Affordable Alpine Indulgence

With a staggering 9.6% surge in alcohol prices in the United Kingdom, Ski Club members are seeking affordable options for their ski trips. Calais Vins and Olivier Vins emerge as the go-to destination for cost-effective and quality beverages, allowing skiers to indulge without breaking the bank.

Claim the VAT Back and Enjoy a Grape Escape

Olivier Vermisse and Jérôme Pont, the two managers of the wine shops are making life easier for their British customers with a brand new — and innovative — system allowing them to reclaim VAT on purchases from the highly regarded Calais Vins’ and Olivier Vins’s shop, with their vast selection of wines and beers. Thus, the Grape Escape is born!

Jérôme Pont has a good nose for it. Aware of the new need for customs declarations and more administrative procedures, Calais Vins has worked hard to create a simple and seamless process. Jérôme explains: “It was not the answer, to just give a Gallic Shrug to the realities of Brexit. We are here to help our customers. So now we can give them a tax- free voucher that allows them to reclaim the VAT as soon as they embark in Calais, thanks to our partnership with Global Blue. It is significant, there is around 15 percent VAT that can be reclaimed on purchases from us. We forged these partnerships to enable our customers to reclaim VAT upon boarding at the Eurotunnel and ferry terminals in Calais. By simply scanning a bar code at the kiosks at the Calais port terminals, the refund process is activated..”

Find out more on how to claim the VAT

Alcohol Allowance

With their exit from the European Union, the British face new limits on the amount of alcohol that can be brought back into the UK. New customs rules say they can bring back 24 bottles of wine per person and 12 bottles of sparkling wine; plus 42 litres of beer. That said, the frantic quest for unlimited amounts of alcohol has never been Jérôme Pont’s niche. “We are a shop built by French people for French people, but where the British are very welcome; that’s our motto. With an increase of 60 % of British Visitors in 2023, customers came back and understood the value for money.

Unparalleled Variety with Over 4000 Options

Calais Vins and Olivier Vins boast an extensive selection, offering Ski Club members a diverse range of over 4000 beverages to choose from. This convenience ensures that every member can find the perfect drinks to complement their ski adventure. “We well know the tastes of our British clientele, and here they will find some very coveted ‘appellations’: Fleurie, Médoc, Nuits-Saint-Georges, Meursault, Chinon, Chablis, Pomerol… the list is endless. As a major French wine merchant, we also stock many of the great grape varieties and vintages, the British will find rare bottles here such as Whisperring Angel, Guigal, Jaboulet, Louis Latour, Joseph Drouhin, Grand Crus Chateau Talbot, Mouton Rothschild, Lafite Rotschild, Domaine Trapet et Marcel Deiss amongst others. We are the closest wine shop to Britain for exceptional grape varieties.” Added Olivier Vermisse

25 Years of Expertise at Your Service

Benefit from Calais Vins’ expertise and knowledgeable staff, making the selection process seamless. The 25 years of experience guarantee Ski Club members top-notch assistance in choosing the finest wines, spirits, and beers for their ski trip.

Indulge Your Palate at the Wine Tasting Bar

For a truly unique experience, explore the wine tasting bar at the shops. Ski Club members can sample and select their preferred beverages before making a purchase, ensuring that every choice aligns with their taste preferences. Taking the time, discussing the grape varieties, sharing the knowledge of the wine growers and eating healthily is a concept far removed from the traditional Booze cruise. When you walk through the doors of Calais Vins, the manager offers you expert and personalised advice from his tasting bar. “All my staff speaks English. We know the tastes of our British customers and are able to advise them according to their desires, and also to propose food and wine pairings.”

Convenient Pit Stops with Private Parking

Accessible from the motorway and offering private parking, both superstores provide a convenient pit stop for Ski Club members to stock up on beverages before hitting the slopes. The ease of access ensures a hassle-free experience for travelers.

Quality and Price – A Perfect Blend

Calais Vins and Olivier Vins stand by their commitment to both quality and affordability, offering Ski Club members a perfect blend of exceptional products at competitive prices. Enjoy premium beverages without compromising on budget. You’ll save on quality wine while shopping in Calais

Maximizing Savings with VAT Reclaims on the Return Journey

As Ski Club members return from their ski adventure, the shops continue to sweeten the deal. Take advantage of the UK duty-free allowances and reclaim VAT on the return journey, maximizing savings and making the stop at Calais Vins even more rewarding.

Exclusive Wine Offer for The Ski Club of Great Britain Members

Calais Vins and Olivier Vins are delighted to present an exclusive wine offer for members of The Ski Club of Great Britain. With a minimum spend of 200 €, members can receive a complimentary bottle of Saint Estephe Château Serilhan 2018, valued at €22.90. Opt for 3 bottles for 400 € and witness a substantial 17.17% discount (€68.70), or choose 6 bottles for 700 € and enjoy an impressive 19.62% savings (€137.40). This offer is non-cumulative, non-transferable, and valid for in-store purchases only from December 15, 2023, to April 15, 2024. Find out more here.

Calais Vins invites Ski Club members to savor the perfect blend of skiing and fine wine. With affordability, quality, and exclusive offers, every journey to and from the Alps becomes an opportunity to indulge in exceptional beverages. Head to Calais Vins, where the spirit of the slopes meets the taste of savings.

Calais Vins – Rue Gutenberg, 62100 Calais
Phone: +33 (0)3 21 36 40 40
https://www.wine-calais.co.uk/
Open daily from 09.00am to 07.00pm. On Sundays and French bank holidays from 10.00am to 06.00pm. Easy and free parking in front of the shop.

Olivier Vins et Compagnie

CD215, 62185 Fréthun

Off the A16 motorway, exit at junction 40 ‘Gare TGV’. A few minutes’ drive from the Eurotunnel terminal and the port of Calais.
Open daily from 09.00am to 07.00pm. On Sundays and French bank holidays from 10.00am to 06.00pm. Easy and free parking in front of the shop.