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Sip Through Aberdeen’s Top 5 Wine Tasting Spots!
What did the grape say when it got stepped on? Well, it let out a little wine!
Kidding aside, I attended my first ever wine tasting for a friend’s wedding. I enjoyed it so much that it quickly became a passion—even when there wasn’t a special occasion to celebrate.
After many Aberdeen wine experiences, I’ve learned to trust my palate and, more importantly, not take things too seriously. After all, wine is meant to be savored and enjoyed.
So, after countless tastings and many enjoyable experiences, I think I’ve discovered some of the best wine-tasting venues with the most insightful sommeliers. If you’re curious to find out where to sip and swirl in style, keep reading!
Grape & Grain
Media Credit: mairasprado
Address: 31 Thistle Street
Contact Information: 01224 633761 or [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday: 4pm-11pm
- Friday to Saturday: 12pm-12am
Prices:
- 175ml from £7
- 275ml from £9.25
- 750ml from £27
Grape & Grain, a luxurious bar tucked away in Aberdeen’s West End, is celebrated for its award-winning wine selection, expertly paired with small plates and sharing platters. This delightful combination enhances the overall experience, making it a must-visit.
Their wine list spans the globe, catering to all preferences, from fruity to dry, with selections from renowned regions like Italy, Spain, France, Argentina, Hungary, and Portugal.
Though they don’t offer formal wine tastings, their generous 175ml and 275ml pours allow you to explore their extensive collection at your leisure, letting you sample as many varieties as your palate desires.
Pro Tip:
It’s important to note that due to limited kitchen facilities, Grape & Grain may not be able to accommodate specific dietary requirements. This could be a drawback for those needing ingredient substitutions.
Aberdeen Local Wine School
Media Credit: aberdeenlocalwineschool
Website: https://www.localwineschool.com/aberdeen/events/wine-tastings-and-courses/
Address: Varies
Contact Information: 01224 679 187 or [email protected]
Operating Hours: Varies
Prices: From £40
The Aberdeen Local Wine School offers an impressive range of wine tasting events, courses, and lessons. Whether you’re into cheese pairings or looking for something more educational, there’s something for every wine lover.
Plus, these events are hosted at various locations across Aberdeen, like Monty’s Wine Shop & Bar, Breathing Space Studio, and Malmaison Aberdeen, making it a fun way to explore the city.
If you can’t attend in person, they also offer online wine tasting events, perfect for enjoying at home or entertaining guests.
Pro Tip:
If you’re new to wine tasting, we recommend starting with their introductory courses. These provide a solid foundation and essential background knowledge, helping you better appreciate the more advanced and complex courses later on.
The Tippling House
Media Credit: thetipplinghouse
Website: https://www.thetipplinghouse.com/
Address: 4 Belmont St
Contact Information: [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday: 4pm-12:30am
- Friday: 4pm-3am
- Saturday: 1pm-3am
Prices: Varies
The Tippling House, a cozy speakeasy, offers monthly whisky and wine tastings that are perfect for enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Wine lovers, take note: slots fill up fast, so it’s wise to book well in advance through their website—often months ahead.
If you’ve visited before, there’s always something new to explore, as they frequently update their wine list to keep things fresh and exciting.
To elevate the experience, they also feature vegan and organic wines, catering to more mindful drinkers.
Pro Tip:
Beyond the wine, their grazing and tasting menu is well worth exploring, offering creative dishes like smoked haddock rarebit, savory haggis donuts, and spiced venison, all crafted to complement your drinks perfectly.
SugarBird
Media Credit: sugarbirdwine
Website: https://www.sugarbirdwines.com/
Address: 245-247 Union Grove
Contact Information: 01224 322602 or [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday to Thursday: 12pm-10pm
- Friday to Saturday: 12pm-11pm
- Sunday: 12pm-8pm
Prices: From £35
One of our favorites is SugarBird, renowned for its thoughtfully curated wine tasting experiences. With weekly events tailored to wine enthusiasts, it’s the perfect spot to explore new flavors and deepen your appreciation.
Their themes are both creative and immersive—like ‘Meet the Winemaker,’ where you can engage directly with top wine creators, or ‘Align & Wine,’ which pairs a relaxing Hatha Yoga session with a post-class wine tasting.
As for their wine selection, SugarBird offers a diverse range, from classic reds and whites to delightful sparkling options.
Pro Tip:
For those fortunate enough to visit on a sunny day, we highly recommend savoring your wine at SugarBird’s outdoor extension, where you can enjoy a delightful al fresco dining experience.
Faffless
Media Credit: faffless_aberdeen
Website: https://faffless.co/
Address: 8 Golden Square
Contact Information: 07501 402373 or [email protected]
Operating Hours: Daily: 11am-12:30am
Prices: From £30
Faffless is a thoughtfully curated venue, combining a passion for both wine and art. Their exclusive selection features Old World natural, organic, and vegan wines.
Their tastings are thoughtfully designed to highlight the unique stories behind each bottle, often featuring rare and lesser-known selections that you won’t find elsewhere.
The venue also shines with its culinary offerings, crafted by Michelin-star-trained chef Craig. Guests can indulge in hearty brunch classics like Eggs Benedict or treat themselves to the mouthwatering Côte de Boeuf.
Pro Tip:
For celebrating special occasions, we highly recommend reserving Faffless’ private room for an intimate and memorable experience.