Laithwaites is one of Britain’s best known wine merchants, and its wine subscriptions are the heart of the business. You pick a style of case, Laithwaites’ buyers fill it with a different selection each time, and every case comes at least 20% below the usual bottle prices with free delivery. The introductory offers are some of the most generous in UK wine, which is exactly why so many people sign up. The real question is whether the ongoing cases are worth keeping, and our answer is: often, if you like crowd-pleasing wines and value convenience.
Laithwaites wine subscription prices and plans
| Subscription | Bottles and frequency | First case | Future cases |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essentials (mixed, reds or whites) | 12 bottles every 8 weeks | £83.88 (£6.99 a bottle) plus free gifts | £99.99 |
| Bestsellers (mixed, reds or whites) | 12 bottles every 8 weeks | £95.88 plus free gifts | £119.88 |
| Tom Gilbey’s Signature Six | 6 bottles every 12 weeks | £74.99 | Around £108.95 |
| Bordeaux Collection | 12 bottles every 12 weeks | £143.88 | Around £180 |
| Other ranges | Rioja, Pale Rosé, New Zealand Sauvignon and more | From £95.76 | Shown before each case |
Delivery is free on subscription cases. You can switch to deliveries every 4, 8 or 12 weeks, push a case back as often as you like and cancel online at any time, with no minimum commitment. Laithwaites emails you a week before each case with the wines and the price, and you can see what is coming up to 8 weeks ahead.
How Laithwaites subscriptions work
Choose a range and a colour preference (mixed, red or white), then take the discounted introductory case, which usually comes with extras such as a bottle of fizz and a pair of glasses. From the second case onwards you pay the regular subscription price, which Laithwaites guarantees is at least 20% below the normal selling price of the wines inside. In your account you can swap individual bottles, add more, take some out (the minimum is 6 bottles) or move to a different subscription entirely.
Every wine has online tasting notes, and the selections are built around what you have already received so you are not sent the same bottles twice in a row. If you open a bottle you do not like, Laithwaites will collect the rest and refund you under its money-back guarantee, which is one of the strongest promises in the market.
What’s in a typical Laithwaites case
Expect a well travelled, easy drinking mix. A typical Essentials Mix case pairs an Italian Pinot Grigio, a zesty Chilean Sauvignon Blanc and a South African Chenin Blanc with reds such as an Argentinian Malbec, a Spanish Tempranillo and a bold Portuguese red, two bottles of each. Many labels are exclusive to Laithwaites and its sister clubs, which keeps prices competitive but makes it hard to compare bottle by bottle with supermarkets.
Is Laithwaites worth it?
The introductory case is excellent value and worth taking even if you plan to cancel afterwards. The ongoing price is fair rather than a steal: the Essentials case works out at about £8.33 a bottle delivered, which is reasonable for reliable, well chosen everyday wines, and the flexibility is first class. Enthusiasts hunting small producers or natural wines will find the selections safe and should look at a specialist club instead. Our verdict: one of the most dependable wine subscriptions in the UK for everyday drinkers who want variety without effort.
Pros
- Big discount and free gifts on the first case
- At least 20% off every subscription case, with free delivery
- Swap bottles, change frequency, skip or cancel online
- Money-back guarantee on any wine you do not enjoy
Cons
- Future cases cost noticeably more than the intro offer
- Exclusive labels make price comparisons difficult
- Selections lean towards safe, mainstream styles
Best alternatives to Laithwaites
- Sunday Times Wine Club: run by the same company, with similar wines and its own introductory offers.
- Naked Wines: fund independent winemakers and buy at members’ prices.
- Wine52: a more adventurous monthly case from smaller producers.
- Wine of England: English wines only.
- The Grape Club: a smaller curated selection with tasting notes.
Compare every option in our wine subscriptions and drinks subscription boxes.
Laithwaites FAQ
How much does a Laithwaites wine subscription cost?
Introductory cases start at £83.88 for 12 bottles on the Essentials range. Future Essentials cases cost £99.99, Bestsellers cases £119.88, and premium ranges such as the Bordeaux Collection around £180, all with free delivery.
How do I cancel my Laithwaites subscription?
Log in to your Laithwaites account, open the Subscriptions section and cancel online. There is no tie in, and you can also delay or skip a case instead.
Is there a Laithwaites discount code?
The introductory subscription offer, often with free gifts, is the biggest saving available. Laithwaites also runs seasonal offers and a refer a friend scheme, so check the site before ordering.
Is Laithwaites worth it?
Yes for regular wine drinkers who want reliable, varied cases delivered free with full flexibility. Take the first case, then keep the subscription if you enjoy the wines.
Questions & reviews
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