Five of the best London wine merchants to buy from this Christmas

Christmas is the season of merriness, which is perhaps why the holiday so often associated with a good bottle of wine. Given that it only comes round once a year, we think it’s worth seeking out some of the best bottles in the capital, either to stock up your own rack or to gift to someone special. It’s important to remember that good wine doesn’t have to be overly expensive if you know where to look – but if you are splashing out, speaking to a specialist will make every penny count. Here at five exceptional London Vintners who can offer quality, variety and expertise.

Berry Bros & Rudd

For a truly exceptional present for the oenophile in your life this Christmas, fine wine and spirits merchant Berry Bros & Rudd has launched its most enticing gift ever; a cellar of fine wine. Whether buying for a wine expert or fledgling collector, this gift, available in three tiers, from £2,500 to £10,000 will give them pleasure for years to come. As well as the Gift of a Cellar, Berry Bros & Rudd has also revealed its seasonal gift selection for 2021, including The Bordeaux Hamper (£200), The Champagne & Chocolates Gift Set (£80) and The Luxury Italian & Burgundy Two-Bottle Case (£130) – which we recommend. Shop the whole range on their website here.

Shop Cuvée

This popular natural wine shop is extending its reach, now running two outposts: the original branch in Highbury and a new spot in Bethnal Green. It’s also incredibly easy to order online, with same day delivery by bike across London, and next-day across the whole of the UK. However, there’s a bigger reason to visit the shops in person, as both venues also have neighbouring sister sites: Highbury is home to Top Cuvée, a restaurant serving wines and small seasonal plates, and Bethnal Green houses underground wine bar Cave Cuvée, serving up wine, cocktails and small nibbles. Why not get the full wine experience while you pick up your gift? For further information, visit their website here.

Authentique Épicerie & Bar

This gem in Tufnell Park was founded by four Frenchmen with a passion for good food and wine. The result is an impressive collection of over 700 bottles, as well as a delicious deli and sit-in wine bar. Épicerie means grocery, and sure enough you can pick up all kinds of goodies to accompany your glass, with the option to either eat in or stock up for your Christmas spread. The team specialise in produce from Francophone regions, so you can also try top-quality bottles from lesser-known regions including Algeria. Check out their website here.

Peckham Cellars

If you want to be confident that your bottle doesn’t have a big carbon footprint, Peckham Cellars might be a good choice. This independent wine bar and neighbourhood restaurant launched in late 2019 has an eclectic yet accessible 100-strong wine list. Championing small producers from emerging wine regions, with an emphasis on producers who work sustainably and really care about the soil they grow their grapes in, the team at Peckham Cellars proudly work in partnership with C Free, planting a new tree for every wine delivery from the bottle shop. Since launching Peckham Cellars has helped plant more than 5,000 trees as part of the scheme. Check out their online shop here.

Connaught Cellars

This small independent wine merchant in Connaught Village has been supplying bottles to London’s top restaurants as well as local wine enthusiasts for the past eight years. They specialise in French and Italian suppliers, so if you know someone who is into their old-world wines, or you’re looking to spruce up your Christmas dinner or New Year’s party, it could be worth browsing their impressive selection. Shop the range here.

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