“With barrel-loads of choice and experts on tap, London is a real corker for wine-lovers. And good wine doesn't need to break the bank.”

Relatively new to the scene, Bistro du Vin Soho (of the Hotel du Vin dynasty) have a wine-by-the-glass machine that's proving popular amongst London wine buffs. They have also recently opened the delicatessan-style La Cave au Fromage – ideal for picking up a selection of artisan cheeses to take home with you. Another newcomer, The 10 Cases, work on the principle that there will always be ten cases of ten different reds and ten different whites on offer. Even the most dedicated of wine lovers would struggle to taste them all…

For somewhere formal, Conran’s Lutyens off Fleet Street offers wines from the classic wine regions of France to the cutting edge of New World viticulture. If you require somewhere a little more low-key in the same area of London, you can head around the corner to 28º-50º where you can enjoy very reasonably priced wines by the glass in a relaxed setting. Serving up a fantastic selection of wines by the glass and keeping things rustic and convivial, is Vinoteca – also home to a wonderful wine shop where you can buy all of the wines available in the bar at very competitive prices.

L’Etranger has a fantastic wine shop and a wine list with over 1,000 bins; their wines can be found from countries as diverse as Brazil and Turkey, to the more established regions in France, Italy, Australia and The United States of America. And if you're looking to further develop your understanding of food and wine, book a place at one of Corrigan's  intimate wine dinners (the next one is actually this evening – 30th September, 2011) for a four-course meal with wine pairings led by a guest sommelier or industry expert.

For relaxed romance, clink glasses at Negozio Classica on the corner of Portobello Road and Westbourne Grove and escape into a world of wine-orientated, Italian charm. Or, if you are in the West End, Franco’s off Piccadilly offers 18 wines by the glass and has an exceptional list of rosés – perfect for the Indian summer we're currently experiencing. Or head to Le Caprice where, whether you're there for business or pleasure, you will be sure to have absolutely nothing to ‘wine’ about.

As always, check out the Deals page to see what fantastic offers are available to Lady Blonde readers.