Buying wine on-line can be a scary thought and many people are put off as they are not sure of the hidden charges that might be there for delivery. As everyone is wanting something different - some want 1 bottle of Champagne, some want 12 bottles of the same whereas others don’t really know what they want. So I decided to look at a few different companies that sell wine on-line and here are the facts.
Majestic Wine:
Okay so I work for them and there will always be a little bit bias but I think that there are still things that can be improved upon. Firstly they offer two services, 12 bottle FREE delivery to mainland UK (£7.50 currently for Northern Ireland, Scottish Highlands), or selected packs of less than 12 bottles which are courier delivered, the delivery charge is included in the price. The 12 bottle delivery although free is guaranteed within 7 days, a bit outdated in today’s fast paced world, normally a lot faster especially if you live locally to the store, however if you are miles away you may have to wait a long time, and sometimes that is just not enough. Gift Solutions is a great way to get less than 12 bottles delivered to you but it is on a very limited range, which thankfully has just increased to include a sparkling wine and a rose wine, both of which were sorely needed! Overall not really that bad a great range and you can mix and match your 12 bottle case without being made to purchase 6 or 12 of the same thing.
From Vineyards Direct:
Not a company that I have personally used but have heard some good things about them. They offer the ability to mix and match your case and prices are all-inclusive for deliveries to UK mainland and Northern Ireland. The minimum total order is 1 case (12 bottles of 75cl equivalent) for the UK and 2 cases (24 bottles of 75cl equivalent) for Northern Ireland, Highlands and islands. So not really appropriate for those who are looking for a gift of less than 12 bottles then.
Vintage Wine Gifts:
Perfect for those who want to give a bottle from a particular year. Great to search through and very easy to use, however not really that competitive on prices which could make them an expensive present maker. They also offer some mixed packs which could be of benefit to people. They offer a next day delivery service costing £6.99 per order where orders must be received by 1630 to go out on this service. That is a good service as Majestic have to have orders by 10am for next day Gift Solutions delivery. Orders over £39.99 that do not require next day delivery, will be shipped free of charge within five working days or on any date of your choice. Orders under £39.98 will incur a £5.99 delivery charge. They will also deliver internationally but at a cost of around £19.99 per bottle.
Sparkling Direct:
This service is not just for wine or champagne but also incorporates flowers, chocolates, gift sets, and other bits and bobs, therefore making it a perfect way to get anything you want. Prices include next day delivery and Premium Delivery services such as, Northern Ireland, AM before noon & Saturday are available at the checkout for an extra charge. AM before noon delivery £4.99, Saturday Delivery before noon £5.99, Northern Ireland - two working day service £17.50. However with those delivery charges on top they are not overly competitive on price.
Oddbins:
Oddbins offer gifts and cases and you can mix and match however you like. They charge £5.99 for deliveries of 1-11 bottles and £6.99 for 12 bottles and over. Next day/specified date delivery services are £8.99 for deliveries of 1-11 bottles and £9.99 for 12 bottles and over. Free Delivery is offered on cases over £100, so you have to spend a fair amount to get something free. They can also deliver to a number of other countries:
Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Ireland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden! So quite a few then!
So over all who is best? Well I think it depends what you are looking for and what you are prepared to pay to get it, but I would still go for Majestic Wine for 12 bottles any time, but as I said, I am a little bit biased!