Our Wine Philosophy
Wine has always been at the heart of Hotel du Vin. Long before boutique hotels became a category of their own, the vision was clear: create places where great wine, good food and warm hospitality come together naturally. That philosophy was shaped by the late Gérard Basset, whose passion for wine and extraordinary knowledge helped define the character of the brand from the very beginning.
For us, wine is not an add-on. It is part of the experience. From carefully curated wine lists in our bistros to cellar dining, tastings and private events, every hotel reflects a deep respect for provenance, craftsmanship and storytelling. Each bottle on our list has earned its place, selected for quality, balance and the way it complements both classic and contemporary dishes.
Whether you are joining us for a relaxed dinner, celebrating a milestone, hosting a business gathering or enjoying a weekend escape, wine threads through the experience. It shapes conversations, enhances flavours and turns moments into memories. At Hotel du Vin, wine is more than something we serve. It is part of who we are.
Wine Tasting & Sommelier Experiences
Building on that heritage, our wine experiences invite guests to go beyond the glass. Across our hotels, structured tastings and sommelier-led sessions offer the opportunity to explore regions, styles and pairings in a way that feels relaxed yet expertly guided.
As a recognised wine tasting hotel, Hotel du Vin offers experiences that combine overnight stays with curated tasting events. Guests can join scheduled sessions hosted in our hotel wine bars or more intimate settings, with selected locations also opening their hotel wine cellar spaces for private events and specialist evenings. Each experience is designed to be approachable, whether you are discovering new varietals or refining an existing interest.
For those seeking a deeper sommelier experience, our masterclasses focus on technique, structure and the nuances that shape a wine’s character. From understanding acidity and tannin to exploring food pairing principles, these sessions are designed to build confidence and insight without formality. It is this balance of expertise and warmth that defines Hotel du Vin wine events across the UK.
Many guests search for a wine tasting and hotel experience that feels cohesive rather than separate. From Hotel du Vin Brighton wine tasting evenings by the coast to Hotel du Vin Newcastle wine tasting events in the heart of the city, our locations offer consistent quality while reflecting their individual character. The result is a wine hotel experience that extends naturally from tasting room to dinner table and, for those staying overnight, into a truly memorable escape.
Our tasting formats
Classic wine tasting
An introduction to key regions and grape varieties, ideal for guests pairing a tasting with a short break.
Deluxe wine tasting
A focused exploration of premium bottles, highlighting the depth of our hotel wine selection.
Sommelier masterclass
A more structured session designed for those seeking a detailed sommelier-led experience.
Private group tastings
Tailored events for celebrations, corporate gatherings and special occasions, hosted within our hotel wine bar or cellar spaces.
Seasonal tasting flights
Curated selections that reflect the time of year and complement seasonal menus.
Wine in Birmingham
Discover curated wine tastings and sommelier-led evenings in the heart of the city, hosted within Birmingham’s elegant Hotel du Vin setting.
Wine in Brighton
Enjoy coastal wine tasting experiences at Hotel du Vin Brighton, combining relaxed seaside charm with expertly guided sessions.
Wine in Bristol Avon Gorge
Experience wine tastings at Hotel du Vin Bristol Avon Gorge, where curated selections and sommelier-led evenings are set against iconic views of the Clifton Suspension Bridge.
Wine in Bristol
Explore refined wine tastings and private cellar events at Hotel du Vin Bristol, where heritage surroundings meet curated selections.
Wine in Cambridge
Experience intimate wine tastings and structured sommelier evenings in the characterful surrounds of Hotel du Vin Cambridge.
Wine in Cheltenham
Join seasonal tasting flights and premium masterclasses at Hotel du Vin Cheltenham, set within this elegant Regency town.
Wine in Edinburgh
Discover wine tasting experiences in Edinburgh that pair expertly selected bottles with the city’s rich atmosphere and character.
Wine in Exeter
Enjoy curated tastings and relaxed sommelier-led evenings at Hotel du Vin Exeter, blending historic charm with contemporary wine expertise.
Wine in Glasgow
Experience structured wine tastings and private group events at Hotel du Vin Glasgow, set within striking architectural surroundings.
Wine in Henley-on-Thames
Explore intimate wine tastings and seasonal flights at Hotel du Vin Henley, perfectly suited to relaxed riverside escapes.
