Wine at Fortnum and Mason  Add/Read Comments

There is a certain 'image' that the name Fortnum and Mason conjures - to me its posh, dusty and crusty, touristy with food hampers for shooting parties, deep carpets and hushed voices. Just my thing really! It is a 300 year old institution though that has often been at the forefront of innovation - the first company to import Heinz Baked Beans for example, but as food and wine 'destination' it has been eclipsed by the the other up-market department stores such as Selfridges and Harvey Nics - which a huge monetary investment is designed to counter.

As part of a £25 million revamp both the food hall and the wine cellar have been expanded and improved. The website too has had a face-lift and now offers on-line ordering. Prices are never going to be 'cheap' of course, this being Fortnum's, but I have to wonder who the website is aimed at. Who, exactly, buys wine from Fortnum's?

You can pick up Louis Roederer NV for £37.50 (Oddbins £27.99) or Ladoucette Pouilly Fume for £19.90. Perhaps a case of Screaming Eagle 1996 is more your thing. It is listed at £2,100 a bottle.