The Luxury Travel Magazine
The Luxury Travel Magazine
When you think of London, wine might not be the first thing that comes to mind. Tuscany, perhaps. Bordeaux, Napa Valley, Reims- all are tried and tested. Yet every May, right in the hustle and bustle of London’s West Kensington neighbourhood, there’s the chance to see wines from over seventeen different countries around the world, all under one roof at The Sunday Times Wine Festival.
The Sunday Times Wine Festival is arguably one of Britain’s largest annual wine festivals. It brings makers from all over the world together and gives ticket holders the chance to experience some of the very best in the business. Over the two day event, experts encourage guests to get up close and personal with the wines they know and love. They learn a little more about the production behind then, and meet the other people that love them too. Besides the vino, the festival also delivers innovative seminars. Here, experts discuss everything past present and future when it comes to wine.
Upon arrival, guests are equipped with their extensive wine guide, a 100-page manual to help navigate the event in the most straight-forward way possible. The first page is a map which highlights wine stalls in order of location.
This fool proof system means that everyone gets their way; German Reisling lovers can head straight to their favourite stall and meet up with the Bordeaux fans afterwards. The manual also features a schedule of events, so guests are well prepared to gain as much from the experience as possible.
With over 350 different wines to choose from, it may seem easy to get overwhelmed if you haven’t come armed with the knowledge of a sommelier. Luckily, The Sunday Times Wine Club team are dotted throughout the festival. The team are there to share their opinions on tried and tested favourites while also hosting talks with industry experts at various stalls. These sessions range from guides on wine and cheese pairings, to the examination of ancient productions techniques, to discussions on vineyard management. Within the experience, there becomes an interactive element to the festival that makes the process a learning one as well as a wine tasting one.
For those looking to deepen their wine tasting experience even further, the ‘Fine Wine Room’ offers ticket holders the chance to taste some of the very best wines the world has to offer. Besides a discovery of fine wines from estates both classic and New World, upgraded ticket holders can even sip from legendary vintage Champagnes, including Bollinger and Krug.
Guests are safe in the Fine Wine Room under the guidance of Sunday Times columnist Will Lyons, who also happens to be Vice-President of The Sunday Times Wine Club.
Fine Wine Room ticket holders that wish to take something home from the festival can explore the en premier service, which allows guests to secure some of the world’s most anticipated bottles at ‘ground floor’ prices. This means that a bottle can become an investment if properly looked after. If you so wish, the team in the Fine Wine Room can also provide storage service, your most precious bottles are kept at their climate-controlled cellar in Gloucester until you’re ready to drink them. The team are currently the custodians of hundreds of bottles of fine wine, held safely on behalf of their clients.
Although Florence and the Napa Valley still have their enticements, The Sunday Times Wine Festival is certainly offering something alluring right in the comfort of London Town. With the chance to even take a few bottles home, there’s enough at The Sunday Times Wine Festival to keep you raising your glass all the way until next May.