Wine in Harrogate
Discover wine tasting evenings and curated cellar selections at Hotel du Vin Harrogate, where elegance meets expertise.
Wine in Newcastle
Experience Hotel du Vin Newcastle wine tasting events, combining bold character with expertly guided wine exploration.
Wine in Poole
Enjoy relaxed coastal wine tastings and curated wine events at Hotel du Vin Poole, perfect for weekend escapes.
Wine in St Andrews
Discover refined wine tasting experiences at Hotel du Vin St Andrews, combining coastal character with expertly guided sommelier sessions.
Wine in Stratford-upon-Avon
Discover elegant wine tasting experiences at Hotel du Vin Stratford-upon-Avon, pairing heritage atmosphere with curated selections.
Wine in Tunbridge Wells
Enjoy intimate wine tastings and sommelier-led evenings at Hotel du Vin Tunbridge Wells in this refined spa town setting.
Wine in Wimbledon
Explore refined wine tastings and private sommelier experiences at Hotel du Vin Wimbledon, combining boutique elegance with expert guidance.
Wine in Winchester
Experience structured wine tastings and premium masterclasses at Hotel du Vin Winchester, where historic character meets modern expertise.
Wine in York
Discover curated wine tasting evenings and seasonal flights at Hotel du Vin York, set within this atmospheric cathedral city.
Curated Wine Lists & Pairings
Our wine lists are crafted with intention and expertise, designed to reflect both the seasons and the character of each hotel. Updated throughout the year, they showcase exceptional wines from established regions and emerging producers around the world. Every selection is chosen for quality, balance and its ability to complement the dishes served in our bistros.
Rather than overwhelming guests with volume, our hotel wine lists are structured to guide discovery. Clear categorisation, thoughtful progression and knowledgeable team recommendations ensure that whether you are selecting a single glass or a bottle to share, the choice feels considered and confident. From classic European appellations to carefully sourced New World producers, the collection reflects both depth and diversity.
Pairing sits at the centre of the experience. Our teams work closely with the kitchen to ensure wines enhance flavour, texture and seasonality across the menu. From lighter styles that complement seafood and seasonal starters to fuller-bodied selections suited to rich, slow-cooked dishes, the balance between food and wine is deliberate.
For guests dining in our hotel wine bar or restaurant, the list becomes more than a menu. It is an invitation to explore, compare and enjoy wines that have been carefully sourced and professionally curated. At Hotel du Vin, the wine list is not static. It evolves, ensuring that each visit offers something new to discover.
Bistro du Vin: Your Local Wine Bar
At the heart of each hotel, Bistro du Vin offers a relaxed and welcoming wine bar experience rooted in the same expertise that defines our wider collection. For guests searching for a wine bar in their city, Bistro provides a space where thoughtfully curated wines can be enjoyed by the glass or bottle, alongside classic French-inspired dishes.
Whether you are meeting friends, hosting colleagues or enjoying a quiet evening, our hotel wine bar blends neighbourhood atmosphere with professional guidance. Seasonal selections, knowledgeable recommendations and an ever-evolving wine list ensure there is always something new to discover, all within the characterful setting of Hotel du Vin.
Discover Bistro Du Vin
FAQs for Wine Tasting at Hotel Du Vin
What can I expect from a wine tasting experience at Hotel du Vin?
A wine tasting at Hotel du Vin typically includes a guided introduction to selected wines, insight into grape varieties and regions, and discussion around food pairing principles. Sessions are hosted in relaxed hotel settings and are designed to be welcoming whether you are new to wine or looking to deepen your knowledge.
Do you offer food and wine pairing menus?
Many of our tastings can be paired with canapés or Bistro dishes, and our team are happy to recommend wines to match your meal. Ask about current pairing menus or specials when you book.
Do I need to stay overnight to attend a wine tasting?
No, wine tasting events are open to both residents and non-residents. However, many guests choose to combine their tasting with an overnight stay to create a complete wine tasting and hotel experience, pairing the event with dinner and accommodation.
Can wine tastings be booked for private groups or corporate events?
Yes, private wine tastings can be arranged for celebrations, business gatherings and special occasions. These sessions can often be tailored to suit group size, theme or preferred wine styles, making them ideal for team events or milestone celebrations.