 During the Autumn Budget, the Chancellor announced that from 1 February 2026, alcohol duty will increase by 3.66%, in line with RPI inflation. The government’s published figures indicate that the uprated duty will add £2.87 to the cost of a 12.5% ABV bottle of wine sold in the UK. However, the majority of imported wines exceed 12.5% ABV. Many fall within the 13% to 14.5% range, where duty rates are higher. Below are the revised duty rates per bottle (excluding 20% VAT): In line with some of our independent wine merchant friends, we have not increased our prices to reflect these higher duties. Instead, we have chosen to absorb the additional costs, as the administrative effort required to pass them on is not commercially viable. 13.0% ABV – £2.99 Unquestionably, the value of each bottle sold at The Vinorium has fallen considerably since the cost-of-living crisis. Pre-pandemic, our average sales value was around £35.00 per bottle. During the pandemic, both value and volume of sales rose significantly. Post-pandemic, however, we are now seeing average sales closer to £25.00, which remains above the standard for independent wine merchants. The Anatomy of a bottle of wine.. Every bottle of wine sold in the UK typically includes: In 2025, the average sales price for a bottle of wine in the UK varied significantly by retail channel, with the overall average cost for still wine estimated at £7.07. The market is generally divided into several price tiers based on the type of retailer and wine quality: Supermarkets and Large Stores: The average price for the 1.1 billion bottles sold annually in this sector was approximately £6.75 as of July 2025. Independent Wine Merchants: Still wine from independent shops averaged £16.91 per bottle in 2025, a significant increase from £15.78 in 2024. Mid-Range Market: Research from Into the Vineyard placed the average mid-range bottle in the UK at £8.00. Hospitality (On-Trade): In January 2025, a typical 175ml glass of wine in a pub or restaurant averaged £5.17 The £7.00 Bottle: Mostly Tax The breakdown is striking: £2.87 – Excise duty That means less than 10% of the retail price pays for the liquid in the bottle. Before the producer is paid, more than half the shelf price is already absorbed by government taxation. This leaves very limited room for vineyard investment, winemaking quality, or sustainability initiatives. Why £10.00 Often Tastes Better The alcohol duty doesn’t really change as it’s largely fixed per bottle. VAT increases slightly. A lot more of your extra £3.00 goes into the wine itself. Instead of pennies, closer to £2.00 is now paying for what’s in your glass (still quite shocking) That difference allows for: What about £20.00 and above? As you move into the £20.00 something shifts. Tax is still there but proportionally, it takes up less of the total price. More of your money goes directly toward: Lower-yield vineyards How about a £10.00 bottle discounted to £7.00? This isn’t just a £3.00 saving – this fundamentally reshapes how the customer perceives its true worth. In the UK, once duty and VAT are stripped out (and before you even consider production, shipping, storage and retail margin etc) - a £10.00 bottle already leaves relatively little for the actual wine. At £7.00, unless you are prepared to run at a financial loss, there simply isn’t the margin to credibly sustain that price point. When customers repeatedly see it sold at £7.00, they quickly conclude that £7.00 is the real price and £10.00 was inflated. The discount stops being a reward and becomes the reference point. Over time, the product is no longer a £10.00 wine “on offer” - it is a £7.00 wine occasionally marked up. That erodes credibility, compresses or kills off margin, trains customers to wait, and reinforces the damaging perception that wine pricing is artificial rather than value-based. Below is a small collection of genuinely affordable wines - each selected for quality first, price second. Some are currently offered with support from their respective owners (Accolade / Vinarchy), while others are being delisted from our portfolio including Alkoomi Wines Collection Cabernet Sauvignon 2021, the Aylesbury range, and House of Cards The Royals Cabernet Sauvignon 2022. Delisting is never taken lightly. It can be commercially painful for producers, and we recognise those realities. However, our position is clear - we no longer support wines that cannot confidently sell at full and respectable RRPs. A wine must stand on its own merit - on quality, integrity, value and not on perpetual discounting. Where reductions are available, they are tactical and transparent, not structural. They reflect either supplier-backed support or the final opportunity to purchase wines that are leaving our range permanently.  “There’s generosity and there’s quality which and being perfectly honest, is super-rare at this price point.”  