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And the winner goes to…The best place to buy your wine

When it comes to buying wine, there are some factors to consider. Are you buying it as a gift, or just to enjoy alongside your takeaway and Netflix? Are you a connoisseur of rare vintages and obscure vintners, or are you a newcomer looking for something light and pleasant? And, last but not least, what is your budget? It can be quite discouraging to set out to buy a good bottle, when you haven’t the faintest idea where to look – and it would be a shame if you let this stop you!

For this reason below is a look at the main things to consider when buying a bottle of wine. Winesdirect.com have produced an online retailers of the year 2017 awards for us to take a look at in relation to the considerations we cover.

Value for Money
Firstly, you need to decide the desired price range and occasion. If you’re looking for a nice bottle to go with your dinner, or something to bring along to a casual barbeque, it’s worth taking a look at the Asda and Aldi selections. Obviously, you won’t find any rare collectibles there, but you will get a perfectly respectable, pleasant bottle of wine (or a multi-bottle special) for a very reasonable amount of money.

Customer Service
If you’re after top-notch customer service (so important!), especially if you’re new to buying wine, then Laithwaite’s and M&S Wine are both excellent options, providing quick, helpful and professional customer service to answer any questions you might have.

Online retailer
If you don’t have the chance to go to a shop or if you’re catering for a large party, there’s always the online option. Majestic Wine is a leading UK wine specialist and a great online wine merchant (not always the same thing), offering a great selection and timely delivery, so you can order at your leisure, stress-free.

Wine Range
Whether you’re looking for something specific or just want to browse available selections, the Waitrose Cellar and Laithwaite’s offer a very broad spectrum of wine for all taste preferences, budgets and menus. It’s a great place to find nicer bottles.

Delivery
When ordering online, especially for a special occasion, delivery is key. Naked Wines and Ocado are widely regarded as the best choices for a speedy, flexible delivery at a reasonable rate, so that your wine arrives straight to your doorstep in good time.
When it comes to buying wine, these experienced, reliable sellers cater to every taste, occasion and budget – whether you’re after a bubbly Prosecco, or a velvety Cabernet Sauvignon.

Sam Roberts