Buy Wine in France: Your Guide to Shopping in France
When it comes to buying wine, France is renowned worldwide for its exceptional quality and variety: Bordeaux, Bourgogne, Champagne, Rhône et Loire, Languedoc, and Côtes de Provence are an invitation to travel and explore vineyards in France. A rich country known for its multiple facettes, its magnificent châteaux and domaines. Expert advice, huge selection, and significant savings await you when you shop for wine in France. If you find yourself traveling through Calais, make sure to stop by Calais Vins and Olivier Vins, where you can explore and purchase some of the best wines France has to offer. Calais Vins and Olivier Vins have forged a strong relationship with winemakers and small producers over 25 years. This guide will walk you through the benefits and highlights of buying wine in France, specifically at these two premier wine superstores, the closest in France from the UK.
Why Buy Wine in France?
France is celebrated for its rich wine culture, offering wines that suit every palate and occasion. Here’s why you should consider buying wine in France:
- Quality and Authenticity: French wines are known for their strict production standards, ensuring you get high-quality, authentic wines.
- Variety: From Bordeaux wines to red Burgundy, sparkling wine, and rosé wine, the variety is unmatched.
- Additionally, France's wine regions are each known for their unique terroir and grape varieties, providing endless exploration opportunities.
- Price: Buying wine in France can often be much cheaper due to the availability and tax benefits, especially at duty-free stores like Calais Vins and Olivier Vins. Recent studies highlighted a high surge in alcohol prices in the UK, making Calais Vins and Olivier Vins compete with ease with UK high street prices. Cherry on the cake, British travelers benefit from the VAT refund, as long as you drink your wine in the UK and you own a British passport.
- Experience: Purchasing wine in France is not just about the product; it’s about experiencing the rich heritage and tradition of French winemaking that the staff of our shops will be pleased to share with you.
Explore Calais Vins and Olivier Vins
Calais Vins and Olivier Vins are must-visit destinations for anyone looking to buy wine in France. These stores offer a wide range of wines, expert advice, and the convenience of duty-free shopping.
Calais Vins:
- Location: Easily accessible near the ferry terminal.
- Selection: Features over 2,000 wines, including premium Bordeaux wines, red Burgundy, sparkling wine, and rosé wine.
- Discounts: Offers 15% duty-free savings and frequent special promotions.
- Expert Advice: Knowledgeable staff provide personalized recommendations and tastings.
Olivier Vins:
- Location: Situated close to the Eurotunnel terminal, making it convenient to visit both.
- Selection: Specializes in high-quality French wines from various regions, including Grand Cru and 1er Cru selections.
- Exclusive Finds: Highlights wines from local French producers, ensuring a unique selection.
- Atmosphere: Offers a welcoming and enjoyable shopping experience.
The Best Wine Regions in France
France is divided into several renowned wine regions, each known for its distinct styles and grape varieties. Here are some key regions and their signature wines amongst the best French wine:
- Bordeaux: Famous for its robust reds made from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Bordeaux also produces exquisite white wines and dessert wines like Sauternes. Check our extensive selection of Bordeaux wines on our website such as Fronsac, Pomerol (as Château La Fleur Petrus 2017 at 220 € tax-free instead of 259€), Lussac Saint Emilion (such as Château Lyonnat Cuvée Émotion at 22,06 € tax-free, instead of 25,95 €), or Grand Cru. Our selection of Bordeaux White wines includes Blanc de Dompierre, for instance.
- Burgundy: Known for its elegant red Burgundy (Pinot Noir such as La Petite Perrière amongst our selection of 20 different Pinot Noir) and exceptional Chablis wines or Nuit Saint Georges.
- Champagne: World-renowned for its sparkling wine, perfect for celebrations. We have a selection of more than 200 Champagnes with very high appellation you would expect to buy in France such as the usual suspects: Mumm, Taittinger, Ruinart, Pol Roger and also from local winegrowers such as Autréau, Serveaux, and Dermarjory.
- Loire Valley: Offers a diverse range of wines, including crisp Sauvignon Blancs and delicate rosé wines. If we quote Menetou Salon, Muscadet, Pouilly Fumé, Vouvray, and Chinon, these are a few of our selections.
- Rhône Valley: Home to powerful reds such as Crozes Hermitage or Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and aromatic whites like Grand Ardèche Chardonnay by Louis Latour. Explore the oldest wine-producing region in France, known for its rich history and exceptional Syrah and Grenache blends.
- Alsace: Known for its aromatic white wines, including Riesling and Gewürztraminer which we have in our stores. We also have some Muscat d’Alsace, Vendanges Tardives (late harvest), or Sylvaner. Our selection of more than 100 wines from Alsace will amaze you.
- Côtes de Provence: Famous for its rosé wines, ideal for summer sipping. We offer a variety of Provence rosés to suit every taste.
- Languedoc: Offers a wide range of wines, including Picpoul de Pinet, a crisp and refreshing white wine perfect for seafood.
