Whether you’re looking for a place to cosy down, celebrate a special occasion or catch up with friends, who better than to list Cambridge’s best wine bars and stores than city food guide, Gerla de Boer?
Who would have thought 20 years ago that the English wine industry would be booming? In 2020 there were two and a half times more vineyards and wineries in England than five years ago. There are now 522 commercial vineyards and 164 wineries in England producing 15 million bottles per year. We even have an urban winery in Cambridge. And did you know that there are some excellent vineyards within 30 minutes-drive from the city?
Gutter & Stars
A few months ago, a Cambridge winery opened its doors just north of the river in Chesterton. Make your way to the end of French Road, and you’ll get to quaint houses and a windmill, which houses Gutter & Stars, the only urban winery in Cambridge.
Grape Britannia
If you’re keen to find out more about English wine, just a stone’s throw away from Gutter & Stars, is Grape Britannia. This wine merchant specialises in English wines and distils. Join one of their wine tastings to learn more about English wines.
Chilford Hall & Saffron Grange
A bit further afield towards the east of Cambridge, you’ll find the vineyards Chilford Hall in Linton and Saffron Grange in Saffron Walden. I can highly recommend joining one of their vineyard tours.
Wine Rooms
We might have thought that it was only doom and gloom recently, but some excellent restaurants and bars have opened in Cambridge. There is now a shift to organic and farm to plate using local producers.
When you dine out, ask your sommelier for their natural wine selection. Your local wine merchant is the person to tell you more about these wines. We’re lucky to have excellent wine merchants in Cambridge, which host wine tastings regularly, and some have wine bars too.
The newest addition to Cambridge’s wine scene is the Wine Rooms on Hills Road, opposite the Botanic Gardens. They are open from midday till late, and at their wine bar, they serve a fine selection of wines paired with a Mediterranean style inspired food. Don’t worry if you aren’t sure which wine to choose, as they have a sommelier at hand.
Kingston Arms
Another new opening with a fine selection of wines is the Kingston Arms. Maoz Alonim, a well-known restauranteur from Tel Aviv, took over the previously British pub in Kingston Street in December. After a facelift, he launched an Eastern Mediterranean menu, including seafood and oysters. Their impressive wine list is one of Cambridge’s best, and you will be guided by a sommelier if needed.
Wine Bars in Cambridge
Cambridge Wine Bar and Wine Merchants, Bridge Street & Cherry Hinton Road
Thirsty Cambridge, Chesterton Road
NYWines of Cambridge, High Green, Great Shelford
Vinopolis, Devonshire Road
Grape Britannia, Arbury Road
The Wine Rooms, Hills Road
The Kingston Arms, Kingston Street
Maurizio Dining and Co, Mill Road, Petersfield
Wine Merchants in Cambridge
Cambridge Wine Bar and Wine Merchants, Bridge Street & Cherry Hinton Road
Cambridge Wine Merchants, Kings Parade
Thirsty Cambridge, Chesterton Road
NYWines of Cambridge, High Green, Great Shelford
Vinopolis, Devonshire Road
Grape Britannia, Arbury Road
The Wine Rooms, Hills Road
Cozzi & Boffa, Burwash Manor
Bacchanalia, Mill Road & Victoria Road
