There aren’t many museums where you can enhance your knowledge of the world while having a tipple. Vinopolis, on London’s Southbank, is one of them.

Stealth boozing

I learnt of its delights thanks to a visit from my father-in-law. Eager to get in his good books and aware my usual pub hangouts wouldn’t sate his professorial mind, I decided to get him on the booze by stealth.

Vinopolis bills itself as “London’s Wine and Spirit Tasting Destination”. What this really means is that it’s London’s biggest boozer.

Vinopolis seemed like the perfect option. Located near the Globe Theatre and the Tate Modern, Vinopolis bills itself as “London’s Wine and Spirit Tasting Destination”. What this really means is that it’s London’s biggest boozer. Of course you learn too, but for most people the learning is secondary to the drinking.

A world of wines

Vinopolis, or the city of wine, is organized in themed sections representing the different wine producing regions of the world. As you follow a path through the regions of France to the New World, you learn everything about the wine making process. Then, at the end of each region, you get the opportunity to taste the wines these regions produce.

If the reaction of my father-in-law is anything to go by, the initial thirst for knowledge is soon replaced by a thirst for more vino. At the half way section, his beard was stained red and his eyes were glassy and bloodshot. A happy leering smile had replaced his normal thoughtful frown. By the time we reached the end, he couldn’t stop chuckling to himself.

Cheers to great ideas

Vinopolis isn’t just for men eager to impress their in-laws. It also hosts hen nights (complete with a butler in the buff), cocktail master classes and spirit tastings. If you’d rather taste the grain than the grape, you’ll be pleased to hear they also have a fine microbrewery. The Self-Guided Tour Packages range from £19.50 to £37.50 and all include a cool little Vinopolis tasting notebook. Ours, though, included more stains than facts.

When I asked my father-in-law the next day whether he enjoyed himself, he stroked his beard and frowned. “I think so. From what I can remember.”

Ever the optimist, I took that as a yes.