New Forest Wines is an Independent Merchant offering a fantastic selection of top quality wines,…read morespeciality spirits and locally produced beer and cider. Only wines that meet the strictest criteria get a listing no global corporate mass-produced overly-branded wine are allowed in here. Passionate about sourcing from smaller, quality driven boutique producers. All wines have been personally chosen, tasted and rated to ensure the best quality and value for money at all price levels. You will fine a selection of interesting and unusual wines overflowing with character, balanced by a comprehensive range of Classics.

I stumbled into this place walking around Oxford. The staff was very friendly and answered several…read morequestions about whiskeys I had. They have a large selection of whiskeys, both domestic and foreign. They have several sampler sets which make great presents and are super easy to pack so you can get several small bottles and still be under the legal limit when returning state side

We don't know much about whisky, and what we do know is about American whiskey, which many would…read moreargue isn't even close. Since we were in Oxford for a few days before heading to Scotland, and since my sister-in-law works at Lincoln college across the road, the Whisky Shop was our obvious choice to get some information and be prepared for our trip north. I didn't catch the employee's name who helped us, but he was great. He took the time to patiently explain everything, telling us which distillieries to be on the lookout for on our trip, which ones are smoky and peated, which ones we could get outside the UK, what is unique about their own line of whiskys, and more. We ended up with a good sized bottle of The Old Malt Cask, where the company visits the major respected distilleries (ours is from Scapa) and buys a cask or two from them that they age longer and then put into bottles without adding any flavor or coloring. We also got some of the 4 packs of small bottles from Ben Riach, since they had peated and non-peated of relatively the same stuff, giving us a great way to understand the difference of flavor and style, particularly since Ben Riach is a speyside whisky, with inherently different style than the island whiskys we tried. My sister-in-law also went back for us when our train was delayed to buy some additional items, including a medium sized bottle of one of their Whisky Shop labels that we plan to set aside for when our sons are old enough to enjoy it with us. She mentioned that the guy was just as helpful and thorough in dealing with her. In short, if you want to learn a lot about all types of Whisky, this is a great place to stop.

I just found my new favourite wine shop. Arth Wines is a haven for dipsomaniacs, offering a…read morespectacular range of wines, champagnes, cider and beer (even Yankee brews like Sam Adams are sold here, much to my delight). I spent nearly 20 minutes chatting to owner Richard and hearing the refurbishment plans for his shop, which is conveniently positioned just outside the Penarth Railway station. I even got the grand tour, sidestepping the boxes and dust to get a peek at the back room which will soon house the extensive red wine selection. The prices are really reasonable, especially for a specialty wine shop. Richard explained he cuts out the middleman by buying directly from the vineyards, which allows him to keep his prices down. Don't let the minor state of disarray put you off - Arth Wines is undergoing a transformation, which includes extending the back wall, adding a series of doors to the front of the shop, as well as adding extra cooling sections for the wines and champagnes. In the New Year, Arth Wines will boast several taster machines, which will enable customers to stop in and sample a range of 30 or so wines at any time, a try-before-you buy idea that he says is "the exact opposite to the supermarkets". These dispensing machines keep opened bottles fresh by replacing the air with inert gas nitrogen (keeping the wines away from oxygen prevents oxidation and eventual spoilage). He feels people shouldn't have to spend £100 to try 10 types of wine, many of which may not be suited to their tastes. I want to bring a few bottles of wine back for family and friends in the States, so I'm definitely going to stop by when I have my car. I can tell it's going to be a worthwhile, if expensive, excursion, judging from the spectacular ranges to be had here.

Sattie and his son Pardeep are fantastic. I called from the US to have a gift delivered to my…read moreboss. They took care of everything even though they don't normally do deliveries.

Ballantynes Wine Merchants is a quality family business. It started its life about thirty five…read moreyears ago in the salubrious market town of Cowbridge, (and although it doesn't sound like it, Cowbridge is reputed to be the wealthiest town in South Wales... it's clearly come a long way since very humble beginnings!), but is now located in Pontcanna, the posh end of Cardiff. Having been around for long enough, the second generation of Ballantynes have joined the business. Perhaps this is why they now have an online store as well as the physical outlet? It is often the case when fresh blood comes into the frame, that progressive changes ensue. Not only do they usually possess the technical abilities to achieve this kind of development, but they also have the ambition and drive to want to put their stamp on the business. Ballantynes is the kind of shop that attracts exclusive business. Working with small vintners and supplying the trade with specialty wines, its got exclusivity written all over it. But, as well as catering for the wholesale trade, they wouldn't turn your retail business away... but I'm sure that even their retail clients are apt to buy their wine by the crate!

For lovers of wine, this is a really excellent outlet in the Pontcanna area of Cardiff. They stock…read morea real range of cheaper and top end wines, though you know that you'll always be getting the best within each price range. Ballantynes are quite renowned for their stocking of good French wine, and seemingly specialise in red, but they also sell from many, many other countries, having recently brought over a number of great New Zealand wines. Ranging from a £5.99 bottle of Chardonnay, to a more enticing bottles that will cost you hundreds of pounds each, this is a store that really will have anything for any wine lover. They are also great a giving advice to those people (like me) who like to think that they know more than they really do.

Great service and very knowledgeable! Beautiful wine choices so will def. be returning!!…read morehttps://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=527574150629998&set=a.240029546051128.65319.110000839054000&type=1&theater

when we are in the south west wether devon , dorset or cornwall we always make the effort to do a…read moredetour to visit wine world on the main street in HONITON . The selection of wine is exceptional and the owners are extremely helpful with advice and also fab prices ,and never yet had a bottle that did not please and we have been going for at least 10 years, and the will also offer to carry your selctions to your car

Great restaurant in bath, very cute atmosphere, accomadated a young couple with a baby.read more

My favourite place for a bite to eat, wine with friends and Sunday brunch! The wine shop is also…read morewell curated and the team very knowledgable.

This is an independent liquor store (as the name implies) that my tour guide recommended for local…read moreciders at a fraction of the cost. They also make their own stuff. It is cash and carry and the staff was very helpful in helping me choose my cider. On the way out he poured me a shot of Mead, which is the local honey liquor. I got a sweet mango one that was in a can and another sweet honey bee one that was in a bottle. I guy opened it for me with an opener so I could consume immediately and it was delicious. The perfect drink on a warm afternoon. This location is central in Bath and easy to find. I highly recommend!

I was feeling sorry for myself after hours of being the 50th wheel on a large guided tour of mostly…read moreunfriendly folks who were clinging to each other like there was no tomorrow. So as I wandered the streets of Bath alone, I happened upon this beaut of a shop and felt a glimmer of happiness and familiarity. I'm being dramatic, yes, but this is a really cool bottle shop in Bath. Prices are good and there's a ton of local brews available. Since I had limited room, I only purchased one bottle from the helpful clerk. I'd recommend a trip to this shop if you want to stock up for sure.