Because “just popping to the offy” is so 2019…

Tucked away behind the unassuming red brick façade of a former police station in York, The Vices Archive is the new and, dare I say it, future of buying wine. Gone are the days of blindly staring at rows of bottles with no clue as to what will best compliment dinner tonight or appease the future in-laws, because why put yourself through the overwhelming confusion when you could have a private appointment with your own personal sommelier?

Offering 45-minute appointments with sommelier extraordinaire, Daniel Curro, The Vices Archive allows you the time and space to discuss your tastes so Daniel can gain an understanding of your likes and dislikes before guiding you through his recommendations. Whether you’re looking for a bottle for a special occasion, a gift for a loved one, or just a treat for yourself, Daniel takes the time to understand exactly what the lucky recipient would enjoy in a wine before making suggestions tailored to your tastes.

I was fortunate enough to experience an appointment at The Vices Archive myself and, as someone with an embarrassingly limited knowledge of wine, I was surprised at how quickly Daniel was able to conjure up recommendations based on my previous and somewhat sketchy encounters with this particular beverage. The reds I had tried in the past had been jammy, heavy on the palate, and not the most enjoyable, whereas the Taurasi Guastaferro advocated by Daniel was delicate without losing the warmth one expects from a good quality red. With an extensive yet carefully curated collection of Italian wines, champagnes, and exceptional quality balsamic vinegars at his disposal, Daniel was able to suggest three new wines for me to try within ten minutes of our meeting. The pre-booking stipulation means your appointment at The Vices Archive remains exclusive, allowing you a full 45-minutes of Daniel’s stunning expertise (something that came in very handy for a wine newbie such as I). Boasting exclusive labels that cannot be found anywhere else in the UK, the selection on offer makes this a must-visit experience for seasoned wine enthusiasts and beginners alike.

The Vices Archive is only the beginning of the epicurean exclusives co-founders Daniel and Moreno have lined up. The building itself, a former police station, is currently being converted into a luxury townhouse hotel. Featuring private suites overlooking the green on a quiet, leafy street leading to the river, The Vices will be welcoming guests upon completion of the renovations in the coming months. The building will also be home to a private dining experience for up to 8 guests in the former police cells overlooking an open kitchen, a wine library accommodating a further 8 attendees, and a cocktail bar serving rare liquors and fine wines. Events such as wine masterclasses, library tastings, and wine producer nights will be added to the calendar as the various new portions of this unique hotel are unveiled to the world.

How to book:

Private appointments at The Vices Archive are free but must be pre-booked. Appointments in 2020 can be booked online at https://www.thevices.co.uk/bookings-the-vices-archive/ with 2021 slots becoming available online from December. If you have a specific date in mind for 2021 or have any questions, drop an email to york@thevices.co.uk Please note that bookings are capped to 4 people at any one time due to the current pandemic.

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