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Manchester’s 11 Premier Wine Tasting Experiences
Manchester’s not just famous for its music and football; it’s a city that’s also quietly making a name for itself in the wine scene. From cosy nooks to educational tours, there’s a glass of something special waiting for everyone.
In this guide, we’re uncorking the top spots that every wine lover, from the curious newbie to the seasoned connoisseur, needs to visit.
Wine Tour Manchester (The Craft Tour Company LTD)
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Website: The Craft Tour Company LTD
Address: Starts at Ad Hoc Wines, 28 Edge St, Manchester M4 1HN
Contact: +44 161 327 0644
Start Time: 7PM
No vineyards in sight, but who cares when you’ve got the city as your tasting room? Led by a wine wizard from The Craft Tour Company LTD, this walking tour kicks off in the city centre, weaving through Manchester’s top wine spots.
You’ll get the lowdown on everything from grape types to how your favourite bottle ends up on the shelf, all while having a laugh and a half. These guides know their stuff, but they’re not just about the wine – they’re entertainers at heart.
| Pro tip: Jump in with both feet – no prior wine knowledge needed, just a willingness to explore and enjoy. |
Wine From Around The World
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Website: Around The World Manchester
Address: The Printworks, 4 Withy Grove, Manchester M4 2BS, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 161 839 8293
Operating Hours:
- Sun – Thur 12PM-12AM
- Fri – Sat 12PM-3AM
We’re globetrotting with Wine From Around The World. From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the rugged landscapes of Argentina, this session is your ticket to the world’s finest vineyards.
With a line-up that includes everything from bold reds to crisp whites and sparklers, paired with a top-notch charcuterie board, you’re in for a treat.
Your guide for the evening will ensure you walk away with more than just a buzz – you’ll get a crash course in wine appreciation, making you the go-to wine guru in your friend group.
| Pro tip: Keep your mind as open as your palate – the world of wine is vast and full of surprises. |
Salut Wines
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Website: Salut Wines
Address: 11 Cooper St, Manchester M2 2FW, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 161 236 2340
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Tue 11AM-10PM
- Wed – Sat 11AM-11PM
- Sun 12PM-8PM
Salut Wines is where the cool kids hang – think trendy without trying too hard. Located in the heart of Chinatown, this spot is all about kicking back with a good glass (or bottle).
With over 400 labels on offer and an impressive by-the-glass selection thanks to their fancy wine dispensers, you’re spoiled for choice. The vibe? Perfect for date night or a casual catch-up with mates.
The menu is a feast of tapas and cheese, making it the ideal accompaniment to your wine exploration. Fancy something off the beaten track? Salut’s got you with picks from places you wouldn’t expect, like Slovenia and Georgia.
| Pro tip: Embrace the unknown. That wine from a country you can’t pronounce could just be your new favourite. |
Blossom Street Social
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Website: Blossom Street Social
Address: 51 Blossom Street, Manchester M4 6AJ
Contact Details: +44 161 236 1234
Operating Hours:
- Mon-Wed: 5PM-11PM
- Thu-Fri: 5PM-12AM
- Sat: 12PM-12AM
- Sun: 12PM-11PM
Let’s talk about Blossom Street Social. Plonked in the Ancoats district since 2019, this place has flipped the script on the typical wine bar vibe. Forget stuffy, dimly lit rooms where the talk is all terroir this, vintage that.
Blossom Street is more your bright, buzzing joint, with tunes that keep the atmosphere lively and a menu that’s creative enough to keep your taste buds on their toes. The crowd? Think yuppies, hipsters, and everyone in between, all here for a glass (or bottle) of the good stuff.
Their wine list is a thing of beauty, showcasing everything from the classic go-tos to a knockout selection of orange wines and natural and organic treasures from around the world.
| Pro tip: Try the orange wines. It’s like finding a new favourite band before they hit the big time—edgy, unexpected, and totally brilliant. |
El Gato Negro Tapas Bar
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Website: El Gato Negro
Address: 52 King Street, Manchester M2 4LY
Contact Details: +44 161 694 8585
Operating Hours:
- Mon-Thu: 12PM-10PM
- Fri-Sat: 12PM-11PM
- Sun: 12PM-9PM
El Gato Negro, smack dab in the city centre, is where Spanish cuisine meets Mancunian flair. This spot’s as famous for its tapas as it is for its vino, serving up a wine list that’s as carefully curated as its dishes.
Fancy a tour through Spain’s finest vineyards? They’ve got you. Or maybe you’re after a worldly wander? They’ll sort you out with a glass from their global selection.
Located a stone’s throw from the Central Retail District, it’s the perfect pit stop for a post-shop refuel or a lazy Sunday brunch with a twist. Staff are clued up and always up for a chat about their latest vineyard crush, making it easy to find your new favourite sip.
| Pro tip: The charcuterie and cheese plate is a winner – pair it with a Syrah, and you’re golden. |
Erst
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Website: Erst
Address: 9 Murray Street, Manchester M4 6HS
Contact Details: +44 161 826 3008
Operating Hours:
- Tue-Sat: 12PM-10PM
- Sun-Mon: Closed
And then there’s Erst. Tucked away in Ancoats, this place is a shrine to natural wine, from the drinkable to the downright daring.
It’s the spot where wine bar snobs come to nod approvingly at the selection, which spans the globe from Georgia (the country, mind) to the local English countryside.
