Wine Tasting Tours at Vinopolis, London

Discover the Origins of World Wines at London’s Leading Wine Venue

Jul 24, 2008

Located on the south bank of the River Thames, not far from Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, Vinopolis offers history and insight into the world of viticulture.

Built into massive Victorian railway arches, Vinopolis sits between London and Southwark Bridges and is easily accessed from the Thames pathway. The cobbled streets leading to the venue hark back to long before Vinopolis was built, shedding some light on the history of the surrounds.

History of Drinking in Southwark

In the 16th and 17th centuries, the same cobbled streets of Southwark and Bankside were the recognized areas for prostitution. Ale houses and wine bars were common place at a time when alcohol was generally safer to drink than the cholera-tainted water, making Southwark the capital’s main centre for drunkenness and debauchery. How fitting then that Vinopolis is built on the same grounds.

Wine History Tours

The Wine Odyssey tour starts in the entrance foyer and allows visitors to step back in time on a self-guided pictorial or audio tour of the history and origins of wine, with special reference to London’s involvement in the wine trade. Some of the exhibits are self-explanatory while others are lacking in written explanation, forcing the overly keen to purchase headsets.

Wine Tasting Teaching

Near the beginning of the tour, visitors are lead through a mini amphitheatre for a short wine tasting teaching session. They last around half an hour and provide all the information visitors need to enable them to enjoy the rest of the day tasting, even those who have never tried it before. Each visitor is given a small Vinopolis notebook on entry so those wanting to remember all the tips and advice can take notes.

Vinopolis Tasting Rooms

Wine tables are spread at intervals throughout the warren-like route, allowing for tasting from start to finish. The large wine tasting rooms are spilt into old world wines, new world wines and premium wines, however there are also a few surprises too – a champagne bar, absinthe bar, whiskey bar and beer tasting bar means that even those who aren’t mad about wine can enjoy their favourite tipple.

Depending on the level of tour purchased, visitors can taste a few wines from each section. Enthusiastic staff are quick to offer ideas and samples along with background information on the wines and their vintners.

It’s impossible to leave Vinopolis without learning something new, even for those who think they already know everything about wine. So, why not pop in for a tipple, or two, on a day out in the capital?

Top Tip: Those who have booked dinner at Cantina Vinopolis with their tour are advised to do the tour first and then have dinner. People who have enjoyed the three course meal with wine prior to the tour are generally too full to enjoy the wine tasting, and more importantly, have probably already consumed too much wine to taste anything else.