Laithwaites Review 2024: Beautiful Wines or Bust?

Overview

Laithwaites offers many wines from a diverse range of global regions. Wines include mixed cases, single bottles, gifts, and more.

It’s not easy picking the right wine club nowadays with so many options. Many clubs have a minimum order requirement, which isn’t necessarily what you want. In this Laithwaites review, you’ll find out if the company is worth your money.

I’ve poured countless hours into researching Laithwaites to help you out. I wanted to find out about the overall wine selection and variety, the regions offered, the unboxing experience, how its prices stack up, and how quick shipping is. I also wanted to be able to tell you how the user experience stacks up. Read on to find out everything there is to know about Laithwaites.

What’s on the Laithwaites Wine List

Laithwaites has a wide selection of mixed cases, memberships, and single bottles. It offers a variety of wine types, including red, white, sparkling, rosé, and authentic champagne. This range ensures you have a wide choice for any occasion or preference.

The grape varietals available are extensive. It includes popular options like Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Malbec, Merlot, Pinot Noir, and Zinfandel, among others. This variety allows you to explore different flavors and find your favorites.

It sources wines from globally recognized regions. You can find wines from Italy, France, the US, Portugal, South Africa, and specific areas like Bordeaux, California, and Washington. This gives you a taste of world-renowned wine-producing areas. Keep in mind that around 85 to 90% of all wines come from the US.

Laithwaites offers flexibility in ordering. You can opt for one-off orders of single bottles, choose mixed cases, or subscribe to a tri-monthly membership. This flexibility caters to your varying needs and preferences.

Unlimited Members benefit from always-free shipping. If you opt for a membership, you enjoy the convenience of regular wine deliveries without additional shipping costs.

It provides a range of price categories. You can browse wines in the $20-$30 range or opt for more budget-friendly choices in the $10-$15 range. This pricing structure helps you find wines that fit your budget.

Laithwaites features special Latest Offers. These include selections like the California Cabernet Celebration, Refreshing Sauvignon Blanc, and Boulé Sparkling Wine, offering you the chance to try new and exciting options.

In addition to wines, it also offers a range of gifts. These include wine bottles, gift cards, and more, making it easy to share the joy of wine with others.

Unboxing

When you receive a Laithwaites shipment, you'll find all the wines neatly organized. Each bottle is separated for protection, ensuring they arrive in perfect condition. The packaging is a standard cardboard box, which is practical and sturdy.

Inside the box, there's a booklet providing detailed information about the wine regions Laithwaites sources from. This booklet enhances your understanding and appreciation of the wines you've received.

The labeling on each wine bottle is clear and follows the regular wine bottle label format. It makes it easy for you to identify each wine and its characteristics at a glance.

Laithwaites is committed to sustainability. Everything you receive is fully recyclable. This includes the box, separators, wine boxes, and any included pamphlets and booklets. You can enjoy your wine knowing you're contributing to environmental responsibility.

Shortlist of My Favorite Wines

2019 Black Saint Peter Old Vine Zinfandel Magnum (1.5L)

The 2019 Black Saint Peter Old Vine Zinfandel Magnum, a 1.5L bottle, stands out for its full-bodied character. Sourced from California's Lodi district, it offers intense aromas of spicy red fruit, complemented by pepper, mint, and sweet spice nuances. On the palate, it features smooth, mouth-filling flavors of black cherry and bramble fruits, all layered with sweet vanilla oak.

2022 Seekat Bay Chenin Blanc

Next is the 2022 Seekat Bay Chenin Blanc, a delightful South African white wine. It's light- to medium-bodied and showcases fresh peach, pineapple, mango, and lemon peel aromas. The flavors are balanced with notes of honeysuckle, vibrant acidity, and a medium finish.

2020 Shroud Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon

Finally, the 2020 Shroud Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon is a must-try. This California red wine is medium-bodied and presents savory blackberry bramble and powdered cocoa aromas. On tasting, it reveals blackberry and plum flavors, silky tannins, and a smooth finish. The finish brings hints of violet, vanilla, and cinnamon.

Prices

Laithwaites offers single bottles, wine cases, and membership options. This flexibility caters to different needs, whether you're looking for a one-time purchase or a regular wine supply.

The pricing at Laithwaites varies widely. It has both affordable and more expensive options, making it suitable for a range of budgets. This variety ensures you can find wines that align with your financial comfort.

For single bottles, prices start at around $10. However, some selections can reach up to $50 or more, depending on the wine's rarity and quality. This range gives you the freedom to choose based on both taste and cost considerations.

Mixed cases offer another option. These range from about $29.97 for a 3-bottle case to approximately $800+ for certain 12-bottle cases. The wide price range reflects the diversity of wines available in these cases.

Membership pricing starts at $69.99 for your first 12-bottle case. This initial offer includes 2 bonus bottles, wine glasses, and perks like bottle size and quality upgrades, adding value to your membership.

You could also subscribe to the Unlimited membership, which costs $89 per year. With Unlimited, you get:

• No minimum order requirement

• 10% off on every bottle when you order 12+ bottles

• A birthday discount

• Priority access to tickets and VIP events

• Special deals for members only

• Free shipping to multiple addresses – good for gifting

Lastly, gift options vary in price, starting from around $50 to $100 and beyond. This includes gift cards, wine boxes, and more, allowing you to select gifts that fit your budget while offering a thoughtful wine experience.

Shipping & Delivery

Laithwaites delivers to all 50 US states, including Alaska and Hawaii. This nationwide coverage ensures you can enjoy its wines regardless of your location. It's important to note that you can’t select specific shipping or delivery days. Laithwaites ensures efficient processing but offers no customization in terms of delivery scheduling.

