5 months ago
The Wine Tasting Shop, a beloved gem on Hildreth Street in Balham, has recently won three prestigious awards at the Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce.
Founded over 50 years ago and supported by Wandsworth Council, these awards are incredibly important locally, encouraging residents to support their community businesses and foster commerce within the borough.
The Wine Tasting Shop is thrilled to have won in three categories: Hospitality Business of the Year, Retailer of the Year, and the coveted Best Overall Business of the Year. This is a huge achievement for owners Rex and Cat Rosales, who have poured their passion and dedication into making their shop a welcoming venue for wine enthusiasts across South London.
With over 20,000 creative and diverse businesses in the Wandsworth Borough, this year’s awards had the pleasure of recognizing and celebrating the hard work, resilience, and success these businesses achieve. Rex and Cat’s dream was to create a space where everyone, especially younger drinkers, can learn about wines and pairings without feeling intimidated. “Wine is made to be enjoyed by everyone,” Rex says. “There’s a lot of jargon to bust through for someone at the start of their wine journey, and I just love making things simple and understandable.”
Head buyer Cristi Datcu also plays a crucial role, encouraging customers to explore wines outside their comfort zone. The shop’s offerings regularly change, featuring both old and new world wines, and reflecting interest in emerging wine regions like Moldova, Georgia, and Slovenia. Whether you’re a wine aficionado or a novice, the shop provides personal recommendations and the chance to connect directly with Rex and Cristi for tailored advice.
Since taking over, Cat and Rex have renovated the bar and shop to create a hospitable space for enjoying wine and engaging with their enthusiastic, professionally trained staff. It’s the perfect spot for a lunchtime glass of rosé on the pavement terrace, a date night sharing a bottle of red with a cheese and charcuterie plate, or participating in one of their regular tastings every Thursday and Saturday. The inclusive atmosphere extends to their BYOB (Bring Your Own Baby) tasting sessions for local parents on Tuesday afternoons, and the popular live music nights every Friday, showcasing London’s best unsigned talent.
Downstairs, an intimate room hosts weekly tastings and bespoke events for private groups, often featuring guest producers and experts. This March marks the launch of a new monthly supper club, beginning with a Venetian Cicchetti evening paired with an exciting wine flight. As the weather warms, The Wine Tasting Shop’s al fresco seating becomes a prime destination for Londoners seeking a sunny spot to enjoy a glass of wine. And for those preferring to savour their wine at home, the new online store is the perfect solution.
Cheers to new adventures in wine!