M.Chapoutier Bila-Haut Les Vignes Cotes-du-Roussillon Blanc 2023 Stuart McCloskey, tasted 6th August 2025 “The bouquet takes some work – reserved she is, and she doesn’t come jumping out of the glass. Expect fresh fennel, stone fruits and bags of minerality – inviting, clean and precise. The flavour and palate-feel make-up for her reserved entry. Swathes of pliable, plump, saline fruit drive forward along with a soupçon of fennel seed from the garden. Wonderfully clean along with gossamer smoothness. There’s generosity and there’s quality which and being perfectly honest (given the high duty and VAT rate for wine) is super-rare at this price point. This is an exceptional, smart wine that performs far above its price. So much flair and quality on show. 10/10 given the cost…” £11.75 per bottle “There’s a flamboyance to the wine's viscosity which I love. Totally seductive… Just wonderful.”  M. Chapoutier Crozes-Hermitage Les Meysonniers Blanc 4 Pack Vertical 4-pack vertical collection containing one bottle of 2019 / 2020 / 2021 / 2022 2022 Vintage - Stuart McCloskey “Liquid gold in colour – so beautiful in the glass. I opted for Zalto’s Burgundy stemware as this design allows the aromatic profusion to resonate like the full orchestra it deserves and without oxidising. Put simply, the bouquet is divine. Breathtaking, in fact… Ripe apricot, orange blossom, raw honey, honeysuckle, spiced poached apples and pears, buttered pineapple, tangerine and lemon oil, spiced ginger syrup, along with a fresh backdrop of minerality. There’s a flamboyance to the wine's viscosity which I love. This is not overdone or unbalanced – this is sensational and will not fail to deliver to all those seeking the ultimate textural and flavour experience. Layer-upon-layer of spiced poached fruits unfurl. Honeyed quince, apple, lemon and tangerine carry the wine along with ginger spicing and grandma’s apple pie with a heavily buttered crust… The freshness is unmissable as is the core of minerality. Totally seductive… Just wonderful. Drink now to 2035. Serve alone and without food…” £105.00 per case (4x75cl) “This certainly drinks better than many fizzes north of twenty-quid. Rich and deep.”  Croser Sparkling Brut NV Stuart McCloskey, tasted 24th November - “The bouquet displays bags of ripe strawberry, apricot, butter, honey – all lifted with a backdrop of citrus which balances the richness. The palate is packed with ripe, buttered fruits. Flavours and textures are mouth filling which surprises given the price. This certainly drinks better than many fizzes north of twenty-quid. Rich and deep – I do like the crème patisserie which melds with ripe orchard fruits. There’s acidity which adds a little verve and stops the richness running away with itself. Yes, it is simple, but there is much to like. Cracking for a large gathering… Served using Zalto Universal stemware…” £15.50 per bottle “Outright delicious and the sense of quality is unmistakable. Seriously good and faultless for the money.”  Hardys HRB Riesling 2016 Stuart McCloskey “A dreamboat bouquet marrying gentle maturity in aromatics of lanolin (not excessive), lime zest, lime marmalade, curry spice, fennel seed, orange peel, honey, candle wax, white toast and saline. The wine drinks beautifully and feels harmonious. 2016 produced a fuller, generous style of wine – acidity and freshness are in abundance. Such a mouthwatering wine. The flavours are succulent – crackles of lime juice meld with honeyed apple, florals, minerals and a salty / Margarita-esque finish which goes on for an age. Complexity comes in layers as does the wine's energy… Outright delicious and the sense of quality is unmistakable. Seriously good and faultless for the money. Drink now to 2030++. Served using Zalto Universal stemware.” £19.99 per bottle “Utterly glorious. For those thinking this is ‘old-school’ you would be wrong. This is dripping with freshness.”  Stonier Chardonnay 2017 Stuart McCloskey “The most enticing colour - bottled buttered, gold… The bouquet oozes confit lemon, buttery pastry, sweet spice, buttered popcorn, poached pear, tropical notes, nectarine, guava, honey, honeysuckle, white toast, fresh apple, lime zest, quartz along with a healthy lick of salinity. Utterly glorious. For those thinking this is ‘old-school’ you would be wrong. This is dripping with freshness. Grapefruit and fresh fennel seed comes through with more aeration. The palate and direction of flavours are precise. Saline and citrus run to the wines core. Pay attention and you will notice gently spiced orchard fruits with a faint spark of minerality. Age has brought layers of gentle complexity, ample texture and serenity. Impressive length, too. I should have committed to more stock as there’s a lot of wine for one’s buck. Served using Zalto Burgundy stemware – you will not achieve the same level of complexity or enjoyment if served in a skinny sized glass. Drink now to the end of 2027. PS: I will order more...” £18.00 per bottle “A very impressive West Australian Cabernet.”  