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Nov,2025
Planning a wine tasting crawl in London isn’t just about moving from bar to bar. It’s about crafting an experience where every sip tells a story-where your friends leave not just buzzed, but connected. London has over 1,200 wine bars, from tucked-away cellars in Soho to sleek spots in Shoreditch. You don’t need a sommelier degree. You just need a plan, a few good stops, and a group ready to explore.
Start with a theme
Don’t just pick random spots. Pick a thread that ties your crawl together. Maybe it’s wine from lesser-known regions like Georgia or Slovenia. Or maybe it’s natural wines-low-intervention, funky, alive. Or go classic: only English sparkling wines, made the same way as Champagne. The theme gives your crawl structure. It turns a night out into a mini-adventure.For example, if you choose English sparkling, you’ll hit places like The Wine Bar in Borough Market, which has 12 English bubbles by the glass. Or Wine & Co in Mayfair, where you can taste a 2019 Nyetimber alongside a 2020 Rathfinny. Both are made within 100 miles of London. No imports. Just chalky soil, cool climate, and crisp acidity.
Choose 4-5 stops, max
A crawl should feel like a journey, not a marathon. Four stops is ideal. Five is the max. Anything more and you’re rushing, not tasting. Pick venues that are walkable or a short Tube ride apart. Avoid places that require long taxi rides-those kill the vibe.Here’s a real route you can use:
- SoHo - Wine & Co (start here). They pour by the 100ml glass. Perfect for sampling. Ask for their ‘New Wave’ list-natural wines from small producers.
- Shoreditch - The Wine Room. Their staff know exactly what you like. Tell them you’re doing a crawl, and they’ll tailor three pours to match your theme.
- Southwark - The Wine Bar. Try their English sparkling flight. They serve it with oysters if you’re feeling fancy.
- Camden - Wine Bar No. 1. End with something bold. Their Spanish reds from Priorat are rich, smoky, and unforgettable.
You’ll cover about 2.5 miles walking. That’s less than a 10-minute Tube ride between each stop. You’ll taste 12-15 wines total. Enough to feel the range, not enough to feel bloated.
Book ahead-yes, really
London’s best wine bars don’t take walk-ins for groups of 6+. Even if they say they do, they’ll make you wait 45 minutes. Call or email at least 72 hours ahead. Say you’re doing a wine crawl. Ask if they can reserve a table for four people and if they offer tasting flights. Most will set up a custom flight for you, even if it’s not on the menu.Pro tip: Mention your theme. If you’re doing English sparkling, they might throw in a bonus pour from a new vineyard they just got in. It’s not a freebie-it’s hospitality. And it’s what makes the night special.
Bring the right gear
You don’t need a wine kit. But you do need two things:- A small notebook or phone notes app. Write down what you liked. Not just the name. Write: "Tasted a 2021 Sussex Chardonnay-lime zest, wet stone, long finish." That’s how you remember.
- A reusable water bottle. Sipping water between wines keeps your palate clean and your head clear. It’s the number one thing pros do.
Don’t bring snacks. Most places have cheese boards, charcuterie, or small plates. If you’re worried about hunger, pick one stop to order a shared plate. The rest? Let the wine speak.
Know your limits-and how to stretch them
A 100ml pour is about 1/3 of a standard glass. Four stops × 3 pours = 12 pours. That’s roughly 1.2 liters of wine. That’s a lot. But you’re not drinking it all at once. You’re sipping. You’re tasting. You’re spitting if you want to (yes, professionals do). You’re not trying to get drunk.Here’s how to stay in control:
- Start with lighter wines-whites, rosés, sparkling. Move to reds later.
- After every two pours, take a 10-minute break. Walk around. Talk. Let your body reset.
- If someone’s slowing down, switch to a non-alcoholic sparkling option. Many places now carry excellent ones-like the French sparkling grape juice from Maison R. Gauthier.
