3 Exceptional Restaurant Wine Lists in Bath

Few cities in the UK do wine quite like Bath. There’s such a mix of talent and passion from the people selling wine that going out to buy a bottle of your favourite tipple is often a pleasure, if you know where to look.
 
Wine is inherently a social being and is best enjoyed with friends and a great plate of food. It’s easy to see why some of our finest experiences of wine come from memories of dining out with loved ones. When a restaurant gets it right, the result can turn a great evening into a lasting memory.
 
Here’s three restaurants that I think are getting their wine list spot on…
 
First and foremost one of the most exceptional wine lists I’ve come across in Bath is at none other than The Bath Priory Hotel. This Michelin starred kitchen run by Executive Chef Sam Moody, about thirty minutes’ walk from the city centre, has a wine list that changes just as much as its seasonal food menu. It’s always being updated and perfected by Head Sommelier Francesco Martusciello, so there’s never a dull moment when you’re choosing your next wine. I think the white wines in particular here are delicious. The staff’s knowledge is excellent and they are often on hand to answer your questions or suggest something new for you to try.
 
Another favourite of mine is The Chequers, just a couple of minutes’ walk from the Assembly Rooms, one of Bath’s tourist highlights. The dining at this gastropub is a pleasure but it’s their wine list that always seems to stand out. Gems such as the aromatic Gruner Veltliner or The Chequers’ range of White Burgundies gets me excited about their white wines, while the big and bright Australian reds such as St Hallet from the Barossa Valley are excellent with food at this time of year.
 
Acorn Vegetarian Kitchen is worth singling out too. The wine list here is perhaps a little more limited on first glance but they’ve really thought about the wine and dine experience here more than most. Not only do they recommend matches to complement your food selection by second nature but the wines are as exhilarating as their cuisine. Highlights for me include their choice of Trimbach Riesling and De Gras Pinot Noir – and it’s difficult not to be tempted by the luscious Peller Ice Wine for dessert.
 
I’m always on the look-out for new wine lists to try and I’m here to help any restaurant or pub who think their wine list needs a seasonal update. For more information or to get in touch about some more of my favourite wine & dine destinations, call Ben Franks Wine on +44(0)7545353147.
 
For wine recommendations and free-to-view tasting notes visit www.benfrankswine.com or follow him on Twitter @BenFranksWine
 
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