Signs you’ve reached adulthood: start appreciating glazed ceramics, care about public finances and actually understand wine.
It’s not an exhaustive list by any means, but each one signals a level of maturity. When it comes to wine, many initial experiences come either at the hands of a well-meaning relative - “just a small glass as it’s your birthday/ Christmas” - or plucking the cheapest bottle off the shelf your student loan will stretch to.
Tastes naturally mature in line with age and experience. Chardonnay, Syrah, Merlot, Burgundy, orange or natural, old world or new - you might have an idea of what you like, but there are thousands of great wines still out there waiting to be discovered and poured. For the curious oenophile, the options never dry up.
Whether you’re a veteran or have only just begun your journey into the delicious ways of the grape, if you’re interested in expanding your palate, having a clutch of wine shops at the ready can help.
Such merchants are more than a venue to pick up your usual plonk. They offer guidance, help and suggestions when you’re after something new, taking you on a journey that expands far beyond what’s safe and comfortable. And they also offer doorstep delivery, so no more hauling bottles home by yourself.
If you’re really keen to know more, many offer wine subscriptions, allowing you to meet like-minded fans while learning about grape variety, terroir, and sustainability. If there’s a wine round at the next pub quiz, you’ll walk it.
We’ve rounded up the finest online wine-sellers worth checking out the next time your personal stock runs dry or you want a special bottle for a special occasion.
See our directory below
Majestic
A familiar port of call for anyone who's ever shopped for wine online, Majestic has an incredible range to choose from, as well as beer, cider and spirits. The company regularly holds sales and special offers, including savings on a mixed case of six bottles - think of it as an adult pick 'n' mix.
Shop by wine type, country of origin and sizes (magnums come in particularly useful for big bashes). In response to the growing low and no alcohol trend, Majestic also offers options in this category too.
Buy now, Majestic
Laithwaites
This long-established merchant came about after founder Tony Laithwaite fell for Bordeaux wine in 1969 when he visited the region on a university field trip. Keen to share his 'discovery' with friends, family and other wine aficionados, the family-run company still delivers great wine to thousands of customers sourced from small, family-operated wineries.
The site is bustling with advice, guides and pairing tips, making it an indispensable tool for wine lovers. The company also runs events and experiences for face-to-face time with an expert.
Buy now, Laithwaites
Fortnum & Mason
You’ll know it as the Royal grocer selling tins of fine tea and scrummy biscuits, but this famous Picadilly store also has a sizeable wine collection.
From Champagne and sparkling to cases and personalised bottles, Fortnums is a great place to pick up a drop of something really special - especially if you’re shopping for gifts. While it has a reputation for luxury, there are plenty of gems to find in the Under £25 section.
Buy now, Fortnum & Mason
Waitrose Cellar
From New Zealand to Chile, South Africa to France, there's a world of wine to discover over at Waitrose Cellar - 1600 bottles to be precise. Wines are selected by Waitrose's award-winning buying team: don’t miss the exclusive bottles at affordable prices. Buying by the case (six or twelve bottles) unlocks even more savings.
Offers change periodically, so there's always something delicious to wrap your lips around, whether you're in the mood for red, white, rose, sparkling or something entirely off your personal wine map.
Buy now, Waitrose Cellar
Naked Wines
Featuring independent winemakers and smaller producers, this online wine shop, established since 2008, also reveals the stories behind the wine so you have a strong understanding of where your next bottle came from and how it's made.
The company is passionate about getting both the winemakers and customers the best deal, running a crowd-funding scheme that sees subscribers, known as ‘Angels’, deposit £25 a month with excellent bottles of wine from around the world delivered in return with a 100 per cent Hassle-free Guarantee if you don’t like what you drink.
Buy now, Naked Wines
Virgin Wines
Virgin Wines is a simple and easy way to get your hands on your favourite vino and one of the best online wine shops in the UK.
Browse 500+ wines across a range of price points, from under £7 options to triple figures for Champagne. If you’re restocking, opt for pre-mixed cases or those featuring just red, white, sparkling, rose or trending - a good way to try what’s hot right now.
Got birthdays or weddings coming up? Virgin Wines offers gift options too. Plus there are wine guides to help you choose between country, type, grape, style and handy how-to guides with advice for decanting, storing and pairing.
Buy now, Virgin Wines
Berry Bros & Rudd
If you can't get to one of BBR's three physical shops, the website won't fail to deliver. One of Britain’s oldest wine and spirit merchants, the Royal Warrant Holder was founded back in 1698 and offers rare and investment wine alongside its in-house selection, collated by its expert team.
Buy now, Berry Bros & Rudd
DELLI
If you want to know what all the cool kids are stocking in their wine racks, head to DELLI.
The range spans the most popular varieties and brand exclusives with eye-catching labels that will appeal most to Gen Z and Millennials. Vino comes in bottle and single-serve can format, while DELLI's curated crates offer the best value. Prices range from £2.99 to £92 for a case of six bottles.
Buy now, DELLI
Shop Cuvee
Another cool online booze shop bursting with bottles you'll want to add to basket stat. Shop Cuvee was built on the belief that good wine should be inclusive, starting life as one Highbury shop in 2019 before spawning more across the city, from Bethnal Green Road to Blackstock Road.
The selection of red, white, orange, rose and sparkling feels fun and there are cocktails to choose from too. Prices start at £6 for wine tinnies up to £216.67 for a party-sized jeroboam of Pinot Noir.
Buy now, Shop Cuvee
The Good Wine Shop
Go on an epic journey across the world through wine. The Good Wine Shop, an independent merchant based in leafy west London, offers bottles from Austria to Australia as well as vegan and organic wine.
Buy now, The Good Wine Shop
