Vinopolis

Vinopolis is a London visitor attraction that presents the subject of wine and oenology through exhibits, including wine tasting. 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 also available for sale at the attached Majestic Wine Store. Vinopolis spans 2.5 acres and is devoted to the world of wine, including its history, development and taste.

History

Vinopolis was developed by a wine merchant called Duncan Vaughan-Arbuckle who, after speaking with his clients, realised that there was considerable interest in the making and enjoyment of wines. He chose a site beneath the arches of a Victorian railway viaduct, which was built in 1866 by the South-eastern Railway Company who wanted to carry an extension line from London Bridge Station over the Thames to the north bank.

Vinopolis opened on July 23 1999. It started as a four hour long guided tour through static wine displays with tastings, but the business has evolved over the years and today it runs as both a wine tour and a corporate events venue. Within the complex is the Whisky Exchange, a renown Whisky and Spirit specialist retail outlet with one of the biggest selections of single malt whisky in the world.

Vinopolis today

There are four self-guided tours packages available, which offer from five to thirteen wine tastings. Group packages such as Hen Parties and Guided Tours are also available.

The current Managing Director of the business is Rupert Ellwood, who is in his first year at Vinopolis.

ources

* [http://gouk.about.com/od/london/fr/Vinopolis.htm Vinopolis Wine Tasting] Tour information from about.com
* [http://www.vinopolis.co.uk/history.php Vinopolis history] From vinopolis.co.uk

External links

* [http://www.vinopolis.co.uk/ Vinopolis Homepage] - official Vinopolis website.
* [http://www.eyerevolution.co.uk/virtual_tours/vinopolis/index.php Vinopolis Virtual Tour] - Flash virtual tours of Vinopolis