Wine expert and broadcaster Jane Parkinson explores the best wines in Knightsbridge, what to order and what to pair it with

  ‘Spoilt for choice’ is never a phrase I use lightly, but it’s safe to say if you fancy a glass, half bottle, bottle, or even magnum of exquisite wine, you will never be disappointed when in Knightsbridge. So read on if you want to fast track your way to wine heaven, because the plethora of bars, stores and restaurants in this distinctive pocket of the capital have wine treats aplenty.   The range of champagnes and similar-style sparkling wines is breathtaking. If you’re out to impress and looking for sublime flavours then head to The Berkeley in Wilton Place, where a bottle of Bollinger’s super-rare Vieilles Vignes Françaises is a delicious slice of champagne history in a glass. Another top house available here is Salon, so often the champagne of choice for a wine connoisseur – its pure chardonnay elegance just melts in the mouth. If you’re just after a glass though, head to The Aubrey at the Mandarin Oriental at 66 Knightsbridge, which has an eye-wateringly beautiful sake list as well as a champagne list that’s thoughtful and varied. For example, it features the delicious and vastly underrated  Hostomme Brut Cuvée by the glass, which is a dream match with the sushi, sashimi and tempura. Meanwhile, at The Lanesborough on Hyde Park Corner, Taittinger’s fabulous prestige cuvée Comtes de Champagne also comes by the glass (that doesn’t happen often) and makes for a gorgeous pairing with any of The Lanesborough Grill’s seafood starters.   The white wine options also come highly recommended. Luigi Maffini’s Pietraincatenata Fiano by the glass in Sette within the Bulgari Hotel at 171 Knightsbridge is arguably one of the most mouth-watering and interesting whites by the glass, and while Harvey Nichols’ own-label range is consistently good across the board (as in white, rosé and red), it’s hard not to get excited about drinking a bottle of chablis from Moreau-Naudet at the Mandarin Oriental, or at The Lanesborough, the benchmark and fresh yet creamy South African white blend Rocking Horse from Thorne & Daughters. The Baccarat Bar at Harrods on Brompton Road represents one of England’s finest white wines at the moment, Kit’s Coty Bacchus, which makes a seamless match with the Dorset crab starter on its menu. There’s a heavenly range of vibrant and flavoursome rosés to be found, including one of Provençal’s tastiest producers, Mirabeau, which has its Pure wine – full of uplifting red fruit crunch – listed by the glass and bottle at The Hyde Bar at The Park Tower at 101 Knightsbridge, while The Knightsbridge also features another great from Provence, Aix Rosé, again by the glass and the bottle. At Harrods’ Pizzeria & Pasqua, you’ll find a range of wines from the north-eastern winemaking family Pasqua, one of its most popular being the complex and moreish Y by 11 Minutes rosé, which is just as good with the Caprese salad as it is with pizza.   For showstopper reds, The Bulgari Lounge showcases a who’s who of Super Tuscans, although it’s hard not to be seduced by the allure and fragrance from Gaja in northern Italy. Either of its Barolos on the list would make a sensational pairing with a wide range of rich seasonal flavours on the plate. If France floats your boat, though, Burgundy’s shining star Domaine de la Romanée Conti is impressively represented at The Lanesborough as is Bordeaux, for example Château Pétrus. For something a bit less predictable but insanely great value, the Marcillac Lo Sang del Païs from Domaine du Cros is a standout southern French red that I urge everyone to get to know better, as is the Boom Boom Syrah made by Charles Smith in Washington State listed at the Mandarin Oriental – a black cherry-fest of a red wine that’s hearty and packed with dynamite spice.   Tasting really is believing when it comes to wine in Knightsbridge, because wherever you are, great – often phenomenal – wine is never more than one or two sips away.