These days Laithwaites wine portfolio almost exclusively operate within the £12 to £25 price range, comprising wines from producers around the world.
Below you’ll find five recommendations to buy from the UK retailer to enjoy with family and friends.
Sustainability
In 2022, Laithwaites saw itself doubling down on sustainability, with the aim of halving its carbon footprint by 2030. It committed to increase the number of UK-bottled wines in its range to help cut down on CO2 emissions from shipping glass bottles – shipping in bulk in large ‘bags’ drastically reduces the weight of the same volume of wine.
In September 2023, Direct Wines (owner of UK retail arms Laithwaites Wine and Averys) was announced as Decanter’s Green Champion, thanks to its ‘comprehensive’ action plan across many aspects of the business, from packaging to transport, training and biodiversity.
From strength to strength
Over the last few years, the range seems to have gone from strength to strength, and I’ve noticed a general uptick in quality. It’s still far too easy to find over-oaked wines (which is great, of course, if you like that), but there is also far greater variety that not only covers the classics but also does a great job of introducing customers to weird, wonderful and off the beaten track wines.
Take the Notebook Old Vines Pais (see below), for example. It’s not an easy grape to find in the UK, and it’s quite a unique style, but one that’s easy to love thanks to its soft berries and herbal lift.
Meanwhile, the Sartirano Barbaresco is great value for lovers of Nebbiolo. It’s getting harder and harder to find wines of this calibre under £20, so pick it up while you can!
Laithwaites wines are predominantly sold online and via wine clubs, but the retailer also has a smattering of stores around the south of the UK, including in London, Beaconsfield, Gloucester, Reading, Banbury and Windsor.
