The big winners - Winesdirect awards
See the condensed results here
The annual Winesdirect awards are in, giving you the inside scoop of our best rated supermarkets, merchants, wines and spirits. Competition was high this year but we did have some clear winners. The part we are most proud of is that our awards are voted for only by you, the consumers, giving our results maximum transparency.
The Supermarkets
Waitrose rose to the top and it was perhaps unsurprising. After all it is the supermarket best known for quality whether it comes to wine or food. Many of the reviews we saw touted this fact too. Such reviews included “Excellent delivery service”, “High quality produce”, “Good selection of wine and beer and frequent special offers”, “Exceptional wine”. Ticking all these boxes along delivery, quality, range selection, genuine offers and good customer service has really resonated well.
The runner up was Morrisons who excelled in their selection and good value most of all.
The Wine Merchants
As they do every year, Laithwaites have picked up an award and this time they are top of the wine merchants. They smashed the quality, range and customer service results! In particular, the staff were constantly praised. Here’s what you had to say: “Laithwaite's have a large selection of very good quality wines”, “Interesting selection at extremely reasonable prices”, “always available and very friendly”. So, perhaps now is the time to join the Laithwaites club and see what all the fuss is about.
Majestic Wine came in second place, where again everyone seemed impressed at the friendly staff and customer service. It is the wine merchant touch.
Wine of the year
It has to be said that this came as no surprise. Cabalie is a regular favourite amongst many of the nation’s wine lovers and it is easy to see why. A fruity, velvety, soft red that boasts some lovely spiced complexity. It is produced in a 2000 year old vineyard by a champion winemaker and it already holds a number of awards from many different bodies.
The runner up could only be a Marlborough Sauvignon, and Villa Maria took the spot this time against some very steep competition. Reliably good, dry, crisp and classic Sauvignon, it is hard not to enjoy.
Champagne of the year
Champagne is always a close and tough call for me. It really depends on the mood and occasion. However, with such overwhelming votes for Veuve Clicquot, we can safely say that many consider it an all year tipple. ”Rich, toasty and refreshing” tended to be the three words that came up most. The flavours and intensity seem unmatched.
Bollinger came in at a worthy second place. It is by no means a lesser Champagne, simply a different style, focusing on aged components more so than the body and fruit intensity of Veuve. As I said above, you might just find that Veuve is considered to be more of a regular than Bollinger.
Whisky brand of the year
A name we all know and love (clearly), Jack Daniels proved whisky king. The mixture of sweet and smoky flavours with a smooth mouthfeel and infinite ability to be drunk on the rocks played a strong role in its victory.
The runner up was Glenmorangie, highland single malt made since 1843. It is definitely different to JD with moreish dried fruit flavours and a peaty hint that Scotch produces so well.
Gin brand of the year
Hendricks have taken the mantle for diversity in their range and, of course, the quality of their flagship gin. “Clean and crisp, with that signature cucumber taste” echoes the sentiment of many of the responses making it stand out from the crowd.
Bombay Sapphire claimed the next spot with it’s dangerous drinkability and perfect role as a go-to.
This blog was written by our wine expert, David Andrews. Read his Instagram blog @oinosattheoikos
Updated 25th September 2023