THE GRAPE VARIETY – THE PERFECT NEIGHBOURHOOD WINE BAR #REVIEW…
Posted by Francesca De Franco on 21 Nov 2024
Nestled in an unassuming parade in Chipstead just 10 minutes drive from Epsom is the The Grape Variety (TGV) wine bar. TGV brings the refined charm of city wining and dining culture to the Surrey suburbs while maintaining the warmth and intimacy of a village local.
I have been a few times before and loved it, so I was delighted to have another opportunity to visit with Dee and Gaby last Thursday. With its large art and fairy light-adorned windows, The Grape Variety is immediately inviting. Once inside, you are greeted by a chic yet cosy, relaxed setting and LOTS of wine.
Every Thursday night, the Hungry Mate Pizza catering truck arrives and makes wood-fired oven, Italian-base pizzas to order. This particular night, TGV was also hosting a Sip & Sketch workshop, so the place was buzzing.
It’s no secret that I’m partial to a drop or three, so this is my nirvana with walls decked with wine bottles and a self-service wine station where you can have tasters of a variety of wines. It’s not just about the wine though. Here you can be tempted with wonderful cheese and charcuterie boards and small plates such as Lockdown Bakehouse spinach and ricotta ‘sausage roll,’ sweet potato and beetroot falafels with chipotle vegan mayo, baba ghanoush with warm pitta and ‘Patatas a la Riojana’ (potatoes with chorizo).
What we ate at The Grape Variety
We tried the ‘Gamba de Palamos,’ a cross between a mousse and a pâté made with the famous Spanish red prawns. Rich and bursting with flavour, this was like spreading lobster bisque on toast. I loved it.
The baked Camembert drizzled with honey and accompanied by sourdough toast was deliciously decadent and wonderfully oozy. The honey and perfect seasoning elevated this classic dish.
We ordered a ‘Diavola’ pizza, which had a great base and was topped with tasty pepperoni, mozzarella and green chillies (other choices included Margarita, Florentine, Pepperoni, Vegetarian, BBQ, The Meaty One, Ham & Mushroom).
Finally, we shared a delicious cheese and meat selection board, which included prosciutto, chorizo, Manchego, a black bomber Cheddar and Somerset brie, and bread, crackers, and chutney. It was beautifully adorned with grapes and seriously moreish habas fritas. Heaven!
What we drank at The Grape Variety
We started with a very purse-friendly Côtes De Gascogne, Duffour Père Et Fils (2023), suggested by the highly knowledgeable bar manager Adrian. With citrus and green apple notes, this was the perfect light, crisp and zesty aperitif and segued nicely for our prawn pâté.
We then moved on to red wine and opted for the ‘Palazzo Della Torre’, Allegrini (2021) from the Veneto region of Italy. This plush, complex, full-bodied wine is smooth and full of ripe red and dark fruit flavours, including cherry, blackberry and plum, and has vanilla and spicy hints. It is a versatile wine, so paired brilliantly with our cheese and charcuterie, in addition to the meaty pizza.
Instead of dessert, we had a glass of Pedro Ximénez ‘El Candado’ sweet sherry. Dee doesn’t (or rather didn’t) like sweet wines, but Adrian suggested she try this, and she is now a convert! It was full of figs, raisins and dates and tasted like Christmas in a glass – delicious!
We were having such a great time that we wanted one more, but the challenge was finding something that we would appreciate after having the strong and sweet sherry. Aidan came up trumps again with his Willunga 100 McLaren Vale, 2022, Grenache recommendation. This is a full-bodied, bright and juicy wine with red cherry fruit. The classic Grenache spice shines through with notes of white pepper and hints of dried herbs. It was another winner.
What we thought
TGV has such a lovely vibe. We had a brilliant night out and enjoyed the whole eating and drinking experience. It is a broad church: great for wine enthusiasts but equally accessible to those who just want to enjoy a glass or two; a perfect place for a quick glass of wine after work, a leisurely weekend lunch, a date night or an evening out with friends. My children love it here too (for the food, not the wine!).
What else?
On Sundays, a Kid’s Table team is in residence to entertain younger ones between courses. They also have The Green Room downstairs; think low-lit member’s club with plush, upholstered, winged chairs and elegant décor. This hosts events such as the Sip & Sketch and the upcoming Wreath Workshop and can also be hired for private events. Then there are regular quiz nights and wine-tasting events.
Head on down, you won’t be disappointed.
The Grape Variety
12 Chipstead Station Parade
Chipstead
Coulsdon
CR5 3TE
Wed- Fri: 3:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Sat: Midday – 11:00 pm
Sun – Tue: Closed
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Enjoy!
Fran x
