Vinopolis, the city of wine
The location: Bank End in Southwark, which lies on the South Bank of the Thames, opposite the City of London. The area has undergone regeneration over the past few years, with the opening of the Globe Theatre and the creation of a riverside walk.
The attraction: The Wine Odyssey is an interactive wine museum. There are entertaining exhibits such as a simulated Vespa ride through the Chianti region of Italy, a ‘sensibilia’ machine that allows you to smell the different aromas detectable in wine, and a lift that ascends through bubbles to the champagne room. However, more of these kind of exhibits are needed in order to fill all the space. In some rooms, the only items on display are landscape pictures of vineyards. At the end of the tour there are two large tasting halls with tables dedicated to the destinations featured on the tour. Friendly staff help you choose your wine, and offer you tasting notes on which you can write your own comments. Vinopolis also has six hospitality rooms and a vast shopping space selling wine, books, cheese, coffee, glasses and decanters.
Entry price on door: £10, which includes use of a CD audio guide and five tastings. It costs an extra £2.50 for five more tastings.