Vagabond, which boasts over 100 wines for customers to explore and self-pour by the glass at its Colmore Row wine bar, has launched a new cheese fondue sharing platter for the winter season.
Available to book from 15th October, the brand-new winter sharer is a delicious blend of Alpine Swiss, Emmental, Raclette and Gruyère cheese. All the cheeses are made using the traditional Alpine method, with producers using milk sourced from cows grazing on the Alpine grassland, then ageing it for a minimum of two months before melting with white wine and kirsch brandy for the perfect balance of flavours.Ideal for two-to-three people to share, the fondue is served with warm toasted baguette, new potatoes, cornichons and balsamic Borettane onions, for £20pp. Guests can also add portions of pigs in blankets (£8), Serrano ham (£6.50), or roasted mushrooms (£5).With hundreds of wines from across the world to choose from, the award-winning Vagabond team is on hand to provide the perfect pairing recommendations. Vagabond’s Wine Buyer, Colin Thorne, suggests accompanying the fondue with a white wine from the region of Sainte Victoire in Provence from producer Château Grand Boise. He said: “This is a blast of freshness combining bay leaf, lemon zest and wild fennel scents with a taut and mouth-watering freshness. Probably better known as a partner with the Côte d’Azur seafood, this lean and mineral-tinged white will race through the creamy richness of a fondue just as well.”The 2022 Cent Cinquante, a blend of Gamay and Syrah pairs well if you’re adding on a meaty side, or a 2021 cinsault from the South African producer Fram, if you’re opting to add on the roasted mushrooms. Guests can also pre-book upgrades to a glass of prosecco (£7) or English sparkling wine (£12), for the perfect cheese and wine get together. Christobell Giles, Acting General Manager at Vagabond, said: “Cheese and wine is a match made in heaven, so we’re really excited to be elevating the Vagabond experience and introducing our cheese fondue this autumn. The team has been working hard to find the most delicious blend of Swiss cheeses and its perfect dipping and drinking pairings – we can’t wait for our regular self-pourers and new guests to try it for themselves.”Vagabond, which is now part of the Majestic Wine group following its acquisition in April, also operates eight London venues located at Battersea Power Station, Charlotte Street, Fulham, Monument, Northcote Road, Paddington, Shoreditch, and Victoria.Cheese fondue bookings can be made from 15th October, with festive packages for groups of up to 15 also available.Fondue bookings can be made at: https://vagabondwines.co.uk/fondue