Best Wine Stores Online in the UK: How to Choose the Right One for You
There’s no single best wine store online, because “best” depends on what you’re buying. The right shop for a £9 midweek red is different from the right shop for a Christmas gift, a wedding or a bottle to lay down for ten years.
This guide groups the UK’s online wine stores by type, explains who each suits, and covers what to compare before you order. We’re Avanti Wines, an independent London merchant, so we’re one of the options here, and we’ve tried to be fair about where each type of shop works best.
Disclosure: this guide is published by Avanti Wines. We’ve described each type of store in general terms, and our own offer is covered in the independent merchant section.
The four types of online wine store
1. Large retailers and supermarkets
Best for: everyday bottles, big promotions, familiar labels.
Supermarkets and large chains offer convenience, wide ranges and frequent multi-buy deals. The trade-off is that many of the wines are widely distributed brands, and you usually won’t speak to anyone who knows the producer.
2. Subscription clubs and mixed-case specialists
Best for: discovering new styles without choosing every bottle yourself.
Some online wine stores are built around curated cases or monthly deliveries, which is a good way to try new wines at a set budget. Check the terms: whether there’s a joining fee, whether a “welcome offer” price carries over to later orders, and how easy it is to pause or cancel.
3. Heritage and fine wine merchants
Best for: serious collectors, cellar building, rare and mature bottles, high-end gifts.
Long-established merchants hold depth in regions like Bordeaux and Burgundy and can advise on ageing and investment. They tend to suit a bigger budget and a more specific brief.
4. Independent online merchants
Best for: distinctive wines, personal advice, flexibility.
Independents run tighter, hand-picked lists, often with direct links to growers. You’re more likely to get tasting notes with a real opinion behind them, a conversation about what you want, and mixed cases without fuss. The trade-off is a smaller range than the big retailers.
This is where Avanti sits.
At a glance
| Large retailer | Subscription / case club | Heritage merchant | Independent merchant | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Range | Very wide | Curated, rotating | Deep in fine wine | Hand-picked |
| Typical focus | Everyday value | Discovery | Fine and rare | Distinctive, grower-led |
| Advice | Limited | Guided by the club | Expert, often high-end | Personal |
| Flexibility | Fixed offers | Plan-based | Varies | High, mixed cases easy |
| Best for | Staples, promotions | Trying new wines | Collecting and gifting | Finding something different |
Where Avanti Wines fits
We source handpicked wines from family-owned vineyards, the kind you rarely find on a supermarket shelf. Here’s what you get:
- Red, white, rosé and sparkling from a curated list
- A sommelier quiz and personalised recommendations if you’re not sure where to start
- Mixed cases, so you can try several wines at once
- Wine service for events, including weddings, parties, private dining and corporate occasions
- Prompt delivery across the UK
What to compare before you buy
Whichever store you choose, check these:
- Provenance. Is the producer and region named on every wine?
- Real prices. Are delivery costs and VAT clear before checkout? Be wary of inflated “was” prices.
- Independent reviews. Look at Google and Trustpilot, and read how the shop handles complaints.
- Delivery and packaging. Is there a delivery window, secure bottle packaging and a damage policy?
- Help when you need it. Can you ask a real person a question?
- Age checks and company details. A responsible UK seller verifies age and shows who it is.
Which type of store should you choose?
- Want everyday wine on a budget? A large retailer.
- Want to explore without much effort? A subscription club or mixed-case specialist.
- Building a cellar or buying a prestigious gift? A heritage merchant.
- Want something different, with advice from a person? An independent merchant.
Most wine drinkers use more than one. A supermarket for the weekly shop, an independent for the bottles that matter.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best online wine store in the UK?
It depends on what you want. Large retailers are best for everyday buying and promotions, subscription clubs for discovery, heritage merchants for fine wine, and independents for distinctive wines and personal service.
Is it cheaper to buy wine online?
Sometimes. Online stores can offer wider ranges and good deals, but delivery charges and minimum orders affect the real price. Compare the total cost, not just the bottle price.
Are online wine subscriptions worth it?
They can be, if you like trying new wines on a set budget. Read the terms carefully, especially any welcome offer, joining fee and cancellation rules.
Can I buy a mixed case online?
Yes, most online merchants offer them. They’re a good way to sample different styles.
How do I know an online wine store is trustworthy?
Check independent reviews, clear company and licensing details, secure checkout, an age check, and a returns or damage policy.
Does Avanti Wines deliver across the UK?
Yes.
Find your next bottle
Looking for something you won’t find on the supermarket shelf? Browse our handpicked wines, take the sommelier quiz, or tell us what you’re after and we’ll recommend something.
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