Wine shopping that’s actually enjoyable
The supermarket wine aisle is fine for everyday drinking. But when you want something interesting — wines with stories, producers you haven’t tried, advice that’s actually useful — you need a proper wine shop.
Kingston and Surbiton have kept the independent wine trade alive. Ex Cellar’s genius is letting you drink anything you can buy; Taylor’s offers traditional expertise without the bar distraction. Between them, they cover every wine-buying need.
Quick picks: find your wine
The 3 best wine shops in the area
1. Ex Cellar Surbiton
Best for: Wine bar evenings, tastings, discovering new wines
Ex Cellar solved wine shopping’s main problem: how do you know if you’ll like it? Their answer: every bottle on the shelves is available to drink in, for a fair corkage fee. Want to try that natural wine before committing? Sit down, they’ll open it.
The selection leans interesting — small producers, unusual regions, wines with stories. Staff know what they’re selling and guide without condescension. The tasting events are worth catching.
The bar side has cosy wine-bar atmosphere. Good cheese and charcuterie boards, lighting that flatters, a vibe that works for dates or catching up. It’s become Surbiton’s default for wine-led evenings.
Visit for: Tasting events, date nights, discovering new wines, cheese boards
18-20 Brighton Road, Surbiton KT6 5PQ
2. Ex Cellar Kingston
Best for: Central Kingston wine, Market Place drinks, pre-dinner
Ex Cellar’s Kingston branch brings the same formula to Market Place — wine shop you can drink in, knowledgeable staff, a selection that rewards curiosity. Default meeting spot for anyone wanting more than pub wine.
The Market Place location works brilliantly. Evening atmosphere spills in, and the shop is small enough to feel intimate but stocked enough to always offer something new.
Less space than Surbiton but the charm translates. Good for pre-dinner drinks that accidentally become dinner, or grabbing something better than supermarket plonk for wherever you’re heading.
Visit for: Pre-dinner drinks, Market Place atmosphere, wine shopping
38 Market Place, Kingston KT1 1JQ
3. Taylor’s Fine Wine
Best for: Serious bottle buying, gifts, traditional expertise
Taylor’s is old-school wine merchant for people who want to buy wine, not just drink it. No bar component, no Instagram aesthetic — just proper bottles, proper knowledge, and advice from years of tasting and selling.
The range balances accessible everyday bottles with serious wines worth cellaring or gifting. Staff advise on pairings, occasions, and budgets without upsell pressure. The shop for “what should I bring to dinner?” questions.
Ham Parade location is slightly out of the buzz, which suits the purpose. You’re here for considered purchases, not spontaneous evenings.
Visit for: Birthday gifts, anniversary bottles, stocking up, expert recommendations
321 Richmond Road, Ham Parade, Kingston KT2 5QU
By occasion
| Need | Go to | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Wine-led evening out | Ex Cellar Surbiton | Best atmosphere, food available |
| Pre-dinner Market Place | Ex Cellar Kingston | Central, pairs well with dinner plans |
| Birthday/anniversary gift | Taylor’s | Expert advice on special bottles |
| Try before buying | Either Ex Cellar | Drink-in model lets you taste first |
| Building a cellar | Taylor’s | Traditional merchant expertise |
| Tasting events | Ex Cellar Surbiton | Regular calendar of themed tastings |
Tasting events
Ex Cellar Surbiton runs regular tasting events — usually themed around regions, styles, or producers. These are excellent value for learning while drinking, without the homework feeling of formal wine education.
Check their social media or ask in-store for the current calendar. Events book up, so plan ahead for popular themes.
FAQs
What is Ex Cellar?
Ex Cellar is a wine shop where every bottle on the shelves can be opened and drunk in-store for a small corkage fee. It’s half wine shop, half wine bar — letting you try before buying or make an evening of it. Locations in both Surbiton and Kingston.
Where is the best wine shop in Kingston?
Ex Cellar on Market Place is the standout for atmosphere and the drink-in model. Taylor’s Fine Wine on Ham Parade is better for serious bottle buying and expert advice.
Can you drink wine in Ex Cellar?
Yes — that’s the concept. Choose any bottle from the shop shelves, pay a corkage fee, and drink it there with food if you want. You can also buy to take home.
Is there a wine bar in Surbiton?
Ex Cellar Surbiton functions as both wine shop and wine bar. The atmosphere is cosy, they serve cheese and charcuterie, and the wine list is the entire shop.
Which wine shop is best for gifts?
Taylor’s Fine Wine is the traditional merchant choice — staff will help you find something appropriate for the recipient and occasion, with proper gift recommendations.
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About this guide
This guide is part of Kingston Compass, covering Kingston, Surbiton and New Malden. We focus on practical local recommendations and regularly checked information. All venues are researched and verified by our local team.