Welcome to the Vintners’ Company

A Great Twelve City of London Livery Company

The Company received its first Royal Charter in 1363 and is known as the Spiritual Home of the International Wine Trade

Our History

With its origins steeped in the history of the City of London and the import, regulation and sale of wine, the Company maintains strong links with the wine industry.

Its current trade, social, charitable and educational interests, means the Company continues to play an important role in the 21st century.

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The Company’s principal charitable vehicle is the Vintners’ Foundation, which provides assistance to charities concerned with the relief of the poor, destitute and homeless in Greater London; charities treating the social effects of alcohol abuse or misuse, and support to young people, youth projects and designated educational establishments in London.

Read about our charity work here.

Vintners’ Hall

A spectacular event venue in

the City of London

The magnificent Vintners’ Hall and its ancillary rooms are available for your special event, be that corporate or private.

Whatever the occasion, you can be assured of our excellent quality of service and hospitality.

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Our Trade


The Vintners' Company boasts a rich tapestry of historical connections with the wine trade, spanning centuries as one of London's oldest and most influential livery companies. Its origins as a guild dedicated to regulating wine quality and trade in medieval times have evolved into a contemporary institution that continues to uphold and celebrate the traditions of the wine industry

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The Vintners' Company is a Founder of the Institute of Masters of Wine

The Vintners' Company is a Founder of the Wine & Spirit Education Trust

Swan Upping

The Vintners’ Company’s ancient right to own swans dates back over 900 years and the annual event of ‘Swan Upping’ takes place in the third week of July.  Originally this was a way of allocating ownership of swans, a prized bird eaten at many feasts.

Ownership was a sign of status and importance, but now Swan Upping is about counting and checking the health of the birds as well as educating people about the importance of Swan Upping and swan conservation.

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