Comments on: Why Californian wine is so expensive in the UK

By: Maximus

Maximus — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 11:46:55 +0000

DEAR MATT
Which importer in UK has quality wines from California to offer please ?

By: Matt

Matt — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 10:45:57 +0000

Hi Mark. You can indeed get the Hahn wines over here, typically for £13 – £14 a bottle, and not bad value. This is certainly at the cheaper end of what is available over here from California without dipping into the mass market branded supermarket wines. With producers like Qupe, Bonny Doon and Alban there’s clearly some potential to be discovered in this part of the US. I’ll have to go exploring next time I’m over there!

By: Mark Buckley

Mark Buckley — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 21:18:46 +0000

Having worked for a Central Coast of California fine wine producer I understand the challenges for California wine to be well represented in the UK. Hahn Family Wines produces Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio and Merlot all at the $14 price point. Obviously that changes once it is exported, but dramatically so. I would hazard a guess that in the UK the wines retaili for close to 10-12 pounds, but the quality in the bottle compared to it’s peers in that price bracket is in the 20 pound plus range. Of course Spain with it’s glut of wine and close proximity is going to always be cheaper, but the quality can vary substantially. Different mindset. If you just want cheap plonk to get drunk with, then there’s no shortage. If you want to enjoy a decent wine with a meal that isn’t an arm and a leg, then you should look at many of the Central Coast wines that have made it across the pond. Just my 2 pennies. @spiritandwine

By: Matt

Matt — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 00:33:10 +0000

In reply to Andrew.

Top California bottles like that aren’t easy to find in the UK. The best way I suspect would be to go through a broker like Fine + Rare, Farr or Bordeaux Index. But £500 minimum spend is pretty typical with those guys.

I think that Silver Oak have a UK importer – Wine Treasury – so you could always ask them. Another good call would be to speak to The Sampler: when I worked there they had both of those estates in mature vintages. Though for a touch more than you would find them for in the US!

Good luck in your search…

By: Andrew

Andrew — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 21:45:01 +0000

I am in California and want to gift a friend a bottle.
Your comments explain why I can’t find a local London wine shop that stocks quality California reds.

Even Waitrose has a puny selection and not at all the best quality for the price.

Where would you buy a bottle of Caymus or Silver Oak?