As the festive season approaches, there's never been a better time to support the independent shops that make our neighbourhoods special. If you find yourself in Walthamstow, E17, or you're lucky enough to call it home, Forest Wines is a must-visit destination.
A Local Gem Worth Discovering
Since spring 2014, this independent wine shop on Forest Road has been serving up handpicked natural and organic wines, craft beers, and selected spirits. Run by a passionate husband-and-wife team, Forest Wines offers both retail and dine-in service – pop in for a bottle on your way home, or settle in at their communal table with small plates. Their focus on natural, minimal-intervention wines from both Old World classics and lesser-known regions means you're getting quality, sustainable products with real character.
World Vegan Month: When Vegan Cheese Met Vegan Wine
November is World Vegan Month, and what better way to celebrate than with one of life's most perfect pairings? The lovely team at Forest Wines put their extensive collection to the test, pairing their wines with our Honestly Tasty vegan cheeses to find the ultimate matches.
The Perfect Pairings
Bree: For our delicate vegan brie with its subtle nutty notes, think fresh and bright. White wines with refreshing minerality and citrus notes act as a palate cleanser, cutting through the rich texture without overpowering those mild, nuanced flavours. A lightly oaked Chardonnay also works beautifully.
Try these:
- Achille Pepin – Bright minerality and citrus notes that lift the cheese beautifully
- Willamette Chardonnay, Kelley Fox Wines (Oregon) – Elegant, minimal oak, natural acidity: a very harmonious match
Shamembert: Orange wines are the secret weapon for camembert and more pungent cheese styles. They bring structure, gentle tannins, and aromatics that stand up to the bold character of aged vegan cheeses.
Try these:
- Chenin Blanc, Stay Brave – Skin-contact style with tannins and texture that hold up to the Shamembert's depth
- Salamandre Orange, Château de Saint Cyrgues – Herbal complexity and structure that echo the cheese's savoury flavours
Blue: Dessert wines reign supreme here – think sherry, Sauternes, and fortified wines. While our blue-style cheese is slightly milder than a traditional Roquefort, it still loves a rich partner. For red wine lovers, a balanced young Malbec or Merlot provides just the right weight.
Try these:
- Oloroso Dry Sherry, El Maestro Sierra – Rich, nutty, oxidative: a powerful match for the blue cheese's intensity
- Vin Santo del Chianti, Fattoria di Sammontana – Honeyed sweetness, dried apricot, and almond notes: the perfect foil for salty cheese
The All-Rounder
When we asked the Forest Wines team for their ultimate crowd-pleaser, they chose the Chenin Blanc, Stay Brave – a skin-contact beauty that brings enough structure and character to complement an entire cheeseboard while still letting each cheese shine.
Are All Wines Vegan?
Not all wines are vegan-friendly. During winemaking, many producers use fining agents like isinglass (fish bladder), casein (milk protein), egg whites, or gelatine to clarify wine. Vegan wines use plant-based alternatives such as bentonite clay, pea protein, or simply allow natural clarification over time. Forest Wines currently stocks more than 150 vegan wine options on their website.
Keep Your Eyes Peeled
Exciting news is brewing: Forest Wines and Honestly Tasty are working on a vegan cheese and wine tasting event! Follow both of us on social media to be the first to know when tickets are available.
In the meantime, there's a competition running right now. Head to our social channels for details (here), or if you're not on socials (or fancy extra entries), you can enter here: Competition Entry Form
Ready to explore? Use code HONESTLY10 for 10% off your order at Forest Wines (£30 minimum spend, valid until the end of the month).
Whether you're hosting a festive gathering or looking for the perfect gift, Forest Wines is a lovely local destination for exceptional, ethically-minded drinks. Pop in, say hello, and discover why this independent shop has won the hearts of the Walthamstow community. Can't make it in store? Use the expert guidance above, and shop online!
Forest Wines, Forest Road, Walthamstow, E17