Top 5 friendly wine shops

If you like your wine you'll love these shops.

ROBERSON Within staggering distance of Olympia, this huge and colourful emporium has 1,500 wines from 21 countries and claims to offer the largest selection of Bordeaux in London. Informal tastings every Saturday. 348 Kensington High Street, W14 (020-7371 2121). Mon-Sat 10am-8pm.

UNCORKED Co-owner Jim Griffen says he follows the season, so there's an ever-changing stock of small-producer wines from around the world. His hot tip of the moment is Austria. Tutored tastings and quiz nights. Exchange Arcade, Broadgate, EC2 (020-7638 5998). Mon-Fri 10am-6.30pm. www.uncorked.co.uk.

HANDFORD HOLLAND PARK A great selection of South African wines, plus choice tipples from Burgundy, Bordeaux, Spain and Italy. Informal wine tastings for groups. 12 Portland Road, W11 (020-7221 9614). Mon-Sat 10am-8.30pm. www.handford.net.

PHILGLAS & SWIGGOT This merchant recently expanded to offer a greater choice of Australian and Italian wines to Battersea locals and visitors from as far afield as Sweden. Wine club, wedding list service and formal tastings. 21 Northcote Road, SW11 (020-7924 4494). Mon-Sat 11am-7pm, Sun noon-5pm. Also at 64 Hill Rise, Richmond, Surrey (020-8332 6031). Closed Mon. www.philglas-swiggot.co.uk.

WIMBLEDON WINE CELLAR Over 2,300 wines, with particularly good stocks from Rhône, Burgundy and Italy sourced by owner Andrew Pavli. Informal wine tastings every Saturday at the Chiswick store. 1 Gladstone Road, SW19 (020-8540 9979). Mon-Sat 10am-9pm. Also at 84 Chiswick High Road, W4 (020-8994 7989). Mon-Sat 10am-9pm, Sun 11am-7pm.