Alkoomi Wines Collection Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 Stuart McCloskey “What do you expect for fifteen-quid? In this case, a lot more than you are paying for and reason why we shipped an entire pallet of six-hundred bottles from the Frankland River, WA. Distinct varietal bouquet of blackcurrant, cassis, black cherry, cedar, graphite, liquorice, new leather and mint. It does require some coaxing – I suggest a few hours in the decanter… I am particularly impressed by the generosity of fruit, which envelops the palate beautifully, but it does feel very ‘neat and tidy’ rather than blousy. There is a smörgåsbord of cooling red and black fruits pervaded with minerals and graphite. Wonderful lift and freshness too. Effortless, silky and layered. There’s more than enough flesh and bones to put a case away for 6-8 years. If you loved the 2012 Killibinbin, invest in a case and watch the magic develop. A very impressive West Australian Cabernet. Drink now to 2030+. Sampled using Zalto’s Bordeaux stem. Remember – give it a few hours in a decanter.” £15.95 per bottle “This is a beautiful wine that reflects its varietal and terroir perfectly (in the purest sense). Highly recommended.”  Aylesbury Estate The Pater Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 Stuart McCloskey “Wistful moments as this takes me back to my Bordeaux En-Primeur tasting days. This is young, stylish, confident, cool and calm. This requires decanting (a few hours should suffice) and would benefit from a few extra years in the cellar. Stylistically, this finely tuned Cabernet Sauvignon will please those seeking a ‘classical’ style without the expense of fruit. Those looking for a full throttle style should stop reading. I’ve spent two days with this bottle (not exclusively) as I wanted to see how the wine unfolds. The winemaking is sensitive. Full of ‘decorum’ would be the best description covering all the senses. The bouquet unfurls to blackberry, liquorice, pencil shaving, bay leaf, black olive, warm earth, sweet spice from the use of new, French oak. The palate is sublimely elegant - I particularly like the tender touch left by the winemaker. It’s a lovely example of a wine that doesn’t try to impress. Instead, the fruit gently rolls across the palate – acidity crackles in the background. The tannins add a fresh bite as does the use of French barriques (40% new). Super-long finish – fennel seeds linger for minutes. Very clean too… This is a beautiful wine that reflects its varietal and terroir perfectly (in the purest sense). Highly recommended. Drink now to 2030. Served using Zalto Bordeaux stemware.” Was £26.95 per bottle 97 Points – Platinum award – Decanter  Relatos del Callejon Malbec 2020 97 Points – Platinum award – Decanter “Intensely perfumed, with a pretty nose of lifted violet, delicate raspberry and plush black cherry, while the vibrant palate is graced with cedar, thyme, lush plum, a refined mineral tension and ends on a perfumed, long finish. Very good!” Was £17.00 per bottle “Why serve expensive rosé when you can put this on ice for 10-minutes and wow not only yourself, but all your guests too.”  Aylesbury Estate Q05 Tempranillo 2021 Stuart McCloskey “The bouquet grows to spiced red fruits, violet, soused cherry, cola, Campari-like bitters, wood and orange zest. Black olive, anise, leather and fresh, black pepper develop with more aeration. The palate is firm and wonderfully refreshing. The spiced fruit (raspberry, cherry and orange) provide a real prickly tang – a vigorous shake down, if you like… This is never going to win awards or huge scores however, this is crafted to provide vibrancy and bucket loads of fun (albeit with a touch of seriousness). The sweet spice and salinity tick all my boxes. Why serve expensive rosé when you can put this on ice for 10-minutes and wow not only yourself, but all your guests too. I’m left doffing and bowing. A frisky delight…” Was £19.95 per bottle “This has arrived at the perfect juncture… The colour is bronzing around the edge, calming, savoury, and sitting more on the Burgundy side.”  Stonier Pinot Noir 2021 Stuart McCloskey “For me, this has arrived at the perfect juncture… The colour is bronzing around the edge (demonstrating a little bottle age), calming, savoury, and sitting more on the Burgundy side (less New World which you will understand once you sit with a bottle). I chose not to decant. Instead, I allowed the wine to open-up in my glass and enjoyed the progression of the perfume. Where to begin? Subtle beef broth, dried red currants, sour cherry, liquorice, new leather, mushroom consommé, warmed earth, rose hip and orange zest. All rather delicious. The wine is medium-bodied, well structured, bright and refreshing. Flavours lean towards the savoury side (a little salty – umami), there’s fruit sweetness along with a glorious bite from blood orange. Almost a Campari vibe, and a wine that would be equally delicious served on the ‘cooler’ style (serious, Rosé). The tannins melt beautifully – acidity provides balance and shows there’s life and freshness ahead. A perfect example of charming pinosity. Drink now to 2027. Served using Zalto Burgundy stemware.” £19.00 per bottle “This has all the hallmarks of a classic Cabernet Sauvignon from the Margaret River – I love it.”  