Sicilian Wine Tasting at Veeno Chester: A Delicious Journey Through Sicily in the Heart of the City
If you’re on the lookout for a memorable food and drink experience in Chester, let me introduce you to something truly special: the Sicilian Wine Tasting Experience at Veeno. Nestled on the charming Northgate Street, Veeno is an authentic Italian wine bar that brings a little slice of Sicily to the city.
Recently, I had the absolute pleasure of visiting Veeno Chester, kindly invited through Joli, and I left with a belly full of cheese and wine, and a big smile on my face. Whether you’re a wine lover, a curious foodie, or someone simply looking for a unique and cozy date night spot, this place is a must visit.
A Warm Italian Welcome in Chester
From the moment you walk into Veeno Chester, it feels like you’ve been transported to a rustic Italian wine bar. The space is cozy and inviting, with twinkling fairy lights lining the windows and a soft, romantic glow that makes it perfect for an intimate evening. Whether you’re catching up with friends or planning a special night with your partner, the ambiance sets the mood just right. Veeno also has other locations across the UK: Bristol, Edinburgh, Leeds, and Leicester.
A Taste of Sicily with the Wine Tasting Experience
Veeno’s Trip to Sicily Wine Tasting Experience is a brilliant way to discover the story behind their wines. What makes this tasting extra special is that most of the wines are sourced directly from Caruso & Minini, the owners’ family-run vineyard in Sicily. Their wine range, Terre Di Giumara, is a tribute to the estate that’s been passed down through generations. You can even purchase their wines online if you fall in love with a bottle (or two).
Our wine tasting was expertly guided by one of Veeno’s knowledgeable team members, who explained the tasting notes, food pairings, and origins of each wine.
The Italian Sharing Board
We kicked things off with a glass of Spumante Frizzante, a sparkling wine made from a blend of superior white grapes. It was bright, refreshing, and had lovely fruity and floral notes. Basically, summer in a glass.
Shortly after, we were presented with the Italian sharing board, an abundant spread of delicious cheeses, dips, breads, and more. As a pescatarian, I was delighted with the cheese selection, all thoughtfully paired with our wine journey. I also received a mushroom burrata and green olives which, by the way, I finally enjoyed after years of trying. Salty, fresh, and not too bitter…finally, an olive I could get behind!
A closer look at the wines:
The Whites:
- Terre Di Giumara Inzolia
This white wine was sharp, intense, and bursting with fruit and floral notes. It’s perfect for pairing with mushroom pasta, grilled fish, or creamy entrees….basically, right up my alley as a pescatarian.
- Terre Di Giumara Grecanico
This one was my personal favourite of the whites, fresh, mid-dry, and bursting with white fruits and orange blossom. Recommended with octopus, oysters, and vegetarian starters.
The Rosé:
- Tasari Syrah Rosato
I’ll admit, rosé is not usually my go-to, but this one completely surprised me. It was light, cherry-coloured, and full of juicy berry flavours like pomegranate and raspberry. I’d absolutely order this again, especially alongside a grilled salad or summer lunch.
The Reds:
- Terre Di Giumara Frappato Nerello Mascalese
Typically, I’m not really a reds, but this one, described as their smoothest red, was pleasant with ripe fruit and spice. Though not my top pick, it was still enjoyable, especially paired with the cheeses and breads.
- Tasari Rosso
This one was a little more up my street, ruby in colour and packed with flavours of strawberry, raspberry, and a touch of liquorice, it was rich without being overpowering. Great with vegetables, legumes, and pizza. As someone who doesn’t usually enjoy red wine, I was surprised to genuinely like this one, and I’d absolutely drink it again.
Something Sweet to Finish
After sipping our way through five fabulous wines, we ended the evening with a yummy portion of tiramisu, paired with the Tagos sweet wine. Think honey, cinnamon, and floral notes, a soft, syrupy wine that was the perfect dessert companion. And just when we thought we couldn’t be treated any more, we were each given a shot of limoncello to round off the experience. Bellissimo!
Why You Should Try Veeno’s Wine Tasting Experience
This experience isn’t just about the wine, it’s about the stories behind the wine, the atmosphere, and the shared joy of discovering new flavours. I left feeling not only well-fed and well-watered, but genuinely inspired to explore more wines (even reds!). It was interesting, fun, and totally indulgent, the kind of activity I’d recommend for a date night, birthday celebration, or just because.
And if wine tasting isn’t quite your thing (though I highly recommend giving it a go!), Veeno also offers pizza and fizz nights and a delicious-sounding Italian afternoon tea. Safe to say, I’ll definitely be back.
Final Thoughts: New Favourite Found!
Thank you so much again to Joli and Veeno Chester for such a wonderful evening. I had an incredible time tasting my way through Sicily, and I can confidently say that Veeno has earned a spot on my list of top food and drink spots in Chester.
If you’re a wine lover, foodie, or just looking to try something a little different, I can’t recommend the Trip to Sicily Wine Tasting Experience at Veeno enough.
Planning Your Visit to Veeno
Location: 52 Northgate St, Chester CH1 2HA
Website: https://www.veenobars.com/
Reservations recommended: Veeno is a popular spot, especially on weekends and for wine tastings, so booking ahead is recommended. You can reserve a table or book one of their special experiences directly through their website. Walk-ins are welcome too, but if you’ve got your heart set on an experience like the Trip to Sicily, it’s best to secure your spot in advance.
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