Wine Walks in London: Best Bars and Tastings for Girls' Groups

Picture this: it’s Friday evening in London. You and your friends are tired of the same old pub crawl. You want something smarter, slower, and sweeter-something where you can sip, chat, and actually taste the wine instead of just chasing shots. That’s where wine walks come in. These guided strolls through London’s hidden wine bars aren’t just a trend-they’re the new girls’ night out.

What Exactly Is a Wine Walk?

A wine walk in London is a curated walking tour that takes small groups (usually 6-12 people) from one wine bar to another, with a stop at each to taste two or three wines. No big crowds. No loud music. Just good conversation, expert guidance, and wines you wouldn’t normally pick off a supermarket shelf. Each stop lasts about 20-30 minutes, and the whole walk covers 2-3 miles over 2.5 to 3 hours. You’re not just drinking-you’re learning.

Most tours are led by certified sommeliers or wine educators who know the local scene inside out. They’ll tell you why that natural orange wine from Slovenia tastes like apricot skins and honey, or why that small-batch Pinot Noir from the Loire Valley pairs perfectly with the charcuterie board in front of you. It’s wine school without the exams.

Why It Works for Girls’ Groups

Forget the usual bar-hopping chaos. Wine walks are designed for connection. There’s no pressure to keep up with the crowd. You’re not stuck in a noisy club trying to shout over bass. Instead, you’re in cozy, candlelit spaces with leather benches, wooden tables, and walls lined with bottles from small producers you’ve never heard of.

Groups of friends say the best part isn’t the wine-it’s the moments in between. The quiet laughter when someone tries a sparkling rosé from England and says, “Wait, this is from Kent?” The shared surprise when a $28 bottle tastes better than the $80 one they bought last weekend. The way someone opens up about a breakup, a promotion, or their dream of opening a bakery-all while swirling a glass of Grenache from the Rhône.

It’s intimate. It’s relaxed. And it’s the only kind of night out where you leave feeling energized, not exhausted.

Where to Find the Best Wine Walks in London

Not all wine walks are created equal. Some are just fancy pub crawls with fancy labels. Here are the ones that actually deliver:

• Wine & Wander - Based in Shoreditch, they specialize in natural wines and focus on female-owned vineyards. Their “She Said Yes” tour highlights 5 wines made by women winemakers from Spain, Georgia, and New Zealand. The guide, Lina, used to run a wine shop in Tbilisi and tells stories like you’re sitting at her kitchen table.
• The Wine Walk Company - Runs tours in Soho and Covent Garden. Their “Bubbles & Bites” route includes a stop at a 19th-century cellar turned wine bar, where you taste Champagne-style English sparkling wine alongside truffle crostini. They’ve been running since 2019 and have a 4.9-star rating on Google from over 1,200 reviews.
• Urban Vines - This one’s for the adventurous. They take groups to wine bars in places most tourists never see-like the backstreets of Peckham or the converted church in Dalston. Their “Hidden Gems” tour includes a stop at a bar that only serves wines from small organic farms in the Alps. No labels. No names. Just bottles with handwritten tags.

Bookings open 4-6 weeks in advance. Most tours sell out on Thursdays. Don’t wait until Friday morning.

What to Expect at Each Stop

Each wine bar on the route has its own vibe, but the structure is the same:

1. You’re greeted with a glass of sparkling water and a small bite-maybe a piece of aged cheddar or a dollop of whipped goat cheese on rye.
2. The host pours three wines: one white, one red, and one wildcard (orange, rosé, or pet-nat).
3. You get a printed card with tasting notes: origin, grape, flavor profile, and food pairing.
4. You’re encouraged to spit if you want to (yes, really). No one will judge you.
5. You get to ask anything. “Why does this taste like wet stones?” “Is this wine vegan?” “Can I buy a bottle to take home?”

At the last stop, you’ll usually get a discount code for the bar’s online shop. Many people end up ordering a case of that Georgian amber wine they loved.

What to Wear (and What to Leave at Home)

You’re walking. But you’re not hiking. Think: stylish but comfortable.

• Wear flats or low heels. Cobblestones are real. You’ll be on your feet for 2-3 hours.
• Bring a light jacket. London weather changes fast, and wine bars are often drafty.
• Ditch the heavy perfume. You’re tasting subtle aromas-citrus, crushed herbs, damp earth. A strong scent will ruin the experience for you and your friends.
• Leave your phone in your bag. Most tours ask you to put it away for the first hour. It’s not about being rude. It’s about being present.

And yes-you can absolutely take photos. Just not of your glass. Take pictures of the bar’s walls, the wine labels, your friends laughing. Save the glass shots for Instagram later.

How Much Does It Cost?

Prices range from £45 to £75 per person. That includes:

• 6-9 wine tastings (about 2-3 oz each)
• 3-4 small food pairings
• Expert guide for the full duration
• A printed tasting guide
• Discounts at partner bars

That’s less than a dinner at a mid-range restaurant-and you walk away with new knowledge, new favorite wines, and memories that stick longer than a hangover.

Some tours offer private group bookings for 8-12 people. Perfect for birthdays, bachelorette parties, or just because you and your crew deserve a night that feels special.

What Makes a Great Wine Walk?

It’s not about the number of wines. It’s about the story behind them.

A great tour doesn’t just say, “This is a Chardonnay.” It says, “This Chardonnay was made by a 72-year-old widow in Burgundy who still harvests by hand. She doesn’t use any chemicals. Her vines are 50 years old. And she only sells to three bars in London.”

That’s what sticks with you.

The best wine walks don’t just show you where to drink. They show you why it matters. Who made it. Where it came from. What it cost them. And why it’s worth your time.

What to Do After the Tour

Don’t let the magic fade.

• Take a photo of your favorite wine label. Google it later. You’ll find the producer’s website-and maybe even a way to order it online.
• Text your group the next day: “Remember that wine from the little bar in Soho? I just ordered two bottles.”
• Try making a cheese board at home with the same pairings you tasted. It’s easier than you think.
• Plan your next wine walk. London has over 300 independent wine bars. You haven’t even scratched the surface.

Wine walks aren’t about drinking more. They’re about tasting better. And when you do that with your closest friends, you don’t just have a night out-you have a story you’ll tell for years.