Where to take a wine lover

Most of us happily guzzle a glass of wine or three with our dinner on a Saturday night - but where do you go if you really want to set those tastebuds fizzing? Edward Sullivan swings by some of London's best winebars and coiffs some of their finest, all in the name of research...

Albertine **

1 Wood Lane, W12 (020-8743 9593).
This is a bar for the connoisseur of wines rather than the session drinker, with a wide-ranging list that has some good-value, quality offerings. It has the appearance of a musty Eighties wine bar, with dark wooden tables and candle-wax-coated bottles.

Nicolas Bar A Vins ***
1 Canada Square, E14 (020-7512 9283).
The French have been invading Britain under the camouflage of the Nicolas chain of wine retail outlets. This is an off-licence where you can adjourn to the bar to enjoy some of the very best that this Old World wine-producing nation has to offer - without having to pay corkage - along with some fine, rustic French cuisine. Another branch is at 442 King's Road, SW10.

The Crescent ***
99 Fulham Road, SW3 (020-7225 2244).
A small, ground-floor bar in the middle of a parade of South Kensington shops leads to a much bigger basement bar and restaurant. The list of more than 250 different offerings - 25 by the glass - makes for a directory of some of the finest global wines. The wines are keenly priced, but the best plan for some true bargains is to keep your eye on the bin-end list, which heavily discounts end-of-the-range stock.

Vinopolis **
1 Bank End, SE1 (0870 444 4777). Would-be oenophiles can take a World Of Wine tour through an exhibition of all the major wineproducing regions of the world. For £11.50, you'll discover the origins of wine, learn about the different grape varietals and understand why different countries produce such diverse products. Product sampling is included as part of the deal.

Wapping Food
Wapping Hydraulic Power Station, Wapping Wall, E1 (020-7680 2080).
This former power station is now enjoying a new lease of life as a bar-cum-restaurant-cum-community arts centre. Fish is the speciality of the restaurant, and there's a fabulous wine list that includes some scintillating Australian-only treats. The perfect place to while away the hours and to enjoy the exhibitions.