Blink and you might miss The Albert Dock's "Vinea". A little known haven welcoming custom from wine enthusiasts and amateurs alike.
This unique treasure is tucked away next to The Beatles Story, a wine shop-deli-bar offering wine tasting, evening courses and a mediterranean food selection as well as playing host to varied events throughout the year.
Three years ago, the owners took the brave decision to open a “relaxed and unpretentious ‘Vineyard’ experience” in Liverpool, sourcing wines from around the world to ship anywhere in the UK.
Securing a prime spot overlooking the quay with The Liver Buildings in the distance, the gamble has paid off, with an array of visitors treated to the one-to-one friendly advice on offer.
Greeted by friendly Manager Kelly, her passion for the wines is clear from the off, and her manner entirely unpretentious as she imparts interesting nuggets of information.
Any daunting images of a dusty, dark wine cellar are instantly wiped from your mind as you enter the bright surroundings. Invited to sink into one of the comfy sofas on offer, admire the wall of wines and delicious deli products available, customers are put entirely at ease as they learn about each wine.
We opted for the Walk In Wine Taster, priced at £8.50 for three 100m glasses of different whites, the specific qualities of each grape and region carefully explained by our knowledgeable server Dan.
A crisp Italian Pinot Grigio to cleanse our palates, a sharp, acidic Chablis perfect for cutting through salty flavours and a Chilean Sauvignon Blanc bursting with tropical fruit flavours.
Our tastebuds tickled by the whites, we decided to follow up with a further three delightful reds.
We enjoyed a fascinating learning curve as our selection continued with a fruity Rioja, a peppery Argentinean Cabernet-Shiraz and rich, smooth Chilean Malbec.
Each had its own unique qualities, even more apparent as we sampled different nibbles to complement and contrast their flavours. Olives, cured meats, bread and sweet stuffed red peppers drizzled in olive oil were a taste sensation of their own.
The intricacies of each wine were explained in digestible detail by Dan before leaving us to unwind and soak in the experience.
Happy to answer any question – without making this amateur feel a dunce - Kelly was so enthusiastic we took her recommendation for two further glasses of red. Domaine de Moulines Merlot, VDP France 2007 and a Gianni Masciarelli Montepulciano D’Abruzzo, Italy 2007.
Deliciously velvety smooth, I instantly snapped up a bottle of the latter to take home at the extremely reasonable price of £11.49. The lowest price starting from just £5.99, the expert advice and friendly service has made me determined to support this admirable Liverpool venture.
Vinea is a fantastic venue, available for hire free of charge for any occasion including birthdays, office parties and even wedding receptions. Call 0151 707 8962 to book tickets and there are free tastings available every weekend.
Call in and taste the magic for yourselves, and I guarantee you'll think twice before grabbing the nearest bottle from a supermarket shelf again.
Opening times Monday - Saturday: 11am – 11pm Sunday: 12pm – 11pm.
www.vinealiverpool.co.uk
Upcoming events
Saturday 4th September
8pm
Argentinean wines with live music and complimentary nibbles
Tickets £6.99
Tuesday 7th September
7pm for 5 weeks
Introduction to wine tasting
Tickets £80
Thursday 16th September
7.30pm
South African Winery of Good Hope. Presented by Mia Martenson.
Tickets £12
Saturday 9th October
8pm
Sparkling wines with live music and complimentary nibbles
Tickets £6.99
Tuesday 16th November
7pm for 5 weeks
Introduction to wine tasting: Grape Varieties
Friday 22nd October
7.30pm
Soiree around the world with pinot noir!
Presented by Serena Young W.S.E.T tutor.
Tickets £12
Friday 19th November
7.30pm
Winter warmers with Caroline Murphy W.S.E.T tutor
Tickets £12
Saturday 4th December
8pm
Mulled wine and mince pies accompanied by Carol singers
Tickets £6.99
Friday 10th December
7.30pm
Christmas Wine Tasting
With Robin Nugent from Alliance wines
Tickets £12
Birgit, Liverpool around 6 months, 3 weeks ago