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TAKE A SPIN AROUND THE WORLD
WITH THE VINEKING'S WINE CLUB

A WINE CLUB WITH A BIG DIFFERENCE

Each month we put together a mixed case of six bottles totalling £70-£120 (saving up to 25% off the normal price), reflecting a particular theme or region in the wine world. Included with the wines will be tasting notes, maps and information about the producers. The big difference about our wine club is that you get to decide 'Yay or Nay' for receive that month's box - so you get to buy only what you like the sound of and what you think you'll enjoy drinking.

Join the Wine Club

Fill in the sign-up form and we will be in touch shortly to complete your registration.

TAKE ME TO THE SIGN UP FORM

MARCH 2024

SYRAH VS SHIRAZ

At its core, Syrah and Shiraz wines are both made from the Syrah grape – but that is where the similarities end. Differences lie in where the grapes are grown, and on a basic level Syrah is from France and Shiraz is from Australia. France has always been considered the spiritual homeland of the Syrah grape and it was transported down under to Australia in the late 19th century by James Busby, a Scottish viticulturalist, where the variety has been the mainstay of Australian winemaking ever since.

THE OBVIOUS DIFFERENCE

Now, let’s address the most obvious difference between the two grapes – those names! Syrah is the original placeholder, and no one knows why the Aussies started calling it Shiraz; perhaps it was the accent or an accident? However it came about, the Aussies have certainly made the name synonymous with the Aussie style of winemaking: big and bold!

While Shiraz is grown all over Australia, plots of Syrah from France is mostly concentrated in the Rhône region where appellations such as Hermitage, Cornas and Côte Rotie pride themselves on their wines made from 100% Syrah. It might be tempting to think that all Syrah comes from France, and that all Shiraz is from Australia, but it’s not that simple. Syrah grows all over the world, from France to Australia, and everywhere in between. Some countries of note, now making waves with the variety are: New Zealand, South Africa and Chile (all showcased in this month’s selection). Wineries in these regions often use Syrah/Shiraz on their labels to denote style: the use of ‘Shiraz’ on the label would indicate that the wine inside is a ripe, rich, fruit-forward wine made in the Australian spirit, whereas a bottle labelled ‘Syrah’ would signpost to a more European style of wine that is more savoury. At this point, the names have gone from being an indication of origin to an indication of winemaking choice and style.

FULL BODIED

And as if that is already confusing enough, in recent years, some wineries in Australia have been labelling their Shiraz as Syrah, if the style they crafted is closer in style to that of the Rhône. And even some French wineries have been known to label their Syrah as Shiraz if the style produced is reminiscent of their Aussie friends. What a topsy turvy world it is!

One thing you can rely on is flavour when it comes to both iterations of the grape – there are some core varietals that will not change no matter what country or climate the grapes come from.

Join the Wine Club

Fill in the sign-up form and we will be in touch shortly to complete your registration.

TAKE ME TO THE SIGN UP FORM

Wine Club Price £115.00

Retail price - £158.94 / Regular Discount - £127.15

Join the Wine Club

Fill in the sign-up form and we will be in touch shortly to complete your registration.

TAKE ME TO THE SIGN UP FORM

1. Sign up to The Wine Club via the form below, you will then receive a direct debit via email for you to complete shortly after.

2. Each month we will email you full details of the month’s case. If you don’t fancy that month’s case you can simply skip it!

3. Then sit back, relax, and wait for your delivery of your new wines from around the world.*

* We will deliver free within 5 miles of any of our stores otherwise a £7.50 delivery charge applies. If it is more convenient then the case can be collected from any of our stores.

Members will also be entitled to 2x free tickets to our Summer and Winter Portfolio Tastings at our Stores

You may opt out or cancel at any time.

FAQs / TERMS & CONDITIONS

What if I don't want that month's case?

If you don't fancy it, or have too much wine, there's an "OPT OUT" button on that month's Wine Club email. So you may opt-out of that month's selection and of course, you can cancel at any point too.

What if I Join After the 1st of the Month?

If you sign up mid-month then we will still offer you the current month's case. If you join towards the end of the month then please note that we may have to substitute certain items if they are out of stock.

How do I pay for it?

It's simple to set up and pay via Direct Debit, only debited if you take that month's case.

How do I get it?

We will deliver it for free if local, if beyond 5 miles of one of the shops £7.50 for a courier - or you can collect for free.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

Once the sign up is processed, a link to a Direct Debit Mandate will be emailed to you for your completion.

Each wine offering will be communicated on the 1st working day of the month. This will include a list of the wines and the special price for the 6 pack.

Each case will contain a mixture of red, white, rose and sparkling wine. Payment will be taken (if not opted out) on the 7th of the month, or first business day thereafter.

If you have chosen delivery, your wines will be delivered, or be ready for collection if you prefer, within 5 working days after the Direct Debit payment is taken.

Every month you can opt out of that month’s case without cancelling your membership.

You can cancel your membership at any moment by simply informing us in writing.

Tickets to the Summer & Winter tastings will be offered for your local area. Your attendance is confirmed your tickets will be allocated.

If a wine is sold out a suitable substitute will be found.

*free delivery – within 5 miles of any of our stores. Delivery outside of 5 miles will be charged at £7.50 per delivery (up to 12 bottles)

Once your attendance is confirmed we will allocate your ticket.