Southampton tour guide group wins top award

SEE Southampton was given a silver award for its 'Vaults and Vino' guide walk and wine tasting event by the Beautiful South Tourism Awards.

The group, which was launched in 2013, operate regular guided walks across the city centre, visiting the medieval vaults and towers not usually accessible to the public.

In addition to these weekly walks, it has established a series of special event walks working with a number of other organisations in the city, including the Dancing Man brewery on the Western Esplanade.

The Vaults and Vino event provides an evening of entertainment, combining a walk in the open air with the opportunity to learn about local medieval history, wine and food pairing, as well as social networking. Once a month, for one hour, a qualified local See Southampton tour guide and wine connoisseur open up four wine vaults in the heart of Southampton.

SEE Southampton’s Katie Santos said: "We’re thrilled that our Vaults and Vino evenings have been recognised. It’s been a privilege to work with the Dancing Man brewery and showcase Southampton’s vaults on an evening dedicated to wine and history. The two make great bedfellows.

"Over the course of the year we theme the Vaults and Vino evenings, and have staged Italian, French and Sparkling wine evenings to name but a few. We’re already looking forward to staging more in 2019."

The tour explains how Southampton prospered in medieval times, thanks to the wine and wool trades. Guests are shown the medieval walls and vaults and learn of their association with the wine industry, which in Southampton dates back to the 12th century following the marriage of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine.

The wine-tasting part takes place at the former 14th century Wool House, today the Dancing Man brewery.

SEE Southampton guides and wine connoisseurs, together with the professional team at the award-winning venue, organise all wine and food pairing. Each session is unique, helping to appeal to different tastes and interests.