A few weeks ago, Sunny in London and I were invited to visit
London's first and only urban winery, London Cru for a tour and tasting.
You know I love wine, so I was happy to visit.
Close to Earl's Court, the winery is a small space in a building that once housed a gin distillery.
The gleaming equipment was quiet the day that we visited.
All of the hard work was done in the fall when they created their first batches of wine.
But the process was explained from the handpicking of the grapes to the barreling.
The wine is now resting in the magic oak barrels and maturing into something wonderful.
They plan to bottle it later this year. We were then treated to a tasting.
We tasted a Syrah, Cabernet Savignon, Barbera and a Rose.
They've also created a Chardonnay, but as it's more delicate they don't want to disturb it before bottling.
The red wines were robust and flavorful. I don't have the most advanced palate,
but I could taste that it wasn't quite ready yet. The potential for a lovely, enjoyable wine was certainly there.
I can't wait to taste it again after it's been bottled.
I can't wait to taste it again after it's been bottled.
This first year they plan to produce 1,250 cases of liquid gold
and next harvest they hope to double that volume.
Soon you may see it on the menu at your favorite London restaurant.
Making wine in the heart of London is a labor of love for this London wine crew.
If you would like to learn more, check out their website to schedule your own visit.
If you would like to learn more, check out their website to schedule your own visit.
They offer 45-50 minute Meet the Cru tours each Saturday for £15.
They also offer the more advanced Winemaker for a Day events for £125.
Have you ever visited an urban winery?
