Recent reports from the UK media indicate a staggering 9.6% surge in alcohol prices, hitting the wallets of Britons hard amidst the rampant inflation sweeping across Europe.
Recognizing the value of wise wine choices, British wine enthusiasts have turned to Calais Vins and Olivier Vins.
Olivier Vermisse of Olivier Vins notes, “Customers visiting our store understand that they can discover top-quality wines ranging from 10 to 25€. Some even make a pit stop on their way to the Alps, loading up their boots with wine to enjoy with a raclette or fondue, realizing that local shops in ski resorts often come with a hefty price tag. The return trip becomes a jackpot, with wine to savor at home, bringing a piece of the Alps, all while benefiting from duty-free services.”
Jérôme Pont from Calais Vins recounts a recent experience, “Last week, a British gentleman arrived in his car, not seeking cheap wines to fill his boot. He had specific bottles in mind, knowing he could find gems like Château La Fleur Petrus and Château Trotanoy Pomerol in our store. After a visit and tastings, he selected 12 bottles, amounting to €1000 in fine wines. Discovering he saved €150, his excitement was palpable.”
Whether on holiday, business trips, or weekend escapades, both Olivier and Jérôme continuously explore the French wine landscape, cultivating special relationships with winegrowers for over 25 years. Jérôme shares, “At Domaine Pollier, producer of Pouilly Fuissé, I recall an 8-year-old accompanying his father. Today, he manages the estate. I always enjoy stopping by on holidays, discussing vintages, tasting new wines, forming friendships beyond the commercial aspect.”
Roaming through France, Olivier and Jérôme visit independent winegrowers who share their passion for winemaking. Jérôme highlights, “At Château de l’Hestrange, owned by Laurent Metge Toppin, I particularly savor the grapefruit and lime flavors and the mineral character of their Chardonnay—truly a treasure at only €8.90. Visiting Domaine Oliveira de Lecestre, it’s the nectar of Chablis that thrills. From Petit Chablis at €6.90 to Premier Cru at €23.80, the vineyards produce treasures both small and grand.”
In a recent endeavor to further enrich their curated selection, the team at Calais Vins and Olivier Vins embarked on an exciting journey to WINE PARIS & VINEXPO PARIS, the premier event in the world of wines and spirits. This renowned professional salon provided an invaluable platform for the team to connect with their trusted winemakers. Additionally, the team unearthed hidden treasures, expanding their portfolio with exceptional finds that are sure to delight their discerning clientele.
Calais Vins and Olivier Vins & Cie, the twin stores in Calais and Frethun, are renowned for their curated selection of wines. Discerning connoisseurs can choose from an extensive range of French wines, Grand Cognac, Champagne, and Calvados. Notable appellations in the Prestige collection include Château Neuf du Pape – Domaine de la Solitude at €35.90 (detaxed: €30.51), Domaine Lécheneault – Nuits-Saint-Georges at €44.90 (detaxed: €38.16), Château de Fieuzal Rouge 2018 Pessac Léognan at €57.95 (detaxed: €49.25), Château Neuf du Pape – Vieux Télégraphe at €72 (detaxed: €61.2), Carillon d’Angelus – Saint Emilion Grand Cru 2019 at €118 (detaxed: €92.04), and Château la Fleur Petrus- Pomerol 2016 at €269 (detaxed: €228.65).
Now, let’s delve into affordability for the French—indeed, for the British, when consuming wine in the UK. Britons reclaim the VAT, resulting in an additional 15% savings compared to their European counterparts.
Calais Vins playfully compares its in-store prices to high street prices in the UK, unveiling substantial savings:
Grape Variety |
High Street Prices UK (£) |
Calais Vins Price (€) |
Calais Vins Tax-Free Price (€) |
Calais Vins Price with Duty-Free (£) |
Bordeaux Château Recougne Supérieur |
£ 10,99 |
€7,90 |
€ 6,71 |
£ 5,73 |
Champagne Laurent Perrier |
£ 44,99 |
€ 41,95 |
€35,66 |
£ 30,47 |
Chablis By Maurice Lecestre White Burgundy Wine |
£ 29,90 |
€15,50 |
€13,18 |
£ 11,26 |
SANCERRE White Loire Valley Wine By Domaine Roger NEVEU |
£ 19,00 |
€15,95 |
€13,56 |
£11,58 |
With the pound sterling at €1.17, savings can reach nearly 50% on certain grape varieties. Although Britons must cross the Channel for purchases, Calais Vins sweetens the deal by offering a complimentary crossing to clients who pre-order online for €300 or more. Due to its success, this offer is set to continue throughout 2024.
Members of The Ski Club of Great Britain can now enjoy an exclusive wine offer from Calais Vins. With a minimum spend of €200, receive a complimentary bottle of Saint Estephe Château Serilhan 2018, valued at €22.90. Enjoy even greater savings with 3 bottles for €400, representing a substantial 17.17% discount (€68.70). Opt for 6 bottles for €700, and witness an impressive 19.62% savings (€137.40). Your savings grow as you spend more—unlock a world of fine wines at unbeatable prices!