Laithwaites

What's in the box: A mixed case of red, white, rosé or sparkling wines chosen by the Laithwaites buying team, often with tasting notes.

Laithwaites is one of the best-known names in UK home wine delivery. It is part of Direct Wines Ltd, and its story goes back to 1969, when Tony Laithwaite brought Bordeaux back to Britain in a hired van. The site sells single bottles, mixed cases, spirits, beer and gifts. It also has a dedicated Subscriptions section that it describes as the most convenient way to buy your favourite wines at better prices. The subscription works as a repeat mixed case: the buyers choose a selection and send it to you on a regular schedule. Laithwaites says its buyers taste over 40,000 wines a year and narrow them down to about 800, so the range is broad but carefully selected. Many wines are exclusive to the company, which makes it hard to compare prices with supermarkets. The homepage is heavy on offers, with discounted collections, free bottle deals and crossed-out prices. Shoppers who like a bargain will enjoy that, but it can make the real everyday value hard to judge. On the reassuring side, there is a 100% money-back guarantee, free delivery on 12 or more bottles, live chat support and physical stores. Overall it is a dependable, established choice for people who want a steady supply of approachable wine and don't need to pick every bottle themselves.