Background
Just one of South Kensington’s numerous indie wine bars and wine shops, Vini Italiani is on Old Brompton Road, opposite Christie’s auction house. The small, stunningly chic and modern bar has a mouthwatering wine range from all Italian regions.
Vini Italiani has created a glamorous yet relaxed bar, newly opened within the shop, which celebrates its second birthday this November. All the wines on the shelves are available to buy to take away or to drink in the bar at a very reasonable £7.50 per bottle corkage for still wines and £10 for sparkling. There are over 500 solely Italian bottles, starting at £9.90 (retail/before corkage) and 16 wines by the glass from £4.50, changing weekly. Vini Italiani has a lively programme of ‘Meet the Producer’ events and the basement bar is available for private tastings and parties.
Owners
A group of Italian 'wine friends' headed up by charming Managing Director, Bruno Cernecca.
Top wine pick
Hard to choose with such a fantastic wine range, but sparkling wine Franciacorta, always available by the glass, hits the spot as a post-work reviver. Lambrusco (the real version, not the travesty you see in UK corner shops) is perfect for a light lunch with ham and salami.
Food
Platters of Italian cured meats and cheeses from £6.90, plus bread and olives.
Who to take
Italian ex-pats. Post-auction shoppers from Christie’s opposite. Casual lunch for wine experts. Jaded wine retailers.
The USP
Chic atmosphere. Top Italian wines. ‘Try before you buy’ - 25ml tasting samples from 90p. Private events.
Any downsides?
Easy to go mad and melt the credit card with such a fabulous Italian wine range.
Vini Italiani, 72 Old Brompton Road, London SW7 3LQ, Twitter, Facebook
By Jenny Mackenzie, Twitter & Facebook.
Previously:
- 10 Cases Cave a Vin, Covent Garden
- Sign of the Don, City of London
