Unwrapping Alpine Treasures: Calais Vins - Your Portal to Duty-Free Wines & Spirits from the Ski Slopes

As the snow-capped mountains bid farewell and the ski slopes become distant memories, the journey back home can be just as exciting as the holiday itself. For our band of friends or family driving back from a thrilling skiing adventure in the French or Swiss Alps, a stop in Calais offers a unique opportunity to stock up on exquisite wines and spirits. In this article, we'll explore the treasures waiting for you at Calais Vins and Olivier Vins, the advantages of shopping there, and the do’s and don’ts of bringing back your favorite Alpine beverages. Finally a special offer is dedicated to members of the Ski Club of Great Britain. 

Why Calais over Ski Resorts?

The Duty-Free Advantage

Calais, with its strategic location, provides a duty-free haven for travelers returning to Great Britain. Unlike ski resorts where prices may be inflated, shopping at Calais Vins and Olivier Vins allows you to enjoy significant cost savings due to the absence of duties and taxes.

Situated conveniently near the port and Eurotunnel, we, wine merchants, have streamlined the process of claiming VAT refunds in partnership with Global Blue. By staying within your allowance, you can enjoy duty-free benefits, such as reclaiming approximately 15% of your purchase within 2-3 working days. Consider the savings – if you buy, for instance, 24 bottles of a €10 wine in France, you'll spend €204 instead of €240, making your post-ski detour financially savvy.

A Vast Selection of Wines

With over 4000 references, Calais Vins and Olivier Vins stand as a treasure trove for wine enthusiasts. The wide range includes not only renowned French labels but also local gems like the Vin de Savoie, offering a unique taste of the Alpine terroir.

Expert Advice at Your Fingertips

Navigating through a sea of choices can be overwhelming, but fear not! The expert staff at Calais Vins and Olivier Vins are there to guide you. Their knowledge ensures that you not only get the best value for your money but also discover hidden gems that might have eluded you in a ski resort. We take pride in our close relationships with small-scale producers. With a keen eye for quality, we meticulously select each grape variety and offer expert advice on food and wine pairings. Our ties with vineyards across France ensure that you bring home not just bottles but stories of passionate winemakers.

Alpine Specialties: Vin de Savoie, Spirits, and Beers

Vin de Savoie - A Taste of the Alps

One cannot discuss Alpine beverages without mentioning Vin de Savoie. These wines, crafted amidst the breathtaking landscapes of the Alps, embody the region's terroir. 

Explore the diverse world of Savoie wines, each telling a unique tale of the Alpine terroir. From the Roussette Prestige Cave De Cruet Savoie White Wine, a dry white with fruity undertones, to the Gamay Red Wine from Savoie Cave De Cruet, boasting fruity and spicy notes, our selection caters to every palate. The duty-free advantage lets you savor these wines at prices like €8.93 instead of €10.50 and €5.78 tax-free instead of €6.80, making your Alpine experience even more memorable.

Spirits from the Heights

Alpine spirits, including unique liqueurs and brandies, reflect the rich cultural heritage of the region. Bringing home a bottle of Alpine spirits is like taking a piece of the mountains with you, a perfect way to reminisce about the ski trip. Dive into the world of Alpine spirits with Chartreuse Genepi des Pères Chartreux. Produced by the Carthusian fathers, this Génépi du Habert captures the essence of the mountains with its carefully selected plants and ancestral recipe. 

Craft Beers with Altitude

Don't forget to explore the local craft beers. Alpine breweries, inspired by the purity of mountain water and the crisp air, create beers that are refreshing and distinctive. Grab a few bottles to share the Alpine experience with friends back home. For beer enthusiasts, the Brasserie du Mont Blanc offers unique brews like La Rousse and La Violette, brewed with water from Mont Blanc glaciers. With a beer allowance of 64 bottles or 42 liters per person, you can explore the diverse flavors of the Alps.

Convenient Pre-Order and Click-and-Collect

Plan your return journey strategically by pre-ordering online and conveniently collecting your purchases on your way back home. With the ease of click-and-collect, Calais Vins and Olivier Vins ensure a seamless experience, allowing you to focus on the joy of your ski holiday treasures.

Do’s and Don’ts: Best Practices for Bringing Back Alpine Beverages

Do’s:

• Research Import Limits: Be aware of the duty-free limits for alcohol when entering Great Britain to avoid any surprises at customs.

• Pack Carefully: Secure your bottles with proper padding to prevent breakage during transit.

• Keep Receipts: Retain purchase receipts for customs declarations, especially for expensive or rare bottles.

Don’ts:

• Exceed Limits: Respect the import limits to avoid fines or confiscation at customs.

• Forget to Check Regulations: Stay informed about the latest travel and import regulations to ensure a hassle-free journey.

• Ignore Expert Advice: If in doubt, consult the experts at Calais Vins and Olivier Vins to make informed choices.

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Conclusion

As you wrap up your ski adventure, Calais Vins and Olivier Vins stand as the gateway to an extensive world of Alpine wines and spirits. Embrace the duty-free benefits, the warmth of relationships with local producers, and a rich selection of Savoie wines that capture the very essence of the mountains. With the convenience of pre-ordering and click-and-collect, your journey back home becomes a continuation of the Alpine magic. Here's to the memories of the slopes and the delight of discovering the Alps in every sip! Cheers!

Exclusive Offer for Ski Club Members: Elevate Your Alpine Experience

Calais Vins and Olivier Vins have teamed up with the Ski Club of Great Britain to add an extra layer of joy to your ski fan experience.

• Special Gift: Receive a complimentary bottle of Saint Estephe with a minimum spend of €200.
• Bundle Options: Enjoy the luxury of choice with 3 bottles for ‚€400 or 6 bottles for ‚€700.
• Featured Wine: Indulge in the prestigious Cru Château Sérilhan 2018, Cru Bourgeois Supérieur, Sainte Estèphe.

To avail of this exclusive offer, visit Calais Vins and Olivier Vins and present your Ski Club of Great Britain membership. Offer subject to terms and conditions.