Avery’s Wine Cellars

It’s amazing how many native Bristolians are completely unaware of the amazing Averys, which we think is the best wine merchant we’ve ever used. Perhaps Bristolians know better places, but as far as we’re concerned, this is our favourite, and for many reasons.
Reason #1: You can taste wines before you buy them; not just one or two, but 10 or 11, chilled, non-​chilled, white, red, sometimes sparkling.
Reason #2: They do great tastings throughout the year, usually a couple of hours of wine and cheese in the evenings, and based around either a grape variety of a specific region. They don’t cost too much, either.
Reason #3: They stock a good selection of Champagne.
Reason #4: They’re undergoing a refurb right now, but it won’t affect the historic cellars, which are cool and well stocked with all sorts of things you wouldn’t normally find at your local supermarket.
Reason #5: Knowledgable staff. These guys know their beans (and their grapes).
Parking is rubbish, let it be said, but if you’re walking anywhere around Park Street, nip down the steps around the back, where you think nothing exists, and you’ll find the wonderful Averys. Until we get slapped in the face by a member of staff having a bad day, this is where you’ll find us.

Came here for a Champagne tasting for a friend’s stag do. £25 each got us four different Champagnes (the grand finale a Bollinger RD 1996 worth £130+ which was stunning). The whole thing lasted just over an hour, exactly how we had arranged it as we just wanted something to start the night off and we learned about each of the wines too. Try getting the same value four glasses of decent Champagne and some bread and cheese for £25 in any bar in town!