Newcastle Cavavin: the best wine shop & tasting experience in the city

By Ania Askwith

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Cavavin, Railway Arch 9, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE

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Best for: wine tasting, wine bar Newcastle, wine shop, wine flights

Newcastle Cavavin: exceptional wines at great prices

Newcastle Cavavin is a boutique wine bar and shop with a very impressive selection of wines from around the world. We’ve been a couple of times now and we’ve had a great experience each time.

It doesn’t matter if you are a seasoned wine drinker or just enjoy an occasional glass (I fall into this category), Newcastle Cavavin should be on your list if you’re looking for great quality wines at very reasonable prices.

The team at Newcastle Cavavin are super knowledgeable and happy to guide you to the perfect bottle or glass based on your preferences.

What’s on offer at Newcastle Cavavin

• Wine shop

There are so many options here. You can buy wines to take home, or stick around for a glass, a wine flight, or even a tasting (but you do need to book if you are opting for that).
They have a huge range of around 900 wines (which is just mind-blowing), so you will be sure to find something you enjoy.

• Wine bar

If you prefer to sit in and enjoy your wine here, this place is also a boutique wine bar serving the wines that they sell.

You can pick your own wine, if you know what you like, or you can let staff recommend some options, based on what you like.

I really liked that they challenge you to try something new – if you’re open to it. I was happy to go for something out of my comfort zone as I am guilty of sticking to red wine, so they introduced me to some rose options. No, I didn’t convert to a rose drinker, but I didn’t hate it either so it’s a step in the right direction (although for now, I’ll continue with my reds – and the options they recommended were both beautiful.)

• Wine tastings

They also host wine tastings. The night includes wine (obviously) and as they take you through each option, they explain a little more about the wine you are drinking, and give you some really fun facts which you actually want to know – they are really knowledgeable and engaging at the same time.

We went for the wine flights and snacks, but they were doing wine tasting at the time and I really enjoyed hearing all about different wines and how they are made. So many interesting things I never realised about wine- if you are even remotely interested in wine, you need to try this place!

• Snack platters

I also really enjoyed their snack platters with olives, crisps, nuts, and cheese – perfect for sharing. We have had it here a couple of times now and they go perfectly with the wines, and the cocktails they craft for special events like the Newcastle cocktail week that they take part in.

Why we enjoy Newcastle Cavavin

• A carefully curated selection of wines from around the world. There really is a lot of choice here, but the place is well organised, so you do not wander around the shop confused. It is easy to find your way around.

• Knowledgeable staff. They are on hand and happy to advise if needed, but aren’t trying to upsell you at all – it is a relaxed experience.

• A relaxed but sophisticated atmosphere. The place has a lovely, welcoming vibe to it but having drinks here also feels quite special. It really is a lovely experience.

• Value for money. You’ll be surprised how reasonable their prices are for the great wines they serve and sell. I don’t think we’ll go back to wine shopping in a supermarket.

Location

Newcastle Cavavin is tucked under the railway arches near Newcastle Central Station, at Railway Arch 9, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE. It’s a short walk from Newcastle Central Station if you’re travelling by metro or train.

Tips for Visiting

• The opening times are Sun -Thu: 10am – 7pm; Fri & Sat: 10am – 9:30pm

• Try a tasting. Newcastle Cavavin’s wine tastings are perfect for expanding your palate. They will challenge you to try wines you might not usually drink, which I think is a great part of the experience. And you will learn so much too.

• Ask for recommendations. The staff are incredibly knowledgeable and happy to guide you to the perfect bottle or glass based on your preferences. Or ask them to surprise you if you are feeling adventurous.

• Plan your visit. While Newcastle Cavavin is open daily, Fridays and Saturdays get busy here, especially if there is a wine tasting event going on, so it’s definitely worth booking beforehand; it is not a huge place so book to secure your preferred time.

• Take a bottle home – this isn’t just a bar; they also sell wines (and other alcohol like champagne) so you can pop in and grab a bottle. No need to book if you’re just wanting to shop.

If you love discovering things to do, places to go, and the best spots to eat and drink in the North East and beyond, be sure to follow my blog for more reviews, recommendations, travel tips, and hidden gems. And for a closer look at my day-to-day experiences, follow me on Instagram @ania.askwith for behind-the-scenes content and even more discoveries! Let’s explore together!

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