Established in 1969 after Tony Laithwaite went to Bordeaux, Laithwaites set out to make friendships with the growers to be able to support and serve the wine lovers. Through working with the people making the wine and keeping things simple, the savings are passed directly on to those people drinking the wine.

So how does it work?

To keep it simple, there are a number of subscriptions to pick from depending upon your taste in wine. As a result of signing up, Laithwaites will then automatically send you a case every 12 weeks (unless you amend it). 

In addition to your subscription, you can also add a membership. There are two main options which are:

1. Memberships

• Unlimited

  • £24 per year

  • No delivery charges for subscription cases or gift items and you can send different orders to up to 20 different UK private addresses.

• Premiere 

  • £65 per year

  • With every order of 12 bottles or more, you receive two free bottles of wine.

Flexibility and Control

Managing your wine club subscription is a breeze with a few clicks. You can easily skip cases or adjust delivery dates through your account settings. If you decide to take a break, canceling your membership is straightforward and can be done online without any hassle.

Stay Informed and Customize

Stay ahead with advanced email notifications about upcoming cases. You can even preview your next delivery in your online account to see what’s in store. Customize your selections to suit your palate—whether you prefer reds, a mix, or all whites, changing your preferences is as simple as a button click. Note that certain customization options are available for specific membership levels, ensuring you get the experience tailored to your membership type.

With these features, you have full control over your wine journey, tailoring each shipment to your personal taste and schedule.

What if I don't like the wine?

There is a 100% money back guarantee on the bottles you order. Should you not like a wine, or it's corked or damaged, they'll add a credit for the price paid to your account for you to put towards another order.

• If you have several bottles of the same wine that you want refunding, don't open them, they'll come and collect them.

• If the bottle was a free one, they will replace it but not refund it (which is more than fair to be honest). 

What do we think?

In our view, this is perfect if you don't have any time to review and research wines. Laithwaites have spend years working with vineyards to build relationships to bring us the perfect wine. The only thing you need to focus on is ensuring that manage the frequency of the deliveries to your own liking and providing you manage your preferences on grapes and regions, you'll soon create the perfect wine delivery arriving on your doorstep. 

Any tips we can give you?

• Don't rush in and buy a case full of the same bottle of wine.

• Explore the different grapes. 

• Don't write off a grape because of one bottle.

• Keep a record of the wines, including their year, you have tried and liked/not liked.

Any wines we'd recommend?

"Il Papavero Pinot Grigio 2021" or "Il Papavero Pinot Grigio 2022" from Scipinoe Giuliani. While Scipinoe Giuliani does not grow his own grapes, he travels throughout Italy to find the best parcels of grapes to blend together to make his fine wine. 

How Are Wines Selected for Club Cases and Can Members Personalize Their Selections?

Wine selection for club cases involves a meticulous process carried out by a team of global wine experts. Each year, these experts sample over 40,000 wines, filtering only around 2% into a curated list. This rigorous selection ensures that the wines offered are of the highest quality and most remarkable taste.

Personalization Options

For the personalized collections such as Signature and Reserve, members have a unique opportunity to tailor their shipments to their tastes. By sharing your wine preferences, you give vital insights into your likes and dislikes. For instance, if Merlot isn't to your liking, or if you have a penchant for Italian varietals, let us know. You'll answer a few quick questions about your preferences, and based on your feedback, your club case will be customized with wines that are likely to captivate your palate.

Insider Collection

The Insider Collection follows a slightly different approach due to the exclusive nature of its wines. These selections are inspired by the personal favorites of the club's expert curators for the season. Due to their rarity, personalization isn't available for these cases, but rest assured, they feature some of the most exciting wines for that term.

In both processes, whether personalized or not, wine lovers receive selections crafted with passion and expertise, ensuring each sip is a delightful experience.

What is included in the Signature, Reserve and Insider Collections?

