Picture this: you’re 5 p.m. on a rainy Thursday, the city’s lights flickering like fireflies, and you’ve just booked a ticket for a weekend wine tasting tour that promises to uncover London’s best-kept cellar bars. I did exactly that last month, and the experience was anything but ordinary.
Why a “Hidden” Tour Beats a Standard Wine Bar
Most tourist guides list the usual suspects—Osteria, The Cellar, and a few others. Those places are great, but they’re also crowded. The hidden cellar tour, on the other hand, takes you to venues that only locals know. The first stop was a narrow, brick‑lined cellar in Clerkenwell that hosts a rotating selection of Bordeaux and Burgundy. The second was a Victorian‑era cellar tucked behind a nondescript door in Soho, offering a rare selection of Rhône wines.
What to Expect: Timing, Tasting, and Talk
Each bar on the itinerary opens at 6:30 p.m. The guide, a sommelier named James, starts with a quick 15‑minute orientation—no long lectures, just the basics. After that, you’re handed a tasting card that lists the wines and the price per glass. In total, you’ll sip around eight glasses over a three‑hour span. The cost per glass averages £12, but the real value is the knowledge you gain about terroir, vintage, and pairing.
Choosing the Right Tour: Size and Focus
- Small Group (≤12 people) – Offers personal interaction with the guide and more time at each bar.
- Large Group (13–25 people) – Cheaper per person but less intimate.
- Theme‑Based (e.g., Sparkling, Red, White) – If you’re a fan of a particular type, pick a tour that focuses on that category.
What Makes These Cellars Stand Out
First, the architecture. One cellar in Shoreditch has exposed oak beams and a vaulted ceiling that feels like stepping into a wine cellar in Burgundy. The second, located in the back of an old pub in Camden, offers a rustic, almost medieval vibe. Second, the selection. The Clerkenwell cellar has a dedicated Bordeaux collection that includes a 2015 Saint‑Eminé from a single estate. The Soho cellar’s Rhône selection is curated by a winemaker who grew the vines in Provence. Finally, the service. The staff at both locations are friendly, but they also double as informal educators, answering questions about aging, storage, and serving temperatures.
Practical Tips for Your First Tour
Plan to arrive 15 minutes early; the guide will welcome you and explain the schedule. Bring a notebook—James will note down tasting notes and price points. Wear comfortable shoes; the bars are often on uneven floors. Finally, remember that most venues accept contactless payment, so you won’t need to fumble for cash.
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After the Tour: Where to Go Next
Once the tasting is over, most participants head to a nearby speakeasy for a nightcap. The last stop of the tour was a speakeasy in Soho that serves a small house wine on the rocks, paired with a charcuterie board that complements the earlier vintages. The atmosphere was relaxed, and the staff offered a free glass of wine to anyone who had completed the tour.
Wrapping Up: Is It Worth It?
If you’re a wine enthusiast, the tour offers a unique blend of education and experience that you can’t get from a standard wine bar. The price per glass—about £12—is reasonable when you factor in the quality and the knowledge you leave with. The only downside is that the bars can be a bit noisy after 10 p.m., which might not suit those looking for a quiet evening. Overall, the hidden cellar tour is a solid investment for anyone wanting to deepen their appreciation of wine while discovering London’s lesser‑known spots.