House of Cards The Royals Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 Stuart McCloskey “This has all the hallmarks of a classic Cabernet Sauvignon from the Margaret River – I love it. The aromatics emerge from my glass in waves of fresh blackcurrant, redcurrant, lavender, fresh bay leaf, new saddle leather, sea kelp, fresh oak, licorice along with a heady, floral lift from violet. Give it a few hours in the decanter and wait to be amazed. Ozone and sea kelp build wonderfully. Real pedigree. The palate is medium-bodied, balanced to perfection, the tannins are shapely and unobtrusive – the acidity is fresh and alive. The blue and black fruits are tinged with sweet spice (a little clove too), licorice and a smidgeon of tobacco. This feels very fancy and if given some quality air-time, will fool many a drinker into believing this is far more expensive. This provides lots of immediate enjoyment, but I reckon the sweet spot will be 5-8 years down the line. Served using Zalto Bordeaux stemware.” Was £26.50 per bottle “I would love to see this served blind amongst some of Australia’s bigger names. This is so classy. What a wine… Just perfect and ridiculously cheap.”  Grant Burge Balthasar Shiraz - 4 Pack Vertical 4-pack vertical collection containing one bottle of 2015 / 2018 / 2019 / 2021 2015 Balthasar, Stuart McCloskey, August 2025 “The bouquet provides a heady infusion of black and blue fruits, fresh mint and sage, coffee, sweet baking spices, leather, lead pencil, coal, a touch of wood smoke and dried meats. The perfume improves overtime – I suggest 1-2-hours in a decanter or 30-mins in your glass. Maturing and brooding. Dried orange peel develops - very inviting, indeed. The palate is medium-bodied, sweetly fruited (not overripe) and provides waves of succulence (brightness too). I love the feel – slippery and silky. Flavours unravel from blue and black fruits to mushroom broth and dried meat. Minty, fresh acidity. Old-school charm and in the position to be enjoyed now to 2030. Overdelivers…” 2018 Balthasar, Stuart McCloskey, August 2025 “Boom – a thunderous wine from the great, 2018 Eden Valley vintage, and it shows. Good lord – where on earth to start? This beauty ripples with a smörgåsbord of black and blue fruits, salted plum, raspberry coulis, black cherry, cinnamon toast, fresh mint / menthol, clove, kelp, a smidgeon of sweet piping tobacco is creeping in, dried orange peel and amaro bitters… Light florals (lavender) and blueberry compote with more aeration. This draws you into a fog of luscious potency – it’s so dark and so deep. Incredible. The palate is packed with ripe fruits. This feels lavish – the texture is a joy. I love the interplay between the ripe fruit, dusty spices, and a little bitter coffee… Flavours carry on for minutes. Fruit quality, a great vintage, and Craig Stansborough at the helm provides finesse to the power. This must have been a colossus upon its release. Epic wine for the money… Drink now (decant for 2-4-hours).” 2019 Balthasar, Stuart McCloskey August 2025 “The 2019 vintage was one of the Eden Valley's driest in recent years, resulting in rich and concentrated wines, and this is no exception. The bouquet is dense and packed with ripe, black fruits, warm ginger biscuits, clove, anise, iodine, fresh sage, mint and warm earth. There’s a touch of warmth however, the fruit quality outshines. The palate is rich and succulent – blue and black fruits are the main drivers with a touch of red fruited piquancy mid-palate. The spicing is sweet and the tannins soft and easy – smooth delivery. Alpine herbs add complexity and interest. Despite vintage conditions, the finish is cool and exceptionally long. Notwithstanding the wine’s modest price – the fruit quality is excellent (as is the wine). Drink to 2030 / 2033.” 2021 Balthasar, Stuart McCloskey August 2025 “The 2021 Eden Valley vintage is widely considered a standout of the decade and a remarkable year for winemaking in the region. Following a cooler than usual December and a summer that was the coolest for 19 years, the Eden Valley experienced mild conditions during the peak growing season, leading to optimal ripening for reds. The bouquet is utterly fascinating and takes some airtime to unlock all the aromatics (I suggest a 2-hour decant). Try serving in Zalto’s Burgundy stem as it holds the perfume beautifully. Red fruits dominate as do woody and exotic spices, which meld beautifully with a waft of smouldering campfire, fresh sage, alpine herbs, violets, pink peppercorns and seaspray. The perfume improves over time – more evocative and more beautiful. I wish I could spend a few hours swirling and sniffing. By far my favourite bouquet out of the quartet. All those exquisite fragrances translate across to the palate. Upon the first sip - the fruit and tannins dissolve into a texture akin to milk chocolate melting by the warmth of your mouth. I would love to see this served blind amongst some of Australia’s bigger names. This is so classy. High-toned, amaro bitters, an effervescent twang of blood orange, five spice, rose, a pinch of sea salt and packed with freshness. Very Nebbiolo if you get my drift. What a wine… Just perfect and ridiculously cheap. I would like to sample this slightly chilled, which I will when our stocks arrive. For now, I am finished and must pack for my trip to the Isle of Skye.” RRP £99.96 per case (4x75cl) Each vintage is also available separately at £18.00 per bottle  |
