Festive wine attractions in London

With Christmas time well and truly upon us, you may well be thinking of alternative attractions to spend your time with friends and family this December. You will of course have your local German markets to frequent and enjoy some festive treats, but where in London can you find the best wine related treats?

From wine tasting evenings to weekend wine festivals, the Christmas period and particularly the fortnight before Christmas Day is ideal for wine fans looking to sample something extra special.

If you have been a regular reader here at the Octavian blog during 2018 then you will no doubt have been enjoying our guides to all things fine wine. In our latest instalment we explore the December month’s festivities in and around the city of London.

When: Thursday 7th December

Where: Après London, Flat Iron Square

Hotboozapalooza promises to be the ideal way to celebrate the beginning of the festive period. Hosted by Time Out, this anti-Mulled Wine event introduces guests to five hot cocktails curated by Time Out’s Drinks Editor.

The tickets cost £20, which includes entry into the incredibly cosy and comfortable chalet bar in Flat Iron Square, along with five boozy cocktails and a soundtrack of festive tunes.

Cocktails include hot G&T, Hot Buttered Monkey and of course, Hot Voddy.

There are two sessions available either from 5.30pm or 9pm and each session lasts two and a half hours. Ideal for anyone simply sick of the sight of mulled wine already this Christmas.

When: Thursday 7th December at 7pm

Where: The Mitre, Greenwich

Wine and cheese evenings have been popular since the pairing was invented, but for those with a keen sweet tooth then this wine and chocolate tasting experience might be the perfect event for visitors looking to enjoy Christmas in London.
Tickets cost £30 and guests will be invited to explore the best ways to match wine and chocolate whilst learning about the different flavour combinations.

The price of the ticket includes six different chocolate and wine pairs ranging from sparkling to red and white to sweet wines along with milk, white and dark chocolate.

When: Thursday 14th December at 7pm

Where: Brown & Green on the Triangle

For what promises to be an unforgettable wine-filled evening, Clement & Black open their doors at Brown & Green in Crystal Palace; a new venue for the duo.

Their much-loved wine tasting format is brought to SE19 and has been aptly named Posh vs Plonk, where wine fans are invited to enjoy the evening tasting cheaper bottles against some seriously special fine wines.

The evening costs £30 and includes fizz on arrival. There are nine wines to taste including champagnes and fine dinner wines as well as unusual yet delicious bottles you can get for less than £10.

With the wine comes tips on how to best taste them, as well as breads, cheeses, charcuterie boards and fun games throughout the evening.

Any guests who wish to purchase the wines at the end of the evening will be offered a 10% discount and free case delivery in London. Surely one of the London wine events not to be missed this Christmas.

When: Monday 18th December

Where: The Long Room, St James’ Street at 7.30pm

For visitors to festive London looking for an upmarket wine event, this event held by Berry Bros. & Rudds is expected to be an indulgent evening inspired by a traditional Christmas feast.

Head Chef Stewart Turner is known for his creative, innovative dishes and the evening promises to be something very special.

Stewart has devised a festive menu, each course paired with a beautiful wine to be enjoyed by the guests. It’s an excellent opportunity to taste the fine wines before Christmas as each bottle will be available to purchase after the event to be enjoyed on Christmas Day, or before if you just can’t wait.

The evening is currently fully subscribed but a waiting list is available for those keen to gain entry to the event. You can find out more by clicking the link just above.

When: Thursday 21st December at 7pm

Where: Streatham Wine House

For film fanatics and wine connoisseurs alike, Streatham Wine House opens its doors to the public to enjoy an evening of great wine, great food and a festive film.

A Wonderful Life is a Christmas classic and one enjoyed by thousands every year; it is no surprise then that tickets to the event are limited and should be reserved in advance for £5. The ticket can be redeemed towards any drink purchase on even refundable upon arrival at the screening.

Visitors are welcomed to bring their own food or order in pizza from the local independent restaurants for a small “forkage” fee. Bottles of wine are offered with a 10% discount. Popcorn will be available, and the feature-film inspired beverage of the evening, Mulled Wine of course, will be available throughout the evening.

So, there you have it – our top picks of festive wine events available to enjoy throughout December in London. Of course, there are many other exciting experiences to visit but these are certainly some of the more unusual and special events you might find for wine tasting events in London over the next month.