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Waitrose

  • Wildstone Roussanne

    Wildstone Roussanne

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    Simon Judge

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    From the Chilean producer Luis Felipe Edwards, Wildstone is a wine that pays tribute to the rugged stone that emerges untamed from the landscape, carving its own way through plains and forests of Chile itself. The grapes for this white come from the Colchagua Coast, an area increasingly recognised for producing distinctive wines. I first came across this Roussanne last year at the Waitrose Autumn press tasting. It’s one of those bottles that might slip under the radar due to the Roussanne grape having a relatively low profile, especially outside of Rhône, France. In fact, even John, the highly knowledgeable…

  • 25% Off Wine at Waitrose

    25% Off Wine at Waitrose

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    Simon Judge

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    Waitrose has 25% off 6 bottles or more of wine and Champagne priced between £5 and £100 from 21 May to 3 June 2025 inclusive. See the recent press tasting for tips on what to buy.

  • Waitrose Spring Press Tasting 2025

    Waitrose Spring Press Tasting 2025

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    Simon Judge

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    I was invited to the Waitrose & Partners Spring Wine Tasting in London in April 2025, where 159 products were showcased across all drinks categories. The selection reflected a clear focus on both innovation and quality, with several key trends standing out. For Waitrose, Crémant is currently the fastest-growing category, with sales up 19% compared to last year. There has also been a notable rise in interest in lesser-known regions through the Loved & Found range, which now includes six new varieties. Their own label wines are also seeing real momentum, particularly the No.1 range which has doubled in size…

  • Blueprint Pinot Noir

    Blueprint Pinot Noir

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    Simon Judge

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    Blueprint Pinot Noir from Waitrose is part of a range created to highlight excellent-value, classic wines from around the world. Each bottle is chosen not just for quality, but for how faithfully it represents its style and place of origin. The label design reflects the winemaker’s region, adding a touch of visual charm to the experience. This particular Pinot Noir stands out by delivering impressive quality despite not coming from one of the traditionally celebrated regions for the grape. Produced in Romania by Cramele Recaș, it offers a fresh take on the variety and demonstrates that Pinot doesn’t have to…

  • 25% Off Wine at Waitrose

    25% Off Wine at Waitrose

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    Simon Judge

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    Waitrose has 25% off 6 bottles or more of wine and Champagne priced between £6 and £100 from 16 April to 22 April 2025 inclusive. See the recent press tasting for tips on what to buy.

  • Les Dauphins Cotes du Rhone

    Les Dauphins Cotes du Rhone

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    Simon Judge

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    Les Dauphins wines take their cue from the vibrant spirit of 1920s Paris, a time when jazz, art, fine food and wine flourished and when the Rhône Valley saw the formation of its first co-operatives. This cultural backdrop shapes the character of these wines, which are made by the Union des Vignerons des Côtes du Rhône, a co-operative with over six decades of heritage. Grapes are carefully selected by winemakers Thierry Walet and Camille Potau from plots across the Southern Rhône Valley, farmed by long-standing grower-partners, a network of 2000 families whose dedication ensures the continued quality and identity of…

  • Blueprint Australian Shiraz

    Blueprint Australian Shiraz

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    Simon Judge

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    Waitrose Blueprint Australian Shiraz was a must-try for me because it was a finalist in the People’s Choice Wine Awards in the Red, Own Label category. The Blueprint range from Waitrose is designed to showcase great-value examples of classic wines from around the world, selected for their quality and their faithful representation of both style and origin. Each bottle features intricately designed labels, symbolic of the maker’s region. This particular Shiraz, a 2022 vintage with an ABV of 14.5%, has a wonderful aroma with hints of burnt treacle. The full-bodied mouthfeel, part due due to the warming alcohol presence follow…

  • 25% Off Wine at Waitrose

    25% Off Wine at Waitrose

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    Simon Judge

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    Waitrose has 25% off 6 bottles or more of wine and Champagne priced between £6 and £100 from 11 March to 18 March 2025 inclusive. See the recent press tasting for tips on what to buy.

  • Fairview Barrel-Aged Pinotage

    Fairview Barrel-Aged Pinotage

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    Simon Judge

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    Fairview has been producing Pinotage since the 1970s, with vintner Charles Back continuing the tradition with this wine. This particular vintage, from 2022, has an ABV of 13.5% and has been aged in seasoned oak barrels. The 2020 vintage previously won a bronze medal at the International Wine Challenge. Pinotage was created in 1925 by Abraham Izak Perold, the first Professor of Viticulture at Stellenbosch University, as a hybrid of Pinot Noir and Cinsaut. Known for its rich, deep colour and bold flavour, this uniquely South African grape variety has since become a key part of the country’s winemaking. This…

  • Rustenberg Stellenbosch Malbec

    Rustenberg Stellenbosch Malbec

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    Simon Judge

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    This bottle was a gift from someone who came to one of my past wine tastings – thanks, Hugh. It already has a few accolades, including 91 points from James Suckling in 2023, 90 points from the Tim Atkin SA Report and a Gold Medal from the Michelangelo Wine and Spirits Awards . At 14% ABV and aged for 15 months in French oak, this 2022 vintage was the largest in Rustenberg’s history. The first thing to note is that this wine needs time to breathe. Whether in a decanter or simply left in the glass for at least half…