The estimated shipment date is when your wines are likely to leave the warehouse. The estimated delivery date is when they’re likely to arrive at your address. This information helps you anticipate when to expect your order.

If you prefer, you can opt to have your wine delivered to a nearby FedEx location. To arrange this, access your shipping confirmation email and click on the tracking number. This will take you to a page where you can choose to have your wines held at FedEx. Remember, an adult aged 21 or older must be present to pick up the wine.

If you need to change your payment method or shipping address, you can do so if your order hasn't been sent for processing. Processing can occur within 30 minutes of order confirmation. For any changes, contact customer service promptly.

How Laithwaites Works

Signing up is a bit cumbersome, but with this guide, you’ll find it much easier. Here’s how to sign up.

How to Sign Up

1. Browse the menu. Find your favorite wine, case, or membership option. In this example, I’ll be browsing for individual bottles.

2. Scroll through the options. Alternatively, use the wine filters on the left-hand side of the screen.

3. Decide on a wine. Then, choose the quantity you want. In this example, the 2019 Black Saint Peter Old Vine Zinfandel Magnum comes in configurations of 1, 6, or 12 bottles. I chose a single bottle as a demonstration. Then, click Add To Cart.

4. Review your cart. Once you click Add To Cart, your shopping cart will automatically appear in the right sidebar. Accept or decline the upsell attempts on the next screen. Then, simply click the red Checkout Securely button.

5. Fill out your information and checkout!

Managing Your Subscription

To manage your account, simply log in and access Wine Club Settings. At the end of that page, you'll find various options. If canceling isn't what you're looking for, you can postpone cases or alter your delivery schedule.

For more detailed assistance, reaching out to the customer service team will allow you to tailor your subscription as needed.

Customer Support

You can contact Laithwaites using 2 methods:

• Phone: Call the team at 1 (800) 649-4637 on weekdays from 9 am to 9 pm and weekends from 9 am to 6 pm ET.

• Email: There’s a web form to contact Laithwaites for pre-sales questions, or simply email customerservice@laithwaites.com.

I have to say that I’m disappointed to see a complete lack of live chat support. Live chat has become sort of a staple for most companies, and not offering it just seems out-of-touch with modern-day customer service best practices.

That said, as usual, I took it upon myself to test out the contact form. After nearly 30 days of waiting for a reply to my email, I just never received one.

Aside from that, I’ll try reaching out again to see if anything changes and will update this article if and when I do hear back. For now, I recommend using the phone line only, as email support seems to be unresponsive.

Aside from that, there’s an in-depth FAQ section. Additionally, Laithwaites provides a guarantee for customer satisfaction with every wine. If you’re dissatisfied for any reason, Laithwaites is committed to resolving the problem. It’ll either replace the unsatisfactory bottle or provide a refund for it.

How Laithwaites Compares to Other Wine Delivery Services

• Laithwaites vs Firstleaf: Laithwaites offers unique selections from small wineries, enhancing exclusivity. Firstleaf, however, focuses on personalization through a quiz-based system, tailoring wine recommendations to individual tastes. Firstleaf also features a much larger selection and a refer-a-friend program, catering to a diverse palate and social connectivity​​. Learn more in my colleague’s Firstleaf review.

• Laithwaites vs Naked Wines: While Laithwaites specializes in wines from small producers, Naked Wines operates on an Angel investment model. This model funds independent winemakers, allowing Naked Wines' members to access exclusive wines at a discount. Members generally save 40% or more on any bottle at Naked Wines. Find out more about how Angel members benefit in my colleague’s Naked Wines review.

• Laithwaites vs Vinesse: Vinesse offers a curated selection of boutique wines at competitive prices, with a focus on hand-selected artisan wines worldwide. Unlike Laithwaites, Vinesse keeps membership simple, providing flexibility in shipment frequency and content (red, white, or mixed). Its satisfaction guarantee and easy sign-up process make Vinesse a strong choice for those seeking a straightforward, quality wine club experience. Find out more in my official Vinesse review.

The Bottom Line: Is Laithwaites Worth It?

Laithwaites provides a wide selection of wines at competitive prices, appealing to those who value both diversity and affordability. The company's pricing structure is designed to cater to a range of budgets, making it a suitable option for both casual wine drinkers and connoisseurs.

The service offers an impressive range of wines from various regions around the globe, catering to a multitude of tastes and preferences. It includes rare finds and popular favorites. Shipping is also always free for club members, which I found to be a very nice bonus.

However, there are some drawbacks. Shipping for single orders or single bottles can be very expensive, especially to Alaska or Hawaii. Also, membership deliveries are limited to 3 months. If you’re wanting more frequent deliveries, you’re sadly out of luck here.

FAQ

How long does Laithwaites take to deliver?

Laithwaites' delivery timeline depends on several factors, including your location and the order's processing time. Generally, it can range from a few days up to a week. It's important to consider the estimated shipping and delivery dates provided at the time of purchase, as these will give you a more accurate idea of when to expect your order.

Check to see how long delivery might take to your area.

How do I cancel Laithwaites wine club subscriptions?

To cancel your Laithwaites membership, you need to access your Wine Club Settings in your account dashboard. Once there, navigate to the cancelation section and follow the prompts. If you encounter any difficulties or need further assistance, Laithwaites' customer service team is available to help guide you through the process.

What is the Laithwaites guarantee?

Laithwaites offers a satisfaction guarantee on all its wines. If you're not pleased with your purchase or if you think there's a quality issue with any wine, Laithwaites commits to replacing the wine or offering a refund. Just contact the customer service team to find out what your options are.