Benefits of Buying Wine at Calais Vins and Olivier Vins
When you buy wine in France at Calais Vins and Olivier Vins, you enjoy several advantages:
- Extensive Selection: With thousands of wines available, you’re sure to find something to suit your taste and budget.
- Duty-Free Savings: Take advantage of up to 15% savings on your purchases, making it even more affordable to buy wine in France.
- Exclusive Discounts: Look out for special promotions and discounts, especially when you visit during festive seasons or special events.
- Expert Assistance: The staff at both stores are highly knowledgeable and can guide you in selecting the perfect wines.
- Tasting Opportunities: Sample wines before you buy, ensuring you’re completely satisfied with your choices.
Tips for Buying Wine in France
To make the most of your wine-buying experience in France, consider these tips:
- Know Your Preferences: Have an idea of what types of wines you enjoy. Are you a fan of bold reds, crisp whites, or sparkling wines? How to pair your wine with food, if you have no idea which French wines to buy, take advice from our expert sommeliers in stores.
- Set a Budget: Determine how much you’re willing to spend. Both Calais Vins and Olivier Vins offer wines at various price points from 5 to 1000 € the bottle. Don't forget you can claim the VAT back, which will give you an 15 % discount upfront.
- Ask for Recommendations: Don’t hesitate to ask the staff for their recommendations based on your preferences and budget.
- Check for Special Offers: Take advantage of any promotions or discounts available at the time of your visit.
- Plan Your Visit: Ensure you have enough time to explore the wide selection and enjoy the tasting experiences offered. You can pre order online, pick up in store when you are travelling through France and be eligible for a free ferry crossing from Dover to Calais.
A Closer Look at French Wine Varieties
Understanding the different types of wines available can enhance your buying experience. Here are some popular French wine varieties you’ll find at Calais Vins and Olivier Vins:
- Red Wines: Bordeaux, Burgundy, Rhône, and more. Look for wines like Château Margaux, Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, and Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
- White Wines: Chardonnay from Burgundy, Sauvignon Blanc from Loire Valley, and Riesling from Alsace.
- Sparkling Wines: Champagne from renowned houses like Moët & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, and local Crémants.
- Rosé Wines: Delightful options from Provence and Loire Valley, perfect for summer sipping.
- Dessert Wines: Sauternes from Bordeaux and Vin Doux Naturel from Roussillon.
Why Choose Calais Vins and Olivier Vins?
It is safe to say that buying wine in France from the French is cheaper. At Calais Vins and Olivier Vins, with over 25 years of experience, we offer an extensive selection of wines, expert advice, and significant savings. "Our British clientele understands the value of purchasing wine from us. They seek more than just cheap booze; they recognize that by coming here, they can find top-quality wines ranging from €10 to €25," says Jérôme Pont, co-founder of Calais Vins.
There are numerous wine shops and restaurants in France, but Calais Vins and Olivier Vins stand out for several reasons:
- Convenience: Their proximity to major travel routes makes them easily accessible for travelers.
- Variety: The extensive selection ensures there’s something for every taste and occasion.
- Duty-Free Benefits: Significant savings on high-quality wines, spirits, and more.
- Customer Service: The knowledgeable staff are dedicated to helping you find the perfect wines.
- Exclusive Selections: Access to unique and rare wines from local French producers.
Plan Your Visit
To ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience at Calais Vins and Olivier Vins, consider the following:
- Check Opening Hours: Visit our website for the latest opening hours and any special events. We are open every day even on Sundays.
- Location and Access: Both stores offer ample parking and are conveniently located near the Eurotunnel and ferry terminals.
- Prepare for Your Visit: Have an idea of what types of wines you’re interested in and any specific questions you might have. You can pre-order online and get the advantage of a free ferry crossing.
- Enjoy the Experience: Take your time exploring the selections and enjoy the tasting opportunities.
Conclusion: The Ultimate Wine Buying Experience in France
Buying wine in France is a delightful experience, and Calais Vins and Olivier Vins provide the perfect settings to explore and purchase the finest French wines. From the extensive selection and expert advice to the significant savings and tasting opportunities, these stores offer everything you need to find the best wines for any occasion. "We know the tastes of our British customers and are able to advise them according to their desires," Jérôme Pont adds, guaranteeing an enriching experience.
Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or a casual enthusiast, a visit to Calais Vins and Olivier Vins is a must. Embrace the rich wine culture of France, discover new favorites, and enjoy the exceptional quality and value that these renowned wine superstores have to offer.
For more information and to start planning your visit, check out Calais Vins and Olivier Vins. Happy wine shopping!
Discover our selections of
Beaujolais Wines at French prices
Bordeaux Wines from our French superstores
Burgundy wines to suit your tastebuds
Our selection of Loire Valley Wines
Our wines of Provence and côte d'Azur to buy in France
Our extensive selection of Champagne and Sparkling wines from France