Having read some information on this phenomenon, Vinopolis, we asked a few friends and famiy about it. It still remained a mystery as, being quite new, no one we knew in England had yet been there. So, with our curiosity peaked, we set off to London in search of it.
        Located on the River Thames, on the Millennium Mile in Bankside, opposite the city, Vinopolis is easily accessible by tube, train and bus. Very near is the new Tate Modern, and the controversial, yet amazing London Eye and the wonderful Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre.
        Vinopolis is Mr. Duncan Vaughn’s concept and creation. He is the Founder and President. What an undertaking it was too. To convert the long derelict underground tube station, with its towering arches, tunnels and halls was a mammoth effort that turned out beautifully.
        The more than two acre journey through the beautiful arches takes you on an interactive tour of the world’s wine cultures, exploring its effect on our everyday lives, from the creation of dynasties to why and how we use wine today. It is a unique entertainment and educational experience.
       On enquiring about public relations a friendly and unassuming gentleman approached us and took over.
       This was the founder himself, and who better to show us the ropes? We were delighted. We spent a couple of very pleasant hours together, culminating in a very enjoyable wine tasting. Duncan obviously loved his mission, and thoroughly enjoyed showing us around. How many times had he done that? Yet he was still so inspired and his pride in the place was evident, as well it should.   Guests can scooter through the Chianti region of Italy on a Piaggio Vespa with a virtual reality screen (as seen on left). Or enjoy going up and over "Down Under," with an exciting plane ride of Australia and experience a touch of Hollywood, all before you get a taste of some Napa Valley wine!
        Huge, fabulous colour photographs and   illustrations are everywhere to illuminate your tour and even "smelling stations," looking like giant stainless steel flowers, are set up to help you identify good and bad odours involved in wine tasting and selection, such as cork, mold, oak and butter.
       Absorb the experience with a hands-free audio set, available to every visitor, or use a comprehensive multi-lingual personal guide. Throughout the tour there is an opportunity to stimulate your senses by choosing from over 200 premium wines at the tasting stations, with instructions from qualified advisors. Five complimentary tastings are included in the ticket price.
        At the end of the tour is the Majestic Wine Warehouse, with almost 1,000 wines from all over the world to buy. There are special offers to take advantage of, and free delivery service for cases of wine anywhere in the mainland U.K.
        Look no further than the Vinopolis Gift Shop to provide all your gifts for friends and family back home and yourselves! I have never seen such an attractive array of gifts, including the widest selection of champagne and wine glasses in the world. The accessories department offers everything you need to build your own shrine to wine, from 43 different corkscrews to a special wine fridge or even a cellar! There is also a wonderful olive oil section. Tastings available here too.
        Vinopolis has its own busy tapas bar; the Wine Wharf Cafe and a Restaurant. Cantina Vinopolis is also on site, providing excellent food by top chefs with over 200 wines available by the glass. Within that, the Refectory Menu is very reasonable, like good pub prices, whilst the Brasserie Menu is more expensive. Our salads here were generous, imaginative and delicious. This would make a great meeting place, and there are also banquet and conference facilities to select from.
        Since opening, an art gallery has been added to Vinopolis’ already amazing experience for the senses. The gallery will exhibit works all year round from one of the leading private collectors of contemporary art. During our summer visit it was from Donald Hess, Swiss entrepreneur and wine producer.
        Temporary exhibitions will be mounted throughout the year, featuring the works of well known artists such as Frank Gretsch and Francis Bacon, as well as young and emerging artists.
        Although London is full of ever increasingly exciting things to see and do, Vinopolis is definitely worth putting on your list and is a must for all you oneophiles.

Contact:
Vinopolis
No. 1 Bank End, London, SEI U.K.
Tel: 01144-870-4444-777