Vinopolis

View of Vinopolis from Park Street.

Vinopolis is a London commercial visitor attraction operated by Wineworld London that presents the subject of wine and oenology through exhibits and wine tastings.^[1] It is located at Bankside, to the east of Southwark Bridge and close to London Bridge on the south side of the River Thames. There is an attached restaurant, Cantina Vinopolis, and wine is available for sale at the attached Lathwaites Wine Store.^[2] Vinopolis spans 2.5 acres (10,000 m²) and is devoted to the world of wine, including its history, development and taste. Within the complex is also a specialist whisky retailer The Whisky Exchange^[3] which offers a range of several hundred whiskies and other spirits for sale. The Whisky Exchange also organises various whisky tasting events throughout the year^[4] at Vinopolis.

History

Vinopolis was developed by the wine merchant Duncan Vaughan-Arbuckle. He chose a site beneath the arches of a Victorian railway viaduct^[5] that was built in 1866 by the South-eastern Railway Company to carry an extension line from London Bridge Station over the Thames to the north bank.

Vinopolis opened on July 23, 1999. Its first program was a four hour guided tour through static wine displays with tastings. The business has evolved over the years, and today it operates as both a wine tour and a corporate events venue.

Current offerings

In July 2008, the attraction the "Authentic Caribbean Rum Experience" was opened and allows attendees to sample a selection of Caribbean premium rums.

The current offerings were put in place in Autumn 2012. The site features wines from around the world. Three self-guided "experience packages" are offered, which are called "essential", "classic" and "quintessential". Group packages and group guided tours are also available. The wines are served from enomatic dispensers to prevent spoilage.

Throughout the year, Vinopolis hosts a range of events featuring wine, spirits and food. These include a selection of monthly "masterclasses" such as:

• "Welcome to wine" (on the first Sunday of each month)
• "Welcome to cheese and wine" (on the second Sunday of each month)
• "Cocktail-making masterclass" (on the first Thursday of each month)
• "Whisky masterclass" (on the third Thursday of each month)

References

Coordinates: 51°30′24″N 0°5′33″W / 51.50667°N 0.09250°W / 51.50667; -0.09250