If you are anything like me, you probably enjoy drinking a couple of bottles glasses of wine to relax and unwind from a stressful day. However despite people drinking cases of the stuff, wine always seems to be one of those things that people always get really scared of talking about. Being passed a wine list at a restaurant and being asked to choose a bottle for everyone feels like taking an exam. I feel like people literally fall over themselves to admit that they know nothing about wine and don’t want to be responsible for choosing for others, myself included once we move past sparkling. So when I heard that SIWA (Seoul International Women’s Association) were having a party for their members to do some wine tasting I was really excited to attend, as I got to get drunk and learn a little something at the same time.
Vine Works is located just a stones throw away from Sangsu Station. The place is nestled at the dead end of an alleyway, so it is unlikely you’d ever pass it if you weren’t looking for it, especially as the main space is up on the fifth floor. However they have a rooftop which can be enjoyed in warmer times. The wine events vary and there is something for everyone from wine buffets to book clubs, and tastings all with different themes. The price for the events vary but are generally between 30,000 – 50,000 per person which includes wine and food.
Each month Vine Works comes up with a calendar of the events they run, but they are always open to having people come and have their own events there, so if you are looking for a space to host a private dinner, gathering, or party, then it is one to consider as they can provide you with both wine and food and a lovely intimate spot to hold your soiree.
Our SIWA event was for a Spanish wine tasting which cost 45,000 per person and included three Spanish wines (a Cava and three reds) a selection of tapas, and a large selection of hot dishes. The night kicked off with a glass of Cava while we all relaxed into the evening whilst enjoy the charcuterie style nibbles and small tapas bites. This is my favourite kind of food to eat while drinking, and there was a really nice varied selection which pleased both meat eaters and vegetarians alike.
Once we had settle in with our bubbly, we were given a run through of the evening by the very charismatic owner Ian. He introduced the Beronia wines we would be drinking, then we played a fun game with the smell challenge which was much harder than I thought it would be. After that he talked about the Rioja region that the red wines we were tasting were from, and the best ways of going about tasting wine, before then asking us to identify which wine was the more expensive. I was pleased to guess this one correctly after my epic fail in the smell test.
Potato Stew
Lamb
Garlic Shrimp
After our tasting challenge was finished they brought out the hot dishes for us to share. Although I had been sated by the nibbles, I was thrilled when these rolled out, and it really helped soak up that wine. There was a really great selection of dishes, all cooked in house. It was proper home cooking and really went along with the homely vibe of the place. Everything was delicious, though the lamb and potatoe stew were the real stars for me. As I say the food varies due to the event’s theme, but my friend who has attended several times said it is always good. After dinner was finished we were welcome to buy any more bottles that we wanted and relax and enjoy them then. You can also buy to go, there being big discounts for those who buy in bulk. They even deliver to your home!
Overall I loved my night at Vine Works. We had a really fun night and got to enjoy plenty of wine. The food was delicious and the entertainment was great too. I even learned a little something. It is a very unique venue and perfect for those looking to plan a party. If you enjoy wine and are looking for a space where you can enjoy it and learn a little more it is well worth a visit. Below is their calendar of events for February.
Vine Works is located at 5F 49-15 Wausan-ro 13-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul. To get there take a train to Sangsu Station (line 6) and come out of exit 1. Walk straight and take your first left, walk to the end of the alleyway then take the first right and turn back on yourself almost going back the way you came. You will find Vine Works at the end of that alleyway on the fifth floor. For more information you can call them on or check out their facebook page.