Purchasing Wine in the UK?

[Bunkie103]

Just wondering if you can purchase wine in the grocery store in Scotland like you can in some of the states?

 

Also wondering about Southampton. Boarding the QM2 and when I checked the wine list you can order from I wasn't impressed. On our Carnival cruises we have been allowed to bring 2 bottles of wine on board in our carry-on, so I thought if I could find a store where I could purchase some wine I might do that before boarding.

 

Thanks for any help anyone can provide.

[The Monocled Mutineer]

Wine is freely available in most grocery shops and supermarkets. There are also many specialists, including chains and independents.

 

The best chain grocer for wine is Waitrose.

 

The best specialist is Berry Bros who have a warehouse shop in Basingstoke, Hampshire.

 

In general, the UK has the best wine offering in the world.

[Keith1010]

Absolutely as the other poster said wine is readily available in UK grocery stores.

 

In terms of selection, I wouldn't go as far to say that the UK has the best offering in the world but as is the case in the United States some stores have a much wider variety than others. But, we have found a nice selection in most of their stores.

 

Just remember the prices will seem higher to what you may be used to given the approximate 2 to 1 conversion rate between British Pounds and US Dollars.

 

Keith

[Bunkie103]

Thanks so much for your quick response.:D

[little britain]

If you are staying the night in Southampton get over to the West Quay shopping centre which is right opposite the gates to the port - here you can do last minute shopping for toiletries etc, but there is also a Marks & Spencers which will have a very good varied wine selection.

We do get a variety of wines over here - but actually hardly any US wines - but a fantastic selection of French, South African, South American, and Australian/New Zealand wines. If you have never tried them may I recommend a NZ Sauvignon Blanc - crisp dry and fruity!! Also most Aus/NZ wines now have a stoven [screw] top so it makes them much easier to reseal and no need for a corkskrew!

 

http://www.west-quay.co.uk/website/

 

http://www.marksandspencer.com/gp/node/n/44092030/202-8815986-5622225?ie=UTF8&mnSBrand=core

[Bunkie103]

If you are staying the night in Southampton get over to the West Quay shopping centre which is right opposite the gates to the port - here you can do last minute shopping for toiletries etc, but there is also a Marks & Spencers which will have a very good varied wine selection.

We do get a variety of wines over here - but actually hardly any US wines - but a fantastic selection of French, South African, South American, and Australian/New Zealand wines. If you have never tried them may I recommend a NZ Sauvignon Blanc - crisp dry and fruity!! Also most Aus/NZ wines now have a stoven [screw] top so it makes them much easier to reseal and no need for a corkskrew!

 

http://www.west-quay.co.uk/website/

 

http://www.marksandspencer.com/gp/node/n/44092030/202-8815986-5622225?ie=UTF8&mnSBrand=core

 

 

 

Excellent suggestion. Checked their website and there are quite a few wines that sound interesting. Thank you so much. I'll make sure we check out the Marks and Spencer location in Edinburgh also.:D

[WELSH WIZARDS]

We do get a variety of wines over here - but actually hardly any US wines - but a fantastic selection of French, South African, South American, and Australian/New Zealand wines. If you have never tried them may I recommend a NZ Sauvignon Blanc - crisp dry and fruity!! Also most Aus/NZ wines now have a stoven [screw] top so it makes them much easier to reseal and no need for a corkskrew!

 

Little Britain.....who's wine did you leave out..? .and you with Britain in your tittle. !! It is being wildly accnowledged that Britain is now producing some very good qualiry wines, even some prize winning ones. What better chance will our fellow cruisers from all over the world have than to try them when they are here. :D

[camNaud]

Asda's are doing some fabulous Chilean wine at the moment. :)

[terry99]

There is also a large Asda (Walmart) supermarket in Portland Terrace (adjacent to West Quay Mall). Apart from food and clothing, they have a wide range of wines (cheap and expensive). The enquiries desk in the middle of West Quay will be able to direct you, or any local person will know the way!

[scouse mouse]

Don't forget the infamous Sunday shopping laws - Thou shalt not buy alcohol beverages before 11am (I think) on a Sunday in grocery stores.

[keltic]

Surprised that anyone hasn´t mentioned Italian and Spanish wines, which are as good as French ones.

[lord of the seas]

Surprised that anyone hasn´t mentioned Italian and Spanish wines, which are as good as French ones.

 

This only applies if you are Italian or Spanish :)

[keltic]

Well, not really also according to the best critics and ethnologist worldwide :-) Probably the only thing we do properly :-)

[lord of the seas]

Well, not really also according to the best critics and ethnologist worldwide :-) Probably the only thing we do properly :-)

 

You are much better with Castanets than the French.

[The Monocled Mutineer]

In the limited Premium Red wines avaiable on P&O only the Italian Brunello di Montelchino was worth it. The French Chambertin was more insipid then the carafe wine!

[keltic]

Unfortunately most Spanish brands are unfairly overshadowed by Rioja, and other well known brands abroads. I recommend to go for white ones of the Northwest like Ribeiro, Albariño and Mencia. I am sure if you will find them in the UK, but once tasted chilled, they are simply delicious.