  • Calvet Sancerre Rosé

    Calvet Sancerre Rosé

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    Simon Judge

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    This Rosé is from the Loire Valley, France, with an ABV of 12.5%, vintage 2023. It has a pale pink colour with an aroma of red fruits. The taste is dry but not overly so, with a strong strawberry taste. What makes it particularly great is the round and mellow mouthfeel. Many other French rosé wines are Grenache-based blends, which often lack the depth of flavour and roundness achieved by this Pinot Noir-based rosé. Rosé makes up only about 1% of Sancerre’s total output. Rosé wines are often, but not always, compromised in their creation, made to meet consumer expectations…

  • Waitrose No.1 La Val Albariño

    Waitrose No.1 La Val Albariño

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    Simon Judge

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    I very briefly mentioned this wine in the Waitrose Autumn Press Tasting and it warranted closer exploration. Produced by the Spanish winery Bodegas La Val, this 2023 vintage Albariño is made without oak, offering a clean and expressive character. The most intriguing aspect of this wine is how its profile transforms so dramatically as it warms, yet it maintains its appeal whether served very cool or at a warmer temperature. When served well chilled, this wine has a fresh, citrusy profile with a distinct salty, saline quality that reflects the ‘gentle coastal character’ noted on the back label and illustrated…

  • No.1 Margaux

    No.1 Margaux

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    Simon Judge

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    Having initially tried this wine during a press tasting, I was keen to revisit it at leisure to gain a fuller appreciation and ensure its consistency over time. Waitrose No. 1 Margaux, 2021 vintage, is a new addition to Waitrose’s wine range. This blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, with an ABV of 13%, is made exclusively for Waitrose & Partners in partnership with Château Soussans and the renowned Maison Sichel. It spends 12 months maturing in French oak barrels. The wine evokes a wet, woody aroma, reminiscent of a walk in the forest, with distinct notes of…

  • Barón De Ley Gran Reserva Rioja

    Barón De Ley Gran Reserva Rioja

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    Simon Judge

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    This wine, 2017 vintage, 14% ABV, is produced exclusively in years deemed exceptional. It is aged for 24 months in a mix of American and French oak, followed by an additional 36 months in the bottle. Its aroma is classically Rioja, evoking the hallmark ripe cherries, vanilla and slight smokey notes you’d expect. On the palate, it is smooth with low to medium tannins, offering a soft and inviting texture. This is actually in contrast to the sister wine Barón de Ley Finca Monasterio 2019 I previously tried, which is much more tannic. The mid to end taste of this…

  • Waitrose Food & Drink Report 2024

    Waitrose Food & Drink Report 2024

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    Simon Judge

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    Waitrose have a new Food and Drink Report based on a survey of over 3,200 people who have shopped at Waitrose in the preceding three months to October 2024. The findings highlight a noticeable shift in customer drinking habits. Sales of no- and low-alcohol wines have risen significantly, up by 17% compared to previous periods. Boxed wines have also gained further traction, with sales increasing by 9% this year, reflecting a growing preference for convenience and sustainability among shoppers. Rosé wines, traditionally associated with summer months, are now enjoyed year-round. There is also an emerging preference for darker, more complex…

  • 25% Off Wine at Waitrose

    25% Off Wine at Waitrose

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    Simon Judge

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    Waitrose has 25% off 6 bottles or more of wine and Champagne priced between £6 and £100 from 27 November to 3 December 2024 inclusive. See the recent press tasting for tips on what to buy.

  • White Wines to Enjoy in Autumn

    White Wines to Enjoy in Autumn

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    Simon Judge

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    David Williams of The Guardian has some recommendations for richer, fuller white wines as an alternative to the usual reds. Wildstone Reserva Roussanne 2024, Colchagua Valley, Chile – £8 at WaitroseAlso previously also tipped by me from the Waitrose tasting, this wine from Chile’s reliable Luis Felipe Edwards has a full-bodied, autumnal appeal, featuring mouth-filling peach and pear flavours. M&S Chez Michel Collines Rhodaniennes Marsanne 2023, France – £9 at Marks & SpencerA marsanne from the northern Rhône, this wine balances ripe pear and white peach with floral notes and a slight herbal bitterness. Tahbilk Marsanne 2022, Nagambie Lakes, Victoria,…

  • 25% Off Wine at Waitrose

    25% Off Wine at Waitrose

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    By

    Simon Judge

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    Waitrose has 25% off 6 bottles or more of wine and Champagne priced between £6 and £100 from 23 October to 29 October 2024 inclusive. See the recent press tasting for tips on what to buy.