The tasting menu (tasting menu) is where Erst really shines, offering a journey through varieties and vineyards without the need to splash out on multiple bottles. It’s a wine bar that doesn’t just serve wine; it celebrates it, making Erst a must-visit for anyone serious about their sips.
| Pro tip: Don’t miss the tasting menu. It’s like a festival for your taste buds, and you won’t need to remortgage your house to enjoy it. |
Nordie
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Website: Nordie
Address: 1044 Stockport Rd, Manchester M19 3WX, United Kingdom
Contact:
Operating Hours:
- Tue – Thur 5PM-11PM
- Fri 4PM-12AM
- Sat 10AM-12AM
- Sun 10AM-8PM
Perfect for a low-key first date or a chilled gathering with your crew, Nordie serves up an atmosphere that’s as easy going as a Sunday morning. Their wine list is like a who’s who of the natural wine world, especially if you’re into the orange stuff.
Oh, and the grub? Think of it as the best kind of snack food – perfect for sharing and pairing with whatever you’re drinking. Plus, if you’re around on the weekend, their all-day brekkie is the stuff of legends.
Fancy a craft beer? They’ve got some of the coolest picks from around Europe. So, IPA lovers, you’re in for a treat!
| Pro tip: Their brunch isn’t just for early risers – perfect for the morning afters when you can’t quite face the day yet. |
Wolf At The Door
Website: Wolf At The Door
Address: 30-32 Thomas St, Manchester M4 1ER, United Kingdom
Contact: +441616607177
Operating Hours:
- Sun – Wed 12PM-11PM
- Thur 12PM-1AM
- Fri – Sat 12PM-2AM
Before Ancoats was the hipster heaven it’s known as today, Wolf At The Door was there, setting the scene. This spot’s not just a wine bar; it’s a Manchester institution. With a setup across two floors and a terrace that’s gold dust when the sun’s out, it’s the place to be seen.
Got a bottle you’ve been saving? You can bring it along for a small fee, but with their list, you’ll be tempted to dive into their selection. And let’s talk about the food – £1 tacos and street food that’ll have you questioning why all dining experiences can’t be this laid back yet delicious.
Wolf At The Door is the perfect blend of serious wine culture and a let-your-hair-down vibe. Snag a spot on the terrace if you can; it’s where memories are made.
| Pro tip: The £1 tacos aren’t just a gimmick – they’re a revelation. Pair with a cheeky glass for maximum enjoyment. |
20 Stories Wine Bar
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Website: 20 Stories
Address: No. 1, 1 Hardman St, Manchester M3 3EB, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 161 204 3333
Operating Hours:
- Sun – Wed 12PM-11PM
- Thur – Fri 12PM-12AM
- Sat 12PM-1AM
20 Stories isn’t just a wine bar; it’s an experience. Perched on the 19th floor (yeah, we know, but stick with us), it offers a view of Manchester that rivals the wine list – and that’s saying something.
With a selection that travels from the vineyards of Chile to the slopes of Georgia, stopping off at all points in between, it’s a wine lover’s dream.
This spot is a testament to Manchester’s ability to punch above its weight in the wine world, serving up a list that’s as deep as it is broad, in a setting that’ll have you feeling on top of the world. Whether you’re in for the panoramic views or the Pinot Noir, 20 Stories delivers.
| Pro tip: Dive into the lesser-known wine regions on the list – it’s a journey worth taking, especially with that view. |
Northern Wine School
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Website: Northern Wine School
Address: Suite 4b, 113-115 Portland St, Manchester M1 6DW, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 161 883 1278
Operating Hours: Mon – Thur 10AM-6PM
Right, for those of you itching to get a bit more clued in on your vinos, whiskies, or even your craft beers, Northern Wine School is a bit of a legend around these parts. It’s like the Hogwarts for booze – without the flying broomsticks, mind.
Fancy learning how a Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand differs from one in France? Or why a pint of Manchester craft beer tastes so blooming good? This is your spot.
What’s cracking here isn’t just the depth of knowledge on offer but the chance to rub shoulders with local vintners and fellow enthusiasts, all while getting your palate tickled in their classy tasting rooms.
| Pro tip: Dive into one of their “one-off” classes for a fun, focused look at something specific. It’s a great way to spice up a Thursday night, isn’t it? |
Manchester Wine School
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Website: Manchester Wine School
Address: Maldron Hotel, 60 Charles St, Manchester M1 7DF, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 161 870 6305
Operating Hours: Mon – Fri 9AM-5PM
Now, if the thought of wine brings to mind stuffy rooms and snooty sommeliers, you’ve not been to Manchester Wine School. This place is all about knocking down the barriers, making wine as accessible as a chippy on a Friday night.
Their classes are a laugh, geared towards demystifying the whole wine game. Whether you’re a novice wondering what the fuss about tannins is or a budding connoisseur keen to delve into the subtleties of Bordeaux vs. Burgundy, they’ve got something for you.
Held in a comfy tasting room smack dab in the city centre, it’s dead easy to pop in after work or on a lazy Saturday. And it’s not just for solo adventurers; their group sessions are a belter of an opportunity to meet like-minded grape enthusiasts.
| Pro tip: The social aspect is brilliant – sign up, show up, sip up, and you might just leave with a new wine-loving mate or two. |
