The WinesDirect Awards 2020: Revealed
Our 3rd Annual WinesDirect Awards have just concluded and we are thrilled to have received over 1,600 responses from our members.
This has given us a huge amount of feedback and provided a real insight into shopping behaviours, now and during the Covid-19 crisis which we’re pleased to present to you here.
Supermarket of the Year 2020
First up, was our Supermarket of the Year Award. We asked members to vote for their favourite Supermarket in terms of Value for Money, Customer Service, Selection and Quality.
Customers had the following to say:
“Every aspect of ordering with Waitrose is beautifully tailored towards customer service. From the ease of flitting between options, to the excellence of their suggestions. I’m particularly partial to their Celliers des Dauphins which I buy by the crate load and very quickly polish off ready for another order of them from Waitrose!”
“Throughout the lockdown the service has been incredible & the service level has been remarkable. The drivers without fail are great.”
Coming in at a very close 2nd place and taking the ‘Highly Commended’ medal was
M&S. Customers love M&S for the quality of wine and customer service received. They quoted:
“Always has a range of products I love and staff are very helpful.”
“The quality of products has remained undiminished over the lockdown period. Staff are always quick to answer any issues and are always totally professional.”
Now more than ever, it seems that the level of service is of particular importance to shoppers everywhere. Particularly as it has been more difficult to secure delivery slots. Hats off to Waitrose and M&S who seem to be getting it right!
Large Wine Merchant of the Year 2020
For those who don’t shop for wine in the Supermarket, but rather shop at Larger Wine Merchants, we asked the same questions. To rate their favourite in terms of Value for money, selection, quality and customer service.
Our long time fan favourite
LAITHWAITE'S WINE took home the Crown for this category! Customers praised their choice of wines, the quality of the bottles and the fantastic customer service they receive both in person and over the phone.
Here is what they had to say:
“Fantastic range, from quite common to lesser known labels, great prices, good delivery.”
“Better selection that most and good quality.”
“Good variety of wines that you won't find in other places with helpful reviews. Advice and customer service are great (even when a problem arises - which doesn't happen often). Love the don't pay for a bottle you don't enjoy but haven't tried it out yet as I've not had a bottle I've not wanted to drink.”
Customers particularly appreciate the knowledge of the employees at Majestic Wine stating:
“Always well stocked with small and new suppliers, they offer tasting nights, notes with every purchase and their staff are highly knowledgeable.”
Regards to Naked Wines they also rate highly in terms of knowledgeable staff, in addition to this, they like the ability to read lots of tasting notes online and learn about the wines they’re drinking.
“I love Naked Wines, fantastic selection, great opportunities to try wines from smaller winemakers, helpful suggestions and advice.”
Top Brands of 2020
This year we wanted to dive a little deeper into the specific tipples that were getting the nation through lock down, so we asked people to tell us about their favourite wine, Champagne, Gin and Whisky – and to rate them out of 5 stars.
Here are the firm favourites:
Wine of the Year
“Consistently full of flavour and bouquet which always hits the spot.”
Champagne of the Year
“You really don’t have to be rich to savour the delights of Bollinger champagne, and once you have sampled it’s delights, you will be a convert.”
Gin of the Year
“Lovely and smooth which tastes superb with all the variety of mixers.”
Whisky of the Year
“Smooth lush and easy to drink”.
The COVID-19 Special Commendation Award
Respondents were also asked to nominate the supermarket or wine merchant they felt had gone above and beyond to help shoppers during this time.
TESCO Supermarket received glowing glowing comments with regards to the safety and security during Covid-19 and as such has been chosen as our winner.
A selection of the feedback is as follows:
“Tesco never let me down for delivery through lockdown.”
“Tesco gave me a priority slot which was very helpful when I was shielding.”
“Tesco have been excellent through these difficult times.”
“Tesco-prices have been great, great staff and help when required and they have more than gone above and beyond for Covid-19 shopping and distancing.”
“Tesco - the men and women drivers have brought my shopping since I was shielding. They are the nicest most thoughtful and helpful people making sure I had everything to last a week. Very grateful.”
Lock Down Shopping Habits Revealed!
- During Lockdown, a huge 25% of people started shopping online for the first time and now will continue to do so
- Now that mask wearing is mandatory in shops, 33% of people say they won’t be rushing back to stores but will likely continue to shop online
- 25% of people purchased different products to what they would normally purchase. The most common were craft beers and cases of wine (as opposed to individual bottles)
- 34% of people stated the most important thing for them when shopping online during lockdown, was the delivery availability
- 43% of people said their consumption of alcohol at home during lockdown increased
- 10% of respondents signed up to a wine club subscription during lockdown
- 13% of respondents have been purchasing more low and no alcohol products
For more information on WinesDirect or the survey results, please contact Erin Tynan at erin@winesdirect.com