Vagabond Wines first came onto my radar as an oddly spacious wine shop near my office that had a large table inside and a series of enomatic wine machines to try before you buy. This hybrid format of wine retailing was pretty revolutionary back then so much so that every time I walked passed the place would be empty and I wondered how long it would last. That was 2010 in Fulham and the concept has not only survived but flourished and arguably influenced the flux of hybrid wine shops/bars that now exist around the country.
Not content with an enviable portfolio of wine bars and restaurants in Fulham, Spitalfields, Clapham, Victoria and Charlotte street Vagabond have now opened their first urban winery, and London’s only fully operational winery with bar and restaurant in the newly rejuvenated neighbourhood of Battersea Power Station. And Gavin Monery – formerly of London’s first urban winery, London Cru – is at the winemaking helm. I for one cannot wait to visit; if their press pictures are anything to go by they have not only refined their understanding and use of interior space but positively mastered it.
What they say: Champions of independent wine, Vagabond has extended its mission to bring quality wines at accessible prices to Londoners with this newest venture. This is the sixth site for Vagabond Wines. Each site offers at least 100 wines by the glass to taste. All wines are available to buy at retail price with a small corkage to drink in. This corkage makes Vagabond the best value bar in London to drink quality wine.
The crux of Vagabond’s winemaking vision is to celebrate English wine, working with local vineyards to bring the art of winemaking straight into the heart of the city. Customers will be invited to join in on the winemaking process throughout the year with various events, blending sessions and winemaker tastings, in a friendly and laid-back environment.
Vagabond will release its first sparkling wine, made in England, in coming weeks using grapes sourced from Oxfordshire, closely followed by a barrel fermented English Pinot Noir rosé. In the coming months, Vagabond will also be releasing home-grown Bacchus and Chardonnay.
Alongside the new winery, Vagabond is also launching the Collaboration Series, working with grape growers and winemakers to create wines exclusively for Vagabond customers. Monery has travelled to Limoux and South Africa to make wines from the 2017/18 vintages, due for release later this year.
The winery, bar and restaurant are now open in Circus Village West, Battersea Power Station. For bookings, visiting information and hours, visit www.vagabondwines.co.uk
