The best sites make it quick and easy for you to browse a wealth of exciting wines, as they provide a simple navigation system, helpful filters and a user-friendly layout. You can then make your purchases with a few clicks, and the wines will arrive at your door rapidly.
It is easy to see why online retailers now account for more than £1 in every £4 spent on goods in the UK. Data from the Office for National Statistics shows that the ecommerce channel has enjoyed exponential growth over the past decade, increasing its market share from 9.5% in July 2013 to 26.1% in July 2023.
The UK is now the world leader for online shopping, ahead of Germany (19.6% share), the Netherlands (19.2%), the USA (18.8%) and Sweden (16.7%), according to the Centre for Retail Research. It had been steadily growing for years, but the Covid-19 pandemic rapidly accelerated the trend towards online shopping.
However, it can be tricky to navigate the complex world of online wine retail, so read on for some tips on how to simplify the process.
Buy wine from a trusted retailer
It is important to only use reputable online retailers that can be trusted to process your order correctly and send the bottles promptly. Ensure that they use the correct packaging to protect the wine during transit, and ideally, make sure they take steps to reduce their carbon footprint.
‘Buying online might be the most empowering channel, but it still needs savviness,’ says wine