- Expertise spanning over 170 years
- Closely forged relationships with our producers
- State of the art storage and logistics facilities
Buying to enjoy
While many of the wines that we list will repay careful ageing, unfurling their full range of flavours after several years, we also stock a host of wines that are made to enjoy young. Obvious examples include zingy, vibrant Sauvignon Blanc; zesty, fresh Provence rosé; or sappy, fruity Beaujolais. But the list doesn’t stop there – from Etna Rosso to Aussie Chardonnay, Mendoza Malbec to South African Chenin Blanc, many of the wines across our portfolio are intended to be opened and enjoyed without extensive cellaring. Browse our selection of wine to enjoy now below…
Buying to drink now
Wines designated ‘drink now’ are those that we predict will offer a fantastic drinking experience if they’re cracked open now. Drinking windows will typically last a period of years, and the wine will no doubt change during this period: saying that you can drink the bottle now isn’t saying it won’t improve further. It should be seen as a guide rather than gospel, and will come down to personal taste: you may prefer younger, fruitier wines, or more developed styles.
Buying to keep for later
Many fine wines improve with age, and the best way to ensure that you get the chance to try them at their peak without paying a premium is buying young and storing under perfect conditions until they’re ready to drink. The fact that we say a wine should be kept for later isn’t to say it isn’t already delicious, and if you like fruitier styles you may prefer the wine younger. The beauty of owning a case of the same wine is that you can track its development over time.
Guides and Advice
Whether you're buying for a dinner party next weekend, or looking for a special bottle to keep for a future celebration, our guides will help you get the best out of every glass.
Storing your wine
The perfect storage conditions for fine wine require stable, low temperatures, relatively high humidity and as little light as possible, and cellaring in a purpose-built facility is integral to storing wines safely and cost-effectively. We store clients’ wines, and our own wines, with Coterie Vaults Ltd in their purpose-built bonded warehouse, thereby ensuring that every bottle is impeccably cellared, regardless of whether you intend to drink or sell it.
“I've been a customer for over 40 years and can highly recommend Lay & Wheeler for their excellent service in providing advice on wines for drinking and for longer term investment.”
J Berger, UK
“L&W are easy to do business with and offer good wines at competitive prices. Delivery is prompt and items come well packaged.”
Edward, UK