A Beginner's Guide to Wine Tasting
- Dec 26, 2025
- 4 min read
With Tips from Baccalà’s In-House Sommelier in London
Whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned wine lover, wine tasting is more than sipping—it’s a joyful, sensory journey that helps you understand flavour, aroma, texture, and the story behind each bottle. A good wine tasting should feel fun, relaxed, and enriching, giving you the chance to explore new grapes, regions, and pairings.
At Baccalà Seafood and Wine Restaurant in London, we do wine tasting the Italian way: warm, approachable, full of flavour, and never intimidating. Led by our sommelier Fabio De Nicola, our sessions aren’t about technical sayings; they’re about helping you discover what you like, why you like it, and how to explore the world of Italian wine with confidence.
Here’s everything you need to know before booking your next wine tasting experience in London.
What Is a Wine Tasting Session?
A wine tasting is a guided experience where you sample different wines, learn their stories, and explore how their aromas, textures, and flavours evolve. At Baccalà, wine tastings are relaxed, informative, and rooted in authenticity.
We focus on Italian wines from small, independent producers—think volcanic reds from Etna, crisp Verdicchio from the Marche, or skin-contact whites from Friuli. Every tasting is tailored to your curiosity and palate.
All our wines are from small independent producers, low intervention and biodynamic.
What Can You Expect at a Wine Tasting
Imagine sitting at our Bermondsey Street restaurant, a glass in hand, surrounded by the stories of winemakers and regions. Fabio walks you through the wines, answering questions and sharing the quirks of each bottle; no snobbery, just discovery.
We offer:
Daily Wine Tastings – Just £25 for 4 curated wines, mostly from our by-the-glass list, with a few surprises hidden in the cellar.
Blind Wine Experiences
Themed Tastings (by region or grape)
Food & Wine Pairings
Private Tastings for groups or events
Whether you want to taste iconic Italian grapes or challenge your palate blindfolded, we’ve got something for you.
How Many Wines Do You Taste?
Our daily wine tasting includes 4 wines for just £25, selected from our by-the-glass range, often with a hidden gem or two to surprise you. Other experiences range from 3 to 5 wines, depending on the session, with the option to add food pairings.
You’ll try reds, whites, orange wines, and sparkling options—all carefully chosen to show off the breadth of Italian winemaking.
How to Taste Wine (Without Stress)
You don’t need a wine degree. Follow Fabio’s simple steps:
Look – Observe the colour and clarity.
Swirl – Aerate the wine to release aromas.
Sniff – Take in the bouquet: fruit, spice, herbs?
Sip – Taste slowly. What do you recognize?
Savour – How long does the finish last?
Wine tasting is personal. It’s about connecting with what you enjoy.
How Much Is Wine Tasting in London?
Tastings in London often start around £20 to £100+ per person, depending on venue and pairing options.
At Baccalà, we’re proud to offer:
Daily Tasting: £25 for 4 wines
Blind or Themed Tastings: from £30 per person
Private and Event Tastings: custom pricing
Each tasting is guided by Fabio and curated from natural, low-intervention wines that you won’t find on every wine list in town.
Why Only Italian Wines
At Baccalà, we introduce the biodiversity of Italian territory. Indigenous grape varieties of more than 500 in Italy and we discover and offer most of these at Baccala…
Why Taste Wine at Baccalà?
At Baccalà, we believe wine should be joyful, personal and full of discovery. Fabio’s warm, knowledgeable approach makes every tasting feel relaxed, engaging and delicious. We don’t pour the usual suspects like Gavi or Chianti; instead, we serve undiscovered varieties. Our list celebrates unique Italian wines from small, independent producers, showcasing grapes and regions you won’t find on most menus or in most wine-tasting experiences.
Every tasting offers excellent value for money and a chance to explore wines chosen with intention, passion, and respect for Italy’s heritage and winemakers. Whether you’re after a casual afternoon experience or planning a private wine event, we’ll tailor it to you, guided by someone who truly loves sharing the stories behind each bottle.
Ready to Discover a New Favourite?
Wine tasting doesn’t have to be complicated, and at Baccalà, it never is. Whether you’re learning how to taste wine for the first time, exploring the diversity of Italian grapes, or simply looking for a delicious, relaxed experience in London, our tastings offer the perfect blend of education, flavour, and fun. Guided by Fabio and rooted in Italy’s rich winemaking heritage, each session helps you discover wines you’ll love, understand why you love them, and deepen your appreciation for Italy’s incredible viticulture.
From daily tastings to themed sessions, orange and rosé explorations, sparkling wine with oysters, and private events, there’s something for every palate and every level of curiosity.
If you’re ready to experience Italian wine tasting in a way that’s warm, welcoming, and genuinely special, book your wine tasting at Baccalà on Bermondsey Street and let us pour you something unforgettable. Alternatively, message us for private sessions and group bookings.
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