Laithwaites are the biggest direct wine merchant in the United Kingdom. They are currently celebrating their 40th year in business so have plenty of experience in customer satisfaction. Laithwaites was set up to provide Britain with wines of character and authenticity and this is still paramount today. Laithwaites is renowned for its top class customer service and consequently has won many awards over the years. Laithwaites has managed to put many wine regions on the map, and is an influential and well regarded company in the wine market. The founder Tony Laithwaite, is still running the business and helps with the selection of wines. Laithwaites travel across the world tasting many, many different kinds of wine in order to ensure the best wines are on their shelves.
Minimum Orders
Mostly the wine comes in a minimum of six bottles. However the minimum order will depend heavily on the type of wine ordered.
Delivery Times and Costs
Delivery is rapid with Laithwaites, which is part of the excellent customer service they provide. On standard delivery the order is delivered within five days, unless you live in certain postcodes that are specified on their website. The site send you an email when your order has been despatched and you can check its progress online. However, if you want to get your wine extra quickly you can take advantage of Laithwaites next day delivery service. Provided you make an order before 12.30 pm Monday to Friday.
Delivery costs are fairly standard. Standard delivery with Laithwaites costs £6.99, how ever many cases of wine you buy. This is unless you buy a wine from a gift range, when extra will be charged for the cost of additional packaging. Next day delivery is more pricey and is charged at £8.99.
Range of Products
Laithwaites has an absolutely fantastic range of wines. It stocks over 800 different wines and offers one of the most comprehensive wine lists on the internet. Laithwaites even has a wine plan, as they offer so many wines, Laithwaites chooses a selection for you. You can choose from themes such as Australia Direct, A Taste of Spainand Four Seasons. You can skip cases whenever you like and can change cases when you like. Laithwaites also sells plenty of accessories and handy half bottles of wine.
Types of Products and Price Range
Laithwaites steers clear of mass produced supermarket style wine. Its success has been based on its search for new and individual tasting wines that are made with passion and enthusiasm. Laithwaites has a specific section of their website dedicated to fine wines. Here, some of the best wines they have found throughout the world are showcased. En Primeur wines are also found meaning you can order the latest vintage wines easily online. They also stock plenty of carefully selected wines for under a fiver, and many across the price range. This means there is something for every budget and every occasion.
Style and Usability of Site
Laithwaites has a fantastic website that lets you do much more than simply order wine. The site is easy to navigate around and very easy on the eye. It is easy to find the wines you require, you can narrow down your search by style, country, price, regions and grape varieties. It is easy to order, and once you have ordered once you can take advantage of a quick order option. The site also has plenty of extras, including an events section which lets you know about forthcoming tastings and special events. It also has a handy wine guide, excellent for anyone who wishes to expand their knowledge. This also provides a useful food match section which provides you with information regarding how to pair wines with meals, brilliant if you are cooking for friends or a special occasion. Special offers are also made clear at Laithwaites, with an entire section being dedicated to different deals. Tony Laithwaite also regularly fills in a blog, letting you know all about wine tasting sessions across the world and how Laithwaites comes to stock new wines. All in all, a comprehensive site with much to offer.
Purchasing
In order to purchase with Laithwaites you have to sign up to their website. This is simple and easy and links are clear on the site. After this simply sign in and your past orders and favourite wines will be accessible to you.
