Australian wine

There are plenty of great reasons to buy from Laithwaites. Here are just a few:

• Trust – we’ve been a family wine merchant for 50 years, with over 400,000 happy customers. Our customer service is second to none – reflected in our ‘excellent’ Trustpilot rating.
• Quality – every year our team of buyers taste 40,000 bottles to bring you the best. Just 800 (that’s 2%) make the grade.
• Range – our buyers don’t just sit in an office and make phone calls. They visit wineries all over the world – often small family cellars – to bring you authentic, handcrafted wines that you won’t find in your local supermarket.
• Convenience – no need to struggle to the car with bulky bottles. We deliver straight to your door.
• Peace of mind – with our no-quibble guarantee, you never need to worry about getting a bad bottle. If you don’t like a wine – for whatever reason – you don’t pay for it.  

And last but not least … we’re committed to leading the way in becoming more sustainable in all areas of the business. That’s why we were named Decanter’s Green Champion of the Year in 2023.

The day of your delivery will depend on which option you’ve chosen at checkout.  

• For a standard delivery, we will deliver your order within three working days. Delivery to the Scottish Highlands, some other areas of Scotland, Northern Ireland and offshore islands can take an extra few days.
• Usual delivery times are between 07.00 and 21.00.
• You can select Next-day or Named-day delivery at checkout – but do bear in mind we don’t deliver on Sundays or Bank Holidays.

For the best experience we recommend you subscribe to our Unlimited service. A one-off payment of £29.99 entitles you to free delivery for a year – including free Next-day delivery. There’s no minimum order – you’ll get free delivery even on a single bottle. And you can get delivery to multiple addresses, so it’s perfect for gifting!

Yes! It’s quick and easy to join our Wine Club.

You’ll start discovering new wines for less right away – and once you’re in you can easily tailor your subscription to your needs.

Want to skip or delay a delivery? No problem. Fancy a different style? We’ve a wide range to choose from. Want to swap in some of your favourite wines? It’s easy to do online. We’ll send a reminder email the week before delivery so you’ll have time to make any changes you like.

Learn more about laithwaites wine subscriptions

We want you to enjoy every bottle you buy from us. If you are not completely satisfied with any wine, for any reason, just let us know and you’ll receive a refund.  

Plus, we always want you to receive exactly what you need. If we deliver a case and it’s not wanted, just email us at customerservice@laithwaites.com and we’ll take care of it.

Australia has over 60 wine regions with varying climates and soils spread across the country.

South Australia is the heart of Australian winemaking. It's home to well-known regions such as Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Coonawarra and Eden Vale. These warmer regions are responsible for Australia’s bold, big-flavour wines, including fruity Aussie staples such as Chardonnay, Riesling, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon.

The Yarra Valley, near Melbourne, and the Adelaide Hills offer cooler climates. These regions are famous for grapes such as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, making wines with lighter flavours and brighter acidity.

Australia’s oldest wine region, Hunter Valley, has a global reputation for its Semillon and Shiraz wines, while Margaret River stands out for its high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay wines.

Popular Australian Reds

Australia is known for producing quality red wines, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz.

Australian Cabernet Sauvignon is known for its straightforward black cherry, blackcurrant, spices and cedar notes. It’s a full-bodied, dry wine with strong tannins and is mainly found in the Coonawarra and Margaret River regions.

Shiraz from Australia is similarly big and bold. It's full-bodied, offering straightforward tastes of black fruits with hints of black pepper and dark chocolate. The best ones are often from the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale.

Aside from Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, other notable red wines from Australia include Merlot, Cabernet Franc (often mixed with Cabernet Sauvignon), Pinot Noir and Grenache.

Popular Australian Whites

Australia is celebrated for its impressive variety of high-quality white wines. One of the most planted white grapes in Australia is Chardonnay.

Depending on how they’re aged – commonly in oak barrels – these wines can be fresh and sharp or take on a rich and smooth profile with hints of vanilla and baking spices. For top-notch Chardonnay, Margaret River and Adelaide Hills are the go-to regions.

Sauvignon Blanc from Australia is known for its lively and sharp taste, showcasing tropical fruits, citrus, gooseberry and herbal notes. While Margaret River and Adelaide Hills produce great Sauvignon Blanc, the Marlborough region in Western Australia is another region to explore for great tasting Sauvignon Blanc.

Riesling thrives in the cool climate regions of Australia and is known for its intense blossom aromas and flavours of citrus and stone fruits such as nectarine and apricot. For standout Riesling wines, Clare Valley and Eden Valley are the leading regions.

Unsurprisingly, Aussie white wines can perfectly match the country’s signature dishes.

An unoaked Chardonnay is a great partner to fresh shellfish such as crab and shrimp, while oaked styles work well with a roast chicken or creamy chicken pie.

Given the influence of Asian cuisines in Australia, there’s no surprise that a vibrant Riesling is a good choice with spicy food. The wine’s sharp and refreshing nature is an excellent partner to dishes such as teriyaki vegetables or Sichuan pepper pork. Consider pairing it with Vietnamese summer rolls or Thai green curry for a fusion of flavours.

Because of their robust structure and fruit-forward character, many Australian reds are paired perfectly with barbecue dishes featuring red meats and hearty vegetables. Pair your Cabernet Sauvignon with ribs or braised lamb or lighter dishes such as salads topped with Gorgonzola or Parmesan.

However, if you’re pouring a Shiraz, its bold and rich character calls for equally robust dishes. Think of BBQ classics such as steak or venison. Even a hearty burger, layered with toppings, works alongside a Shiraz. And for an authentic Aussie experience, pair it with a lamb pie or spicy grilled prawns.

Learn more food and wine pairing tips.