  • Waitrose Autumn Tasting

    Waitrose Autumn Tasting

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    Simon Judge

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    In October 2024, I had the pleasure of attending the Waitrose Autumn Wines, Beers and Spirits Press Tasting. The showcase featured over 125 wines, mostly available in Waitrose stores with a select few only available online at Waitrose Cellar. Waitrose have launched five new offerings in the Loved & Found wine range, including Aranel, Piedirosso, Sousão, Piquepoul Noir, and Terret Blanc. Champagne continues to surge in popularity, with Waitrose outperforming the grocery market by 3.5% in value. The supermarket also dominates the Vintage Champagne category, having a 92% value share year-to-date, outpacing the market by an impressive 25%. Waitrose has…

  • Waitrose Launches UK’s First Major Supermarket Cork Recycling Trial

    Waitrose Launches UK’s First Major Supermarket Cork Recycling Trial

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    Simon Judge

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    Waitrose has announced it will be the first major UK supermarket to trial cork recycling, beginning on 7th October in seven stores, including Salisbury, Saltash, Lymington, Bath, Godalming, Truro, and Maidenhead (when it reopens in November). Customers will be encouraged to recycle natural corks at collection points, with the material being processed by Amorim, the world’s largest cork processing group. Waitrose customers use nearly 25 million natural corks annually, which currently end up in landfill due to the lack of a specific recycling stream. The trial aims to reduce waste and improve sustainability, with the potential for expanding to more…

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Did You Know?

Rías Baixas wines reached more than 107 countries in 2025 and exports represented 31 per cent of the denomination’s total sales. More

Light Strike Can Cause Wine Degradation in Just One Day. More

People actively adjust their wine choices depending on who might see them. More

In the UK, 73% of Alcohol is Bought From Retail Rather Than Hospitality. More

UK wine production reached 124,377 hectolitres that year, meaning the UK accounted for roughly 0.05 per cent of world output. More

For Crémant, grapes must be harvested by hand and the wines must undergo at least nine months’ ageing before release. More

In 2024, the UK was the second-largest export market for Champagne globally, after the United States. More

Local UK bottling of wine represents about 40% of imported wine. More

Around 1% of people, typically severe asthmatics, have a sulphite sensitivity. More

A large 80% of Australian wine arrives in the UK in bulk. More

Only about 0.02% of Australia’s landmass is dedicated to vineyards. More

In 2024, New Zealand produced only 1% of the World’s wine. More

In 2024, the US imported 37% of World production of Pinot Grigio and the UK was is in second place at 27%. More

In 2024, the UK was South Africa’s largest export market, with 40% of total exports. More

In 2024, the United Kingdom imported 22.3 million bottles of Champagne, a decline of 12.7% compared to the previous year. More

Larger Champagne producers source grapes from as many as 80 different vineyards throughout Champagne. More

Champagne houses and growers collectively produce around 300 million bottles annually. More

In 2025, the Champagne region was home to about 2,124 Champagne houses and approximately 19,000 growers. More

Provence is one of the leaders in the conversion to organic viticulture, with 61% of vineyards certified. More

8% of the South Africa’s grape production is Fairtrade-certified. More

Up to 80% of wine aroma compounds come from grape skins. More

Glycerol is the third-largest component of most dry wines after water and alcohol which is why they so often feel ‘smooth’ or ‘silky’ in the mouth. More

Humans are more than 400 times more sensitive to bitter than sweet. More

Humans can detect the earthy molecule geosmin at about 100 parts per trillion and camels are so sensitive to it they can locate damp ground from roughly 50 miles away. More

During the phylloxera crisis of the nineteenth century, 90% of Europe’s vineyards were destroyed. More

In 2025, for La Vieille Ferme, also known as “The Chicken Wine”, sales surged by 49.4% to £110.8 million. More

In 2025, in the UK, Yellow Tail held the top position with sales, marking a 9.8% increase over the previous year. More

In 2024, the UK was the second-largest wine importer in volume and value. More

In 2024, the UK was the fifth-largest wine-consuming country globally. More

In 2025, global wine consumption continued its downward trend, estimated at 214.2 million hectolitres, the lowest since 1961. More

In 2025, online alcohol sales had a 20% increase in value over five years. More

In 2025, the number of UK vineyards rose to 1,104 and wineries to 238, with land under vine expanding to 4,841 hectares, a 510% increase since 2005. More

Moët Hennessy alone commands nearly 46.66% of the Champagne market, with the top three producers together holding about 61%, and the top five controlling over 72%. More

In 2024, the Champagne market was worth roughly €3.92 billion. More

In the marketing year 2023/24, white wine accounted for roughly 55% of Spain’s output, whereas red and rosé together made up about 45%. More

In the UK, 92% of wine is consumed within 48hrs of purchase. More

The majority of wines, 95%, use commercial rather than wild yeast. More

Between 0.5 and 10 litres of water, per litre of wine, are needed for cleaning during winemaking. More

Machine harvesting can achieve up to 100 tons of fruit per day vs 1 ton for a human. More

In Germany, 2025 was the smallest wine vintage since 2010. More

The majority of vineyards, 90% in 2019, are farmed with heavy chemical interventions. Only 6% are organic. More

90% of low and coastal areas in south Europe and California will no longer be able to produce good wine by the end of the century. More

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