Looking to elevate your wine experience? Here's what you can expect from each curated wine collection:

Signature Collection

This collection is designed for those new to the wine world. It offers:

• A selection of exceptional wines from burgeoning regions.

• Expert recommendations to bolster your confidence in choosing wines.

• Opportunities to explore both classic bottles and innovative new styles.

Expect a journey through diverse flavors and regions, perfect for building a strong foundation in wine appreciation.

Reserve Collection

For the seasoned wine enthusiast, the Reserve Collection dives deeper with:

• Noteworthy bottles from traditional regions like Bordeaux, Tuscany, and Rioja.

• Unique selections crafted by pioneering winemakers from less-traveled areas.

• A mix of varietals that promise to add character to your cellar.

Here, you’ll find wines that tell a story, expanding both your palate and collection.

Insider Collection

Tailored for the true connoisseur, this collection offers:

• Access to rare and exclusive wines usually off the radar.

• Curated cellar-worthy reds, with occasional luxurious whites and rosés.

• Selections from some of the world’s most esteemed and elusive estates.

Each case is designed for refinement, whether you choose to age these gems or savor them now.

Each collection promises not just bottles of wine but a doorway into a broader, bolder world of wine discovery.

What are the different types of wine collections availabe for explorers, enthusiasts, and connoisseurs?

Discovering Wine Collections for Every Taste

Whether you're a budding wine explorer, an enthusiastic collector, or a seasoned connoisseur, there's a wine collection tailored just for you.

For the Explorer

Dive into the Signature Collection, designed for those who are just starting their wine journey. This collection is ideal for newcomers eager to explore vibrant flavors and accessible pricing. You'll find a mix of classic wines along with exciting new varieties from up-and-coming regions. It’s all about fostering confidence through diverse selections.

Features:

• Ideal for new wine lovers.

• Varied regions and grape types.

• Emphasis on value and discovery.

For the Enthusiast

Step up your game with the Reserve Collection. Perfect for individuals who have a passion for wine and want to deepen their knowledge. This collection connects you with wines crafted by passionate artisans, offering an exquisite selection from both renowned wine regions and intriguing lesser-known areas. Broaden your palate and expand your collection with these curated choices.

Features:

• Tailored for seasoned enthusiasts.

• Includes iconic regions like Bordeaux and Tuscany.

• Offers boutique wines from emerging areas.

For the Connoisseur

The Insider Collection is curated for those with refined tastes seeking rare and exclusive wines. This selection boasts exceptional quality wines, often hard to find elsewhere, with a primary focus on reds, though luxurious surprises do feature occasionally. Perfect for those who appreciate the art of wine aging and the complexity of rare finds.

Features:

• Perfect for wine experts.

• Rare and exclusive selections.

• Predominantly red wines, with occasional variety.

Each collection invites you to not just taste, but truly experience the art and story behind every bottle. From exploring new territories to savoring intricate profiles, your ideal collection awaits.

Do the wines offered have any awards or critical acclaim?

Absolutely, the wines from the clubs have garnered impressive recognition and acclaim.

Awards and Recognition:

• The collection has won over 550 prestigious medals, with more than 430 of those being gold.

• Top international critics have awarded 90 points or higher to 335 different wines, underscoring their exceptional quality.

Customer Approval:

• Online reviews reflect tremendous customer satisfaction, with over 130,000 five-star ratings and an average score of 4.0 out of 5.

• Additionally, these wines have earned 1.57 million favorite clicks from wine enthusiasts who appreciate their excellence.

This extensive recognition highlights not only the critical acclaim but also the popularity among wine lovers.

Interesting Term & Condition

We noticed in Laithwaite's terms and conditions that you can not resell the wines you purchased from them. The wines purchased are for your own personal consumption, not commercial purposes. They also note that the wine can not be gifted which is interesting. Sorry mum, I need that case of wine I ordered for your birthday.... the rules say I need to drink it myself! Oh well.