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Fancy the behind the scenes scoop on your favourite wines? What to pair with tonight’s Thai Curry? Perhaps you’re after latest industry trends? Or even looking to discover something completely new? Well you’ve come to the right place. Our inspiration section takes you on a fascinating journey through our world of wine. From top tips on wine and food pairings to Tony Laithwaites’ Wine Diary, the following pages have been created to answer your questions and expand your wine horizons. 

Featured Articles

A simple guide to Alsace wines

Alsace produces some of the world’s finest wines, yet they are little known outside its borders. Read on to learn about wines of Alsace, and how to pick the right bottle for you.

Posted on October 23, 2024

by Nikki Jacoby

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Your essential guide to Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Châteauneuf-du-Pape is the home of some of France’s most premium blends – loved for their bold, sophisticated flavours. Learn what to serve Châteauneuf-du-Pape with, what makes it such a fine red, and everything in between.

Posted on September 10, 2024

by Steve Rumble

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Your 8-step guide to Chianti – Tuscany’s signature red wine

Forget Barolo, Barbaresco and Brunello. For a true taste of Italy, head to the rolling hills of Chianti-shire for cherry-fresh glass of Tuscany’s signature red. Read on to find out why …

Posted on September 9, 2024

by Richard Bull

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A step-by-step guide to choosing your wedding wines

Planning a wedding can be complicated. But the drinks shouldn't have to be. Here’s everything you need to know when planning the perfect wedding drinks list.

Posted on August 29, 2024

by Louise Springham

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Tips from the Tasting Room: A rare Provence white

Welcome back to ‘Tips from the Tasting Room’. This is your go-to source for expert tips and tasting notes. Our third wine is a unique Provence white, Roche Bellemont Blanc, chosen by Meera. 

Posted on August 22, 2024

by Brogan Wilson

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The best wines to pair with a roast dinner

If you’re ever found yourself sitting at the table with a roast dinner in front of you, unsure of which wine to pour and enjoy, this handy guide is for you. From refreshing whites to velvety reds, learn about the perfect wine pairings for every type of roast.  

Posted on August 15, 2024

by Brogan Wilson

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Tips from the Tasting Room: Sicily's hidden gem white

We’re back with our new series ‘Tips from the Tasting Room,’ showcasing the wines that Laithwaites’ staff are getting really excited about right now. Our second wine is a Sicilian white, Kew Gardens Carricante, chosen by our Senior Content and Social Media Manager, Evie.

Posted on July 26, 2024

by Brogan Wilson

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The best wine to pair with fish and chips

Ever wondered which wines pairs perfectly with fish and chips - and which ones don't? Learn more in our food pairing guide …

Posted on July 25, 2024

by Brogan Wilson

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Five steps to maximising your wine subscription

A wine subscription is the most convenient way to enjoy regular delivery of wine. But how can you make sure you get the best value, and the best wines? Read our guide to find out.

Posted on July 22, 2024

by Chris Larkin

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A step-by-step guide to Syrah and Shiraz

Should you choose Syrah or Shiraz? If you like rich, dark reds, then yes. But how do you choose which? Particularly when it turns out they are actually the same grape. Pull up a glass - and read on!

Posted on June 27, 2024

by Richard Bull

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Tips from the Tasting Room: The Charm of Valpolicella Ripasso

Welcome to our new series ‘Tips from the Tasting Room!’. It’s your go-to source for expert tips and tasting notes. Our first wine is an Italian red, Poggio Al Lago Valpolicella Ripasso, chosen by our Theale store manager, Mark.

Posted on June 21, 2024

by Jennie Jennings

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The perfect wines to pack in your picnic basket

Can you believe it? It looks as though the Great British Summer is finally here. The rain clouds have parted to reveal the sun and, at long last, I’ve been able to pack up my picnic hamper and enjoy an al fresco lunch. 

And just in time too, as National Picnic Week arrived on 17th  June, a celebration as quintessentially British as a pot of Earl Grey tea and a buttery fruit scone. 

Picture this: a sunny day, a lush green meadow, and that irresistible rustle of a gingham blanket being unfurled. And what better companion to my spread than a bottle of delicious wine?

Posted on June 19, 2024

by Jennie Jennings

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Get ready for the Laithwaites Summer of Cricket – in Partnership with England Cricket

Talk about a great opening stand! Our first year as Official Wine Partner of England Cricket was historic, thrilling, and huge fun.

We couldn’t have picked a better year to start our association – an Ashes summer. And what great cricket we witnessed, with England and Australia Men’s and Women’s teams providing pulsating encounters all summer long.

But the most exciting thing was seeing the Laithwaites name on boundary advertising boards and during ad breaks. Okay, maybe Stuart Broad’s fairy-tale test farewell (more on Broady later) and Tammy Beaumont’s historic double century might linger a little longer in the memory. But we really liked the ads too!

And we really enjoyed bringing great wine and cricket together and celebrating ‘Vintage Moments’ throughout the summer. As well as putting together special cricket-themed cases featuring bestsellers like The Black Stump, The Waxed Bat and All Out Viognier.

We even had the Laithwaites Wine van at a few Test venues, giving cricket fans a taste of our superb range of wines. Plus, we had exclusive offers and prize giveaways throughout the summer – including tickets to The Ashes.

Posted on June 18, 2024

by Steve Rumble

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An Introduction to English Wine

Now synonymous with quality and character, English wine is taking the wine world by storm. Read on to discover what to drink and why.

Posted on June 14, 2024

by Richard Bull

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The Essential Guide to Malbec

Dial M for Malbec – and full-bodied flavour! Everything you need to know about France’s inky dark red, what to drink it with, and how it found richer fame and fortune in Argentina. Read on for more.

Posted on May 31, 2024

by Richard Bull

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Let the wine adventure begin!