), but more about slowing down, paying attention, and really savouring the moment. So, grab your wine glass (metaphorically, for now) and let me walk you through this. It’s going to be a breeze.
Okay, first things first. What even is wine tasting? Isn’t it just drinking wine, but slower? Well, yeah, sort of. But it’s also about engaging your senses. You’re not just necking a glass of wine after a long day at work (although, again, no judgement). Instead, you’re taking the time to notice the details—the smell, the colour, the taste—and appreciating them in a way you probably don’t when you’re pouring yourself a glass in front of the telly.
Think of it like this: wine tasting is like doing a little experiment in mindfulness, only instead of meditating in silence, you’re having a chat and enjoying some good wine. What’s not to love?
So, let’s get you prepped for what’s going to happen when you walk into that wine tasting. Don’t worry, there won’t be a quiz at the end.
Someone will hand you a glass of wine. Now, you’re off to a good start. From here, you’ll usually be guided through a few different wines—white, red, maybe a cheeky rosé if you’re lucky. They’ll probably go in a specific order, starting with the lighter ones and working up to the richer, more intense flavours.
Next up, they’ll ask you to swirl the wine. I know, sounds a bit much, but it’s actually pretty simple. The idea is to get some air into the wine, which helps release the aromas. Just keep the base of the glass on the table and give it a little circular motion. You won’t spill a drop (hopefully).
Now comes the fun bit. Stick your nose in the glass and have a good sniff. What do you smell? Berries? Citrus? A hint of oak? (You can always say oak, and people will nod knowingly.) But seriously, don’t overthink it. Smell whatever you smell, even if it’s something weird like “the time I went camping and the tent was a bit damp.” That’s totally valid.
Finally, the moment you’ve been waiting for—the sip. Take a small sip and let the wine sit on your tongue for a moment before swallowing. How does it taste? Fruity? Spicy? Dry? There’s no wrong answer here. It’s all about what you taste, not what the person next to you thinks they’re tasting. (Side note: if someone says they can taste “notes of leather,” just smile and nod.)
Here’s where the mindfulness bit comes in. Instead of rushing to the next sip, take a second. How does the wine feel in your mouth? How do you feel after that first taste? You’re not just sipping; you’re experiencing the wine. Take a breath, look around, enjoy the atmosphere. This is your moment of calm in an otherwise busy world.
Don’t be shy about asking questions. If you don’t know what a tannin is (spoiler: it’s the stuff that makes your mouth feel dry), or you’re not sure why the wine is so pale, ask away! People at wine tastings love a bit of wine chat, and you’ll probably pick up a fun fact or two. And if you can’t be bothered with all that, just enjoy the wine. No one’s keeping score.
Now that you’re all set with how to approach a wine tasting, let’s talk about where to go. London has loads of fantastic spots for wine tasting, whether you’re after something relaxed and informal or you want to get a bit fancy. Here are my top picks, ranked for your convenience:
Best for atmosphere and history buffs
This place has been around since 1698, so they definitely know their stuff. You’ll be tasting wine in historic cellars, which is pretty cool. Their tastings are a bit more formal, but don’t let that put you off—they make it beginner-friendly and fun. If you want to learn something while sipping on some seriously good wine, this is your spot.
Best for chilled vibes and accessibility
With locations dotted around London (Battersea, Fleet Street, Islington), Humble Grape is all about keeping wine approachable. Their “Wine Flights” give you a chance to try a few wines without feeling overwhelmed, and the staff are super friendly. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a laid-back evening with mates.
Best for a trendy setting and unique wines
If you’re up for something a bit different, head to Sager + Wilde in Hackney. They specialise in small producers and funky, lesser-known wines, so you’ll get to try something new. The vibe is relaxed but cool, and the wine is always top-notch. Plus, they do some cracking small plates to go with your wine.
Best for wine education and social experience
If you’re after more of a crash course in wine, Wine Unearthed offers full-day workshops where you’ll taste around 15 different wines. Yep, 15. By the end, you’ll know your Chardonnay from your Cabernet, and you might even pick up some new friends along the way. It’s super social, so don’t worry if you’re going solo.
Best for exclusivity and a luxurious experience
For a bit of luxury, 67 Pall Mall is the place to be. It’s a private members’ club, but you can book tastings even if you’re not a member. Their sommeliers are some of the best in the business, and the wines are on another level. If you’re feeling a bit fancy, this is the one to go for.
So, you’re ready to dip your toes into the world of wine tasting! It’s an exciting, flavour-packed journey, and London’s scene has plenty of welcoming spots to help you along. From basic sips to advanced swirls, these experiences are designed to teach you all the essentials without overwhelming you (or your palate).
Once you've got the basics down, why not explore some top wine bars for every budget? It's the perfect way to put your new skills to the test. And if you fancy seeing where your favourite reds and whites come from, our vineyard tours near London make a brilliant day trip. Or take it a step further and check out the best wine courses for beginners if you're ready to add some serious wine knowledge to your belt.
Cheers to your new life as a wine aficionado!
