HOW TO BUY ENGLISH WINE FROM OVERSEAS. A HANDY GUIDE.
If you’ve ever sipped a crisp English sparkling wine while overlooking a vineyard in Sussex or toasted with a bottle of rosé on the beach in Kent, you’ll know just how special English wine can be. But what happens when you’re no longer in England and you’re longing for a taste of that golden glass of Brut Reserve or the zingy freshness of Bacchus?
Buying English wine from overseas can feel a bit like a treasure hunt—somewhat elusive but oh-so-rewarding when you finally secure that prized bottle. The good news? It’s becoming easier than ever to get your hands on English wine no matter where you are in the world.
In this guide, you’ll find the best places to buy English wine from overseas, and our top tips to help you.
1/Go Straight to the Source
Many English vineyards have embraced the global wine market and now ship directly to customers overseas. This is often one of the best ways to ensure you’re getting authentic, well-stored wine.
Vineyards That Ship Internationally
- Nyetimber: One of the most renowned English sparkling wine producers, Nyetimber offers international shipping to many countries. Their Classic Cuvée is a must-try for anyone exploring English wine for the first time.
- Gusbourne: Based in Kent, Gusbourne’s elegant sparkling wines, like their Blanc de Blancs, are available for overseas delivery. Keep an eye on their website for shipping details and any seasonal offers.
- Chapel Down: Another big name in English wine, Chapel Down ships internationally, with a selection of their sparkling and still wines ready for global audiences.
Most vineyard websites will have a dedicated section for international orders, so it’s worth checking out their options. If in doubt, drop them an email—they’re usually more than happy to help.
2/ Use a Specialist Retailer
If you’d rather not buy directly from a vineyard, specialist wine retailers are a great alternative. These businesses often stock a variety of English wines and have the logistics in place to deliver internationally.
Recommended Retailers
- The British Bottle Company: This company specialises in exporting English wines (and other drinks) to international markets. They supply to retailers, but you can often find their selection through wine shops in your country. Or of course, if you’re a retailer, get in touch with them directly!
- Hedonism Wines: Based in London but with international shipping, Hedonism offers an impressive range of English wines, from boutique producers to household names. At last count, there are over 70 bottles available. And, as an overseas buyer you won’t pay VAT!
3/ Check Local Stockists
Depending on where you are, you might be surprised to find English wine stocked in local shops, restaurants, or wine bars. As the reputation of English wine grows, more and more international merchants are adding it to their shelves.
How to Find Local Stockists
- Ask Your Local Wine Shop: Even if they don’t currently stock English wine, a good wine shop will often be willing to order it in for you.
- Visit High-End Grocery Stores: In some countries, gourmet food stores or luxury supermarkets have started to carry English sparkling wines as part of their premium ranges.
4/Explore Online Marketplaces
The world of online wine shopping is vast, and it’s a great place to find English wines if you know where to look. From global platforms to smaller boutique sites, there are plenty of options.
Top Online Options
- Vivino: This popular wine app and marketplace often stocks English wines. You can browse reviews, compare prices, and order directly to your doorstep.
- Master of Malt: While primarily known for spirits, Master of Malt also offers a curated selection of English wines with international shipping available.
5/Be Aware of Customs and Shipping
When buying wine from overseas, it’s important to consider the practicalities: customs duties, taxes, and shipping times.
Customs Tips
- Research Local Laws: Some countries have strict rules about importing alcohol. Check your country’s regulations to avoid surprises.
- Factor in Duties: In many cases, you’ll need to pay import taxes or duties when your wine arrives. Make sure to include this in your budget.
Shipping Considerations
- Temperature Control: Wine is delicate, so make sure the retailer uses temperature-controlled shipping, especially in hot climates.
- Timing: Wine shipped internationally can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks to arrive, so plan accordingly.
6/ Consider Alternatives
If buying directly isn’t an option, there are a few creative ways to get your hands on English wine.
- Wine Clubs: Some international wine clubs now include English wines in their monthly or quarterly selections.
- Ask Friends or Family: If someone you know is visiting England, ask them to bring back a bottle or two. Just remind them to pack it securely!
- Plan a Visit: OK, this one’s a bit extravagant, but let’s be honest—there’s nothing quite like experiencing English wine on home turf. Find our directory of vineyards in the UK here.
Where to next?
A few of my favourite things
Looking for a gift for yourself or a wine lover in your life? Here are a few of my favourite English Wine things.
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