Wine tasting isn’t about how much you drink. It’s about how much you notice. The difference between a 2022 and 2023 vintage. The way a wine smells like crushed violets instead of just "floral." That’s the magic.
End with a memory, not a mess
Don’t just call an Uber at the last bar. Make the end meaningful. Head to a place with a view. Wine & Co has a tiny terrace overlooking the Thames. Or The Wine Bar lets you sit on their back patio with a final glass as the city lights come on.Before you leave, ask everyone to name their favorite wine of the night. Write it down. Take a group photo. Maybe even buy a bottle of the winner to send to each person later. It’s a small thing. But it turns a night out into a memory you’ll all talk about for months.
What if someone doesn’t like wine?
Not everyone’s into wine. That’s fine. London’s wine bars know this. Most now offer excellent non-alcoholic options. Look for:- Non-alcoholic sparkling wine (like J. B. B. from France)
- Zero-proof grape juice aged in oak barrels (try the one from Wine Bar No. 1)
- Herbal infusions that mimic wine’s complexity-like rosehip and hibiscus with a touch of black tea
One of the best parts of this crawl? You’re not forcing anyone to drink. You’re inviting them to explore. And that’s more inclusive than any tasting menu.
What’s the budget?
You can do this for under £100 per person. Here’s the breakdown:| Stop | Pours | Price per 100ml | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wine & Co (SoHo) | 3 | £6 | £18 |
| The Wine Room (Shoreditch) | 3 | £7 | £21 |
| The Wine Bar (Southwark) | 3 | £8 | £24 |
| Wine Bar No. 1 (Camden) | 3 | £9 | £27 |
| Total | 12 pours | £90 |
That’s it. No food, no extras. If you want to add a cheese board at one stop, tack on £10-£15. Still under £110. That’s less than a dinner at a mediocre restaurant. And way more memorable.
What if the weather’s bad?
London’s rain isn’t a dealbreaker. Most wine bars are indoors. And some of the best ones are in old basements or converted warehouses-cozy, warm, candlelit. If it’s pouring, just shift your route. Swap Camden for a spot near Covent Garden. Or do the whole crawl in the City of London, where the wine bars are tucked into historic buildings with vaulted ceilings.Bring a compact umbrella. Wear shoes you can walk in. And remember: the best wine stories happen when things don’t go exactly as planned.
Do I need to book a guided tour instead?
No. Guided tours are great if you want someone else to handle everything, but they’re rigid. You’ll visit the same spots as every other group. Planning your own crawl lets you pick the theme, the pace, and the people. Plus, you’ll remember the night better because you helped make it happen.
Can I do this in one day?
Yes, but don’t rush it. Start at 4 p.m. and end by 10 p.m. That gives you 1.5 hours per stop, including walking time. Don’t start before 3 p.m.-wine tasting in the afternoon is better than in the morning. Your palate is sharper.
What if someone gets too drunk?
Plan ahead. Pick a designated driver-or better yet, use the Tube. London’s Underground runs until midnight on weekends. Or book a pre-arranged minicab service like Addison Lee. Never let someone drive after tasting 12 wines. It’s not worth the risk.
Are there any wine bars to avoid?
Avoid places that only serve wine by the bottle with no tasting flights. Also skip venues that charge £15+ per glass unless they’re famous for rare vintages. Most tourist traps in Covent Garden or near Leicester Square overcharge and underdeliver. Stick to places where staff know the wines by name and region.
What’s the best time of year to do this?
October through December is ideal. That’s when new vintages arrive, and many bars host small tasting events. Plus, the weather’s cool, making indoor wine bars feel even cozier. Avoid August-many places close for summer holidays.
Next steps
Start by picking your theme. Then pick your four stops. Call them today. Write down what you’ll taste. Tell your friends to bring their curiosity, not their expectations. The best wine crawl isn’t the one with the most expensive bottles. It’s the one where everyone laughs, asks questions, and remembers the taste of something new.
