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 25โฌ. 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.”
Jรฉrรดme 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 Chรขteau La Fleur Petrus and Chรขteau Trotanoy Pomerol in our store. After a visit and tastings, he selected 12 bottles, amounting to โฌ1000 in fine wines. Discovering he saved โฌ150, his excitement was palpable.”
Whether on holiday, business trips, or weekend escapades, both Olivier and Jรฉrรดme continuously explore the French wine landscape, cultivating special relationships with winegrowers for over 25 years. Jรฉrรดme shares, “At Domaine Pollier, producer of Pouilly Fuissรฉ, 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 Jรฉrรดme visit independent winegrowers who share their passion for winemaking. Jรฉrรดme highlights, “At Chรขteau de l’Hestrange, owned by Laurent Metge Toppin, I particularly savor the grapefruit and lime flavors and the mineral character of their Chardonnayโtruly a treasure at only โฌ8.90. Visiting Domaine Oliveira de Lecestre, it’s the nectar of Chablis that thrills. From Petit Chablis at โฌ6.90 to Premier Cru at โฌ23.80, 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 Chรขteau Neuf du Pape โ Domaine de la Solitude at โฌ35.90 (detaxed: โฌ30.51), Domaine Lรฉcheneault โ Nuits-Saint-Georges at โฌ44.90 (detaxed: โฌ38.16), Chรขteau de Fieuzal Rouge 2018 Pessac Lรฉognan at โฌ57.95 (detaxed: โฌ49.25), Chรขteau Neuf du Pape โ Vieux Tรฉlรฉgraphe at โฌ72 (detaxed: โฌ61.2), Carillon dโAngelus โ Saint Emilion Grand Cru 2019 at โฌ118 (detaxed: โฌ92.04), and Chรขteau la Fleur Petrus- Pomerol 2016 at โฌ269 (detaxed: โฌ228.65).
Now, let’s delve into affordability for the Frenchโindeed, 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 (ยฃ)
Calais Vins Price (โฌ)
Calais Vins Tax-Free Price (โฌ)
Calais Vins Price with Duty-Free (ยฃ)
Bordeaux Chรขteau Recougne Supรฉrieur
ยฃ 10,99
โฌ7,90
โฌ 6,71
ยฃ 5,73
Champagne Laurent Perrier
ยฃ 44,99
โฌ 41,95
โฌ35,66
ยฃ 30,47
Chablis By Maurice Lecestre White Burgundy Wine
ยฃ 29,90
โฌ15,50
โฌ13,18
ยฃ 11,26
SANCERRE White Loire Valley Wine By Domaine Roger NEVEU
ยฃ 19,00
โฌ15,95
โฌ13,56
ยฃ11,58
With the pound sterling at โฌ1.17, 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 โฌ300 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 โฌ200, receive a complimentary bottle of Saint Estephe Chรขteau Serilhan 2018, valued at โฌ22.90. Enjoy even greater savings with 3 bottles for โฌ400, representing a substantial 17.17% discount (โฌ68.70). Opt for 6 bottles for โฌ700, and witness an impressive 19.62% savings (โฌ137.40). Your savings grow as you spend moreโunlock a world of fine wines at unbeatable prices!