Poor summer brings about increased red wine sales, reports Waitrose

The old saying "It's an ill wind that blows nobody any good" seems to be holding true regarding wine sales, according to figures released from Waitrose.

Because the washout summer has made red wines the drink of choice, as sales soar for numerous countries including France and Chile.

A cold, crisp glass of white wine or rosé is normally a summer staple but as we experienced the sixth wettest July on record, red wine and a cosy night in seem farm more appropriate, with the biggest increases seen in classic French fine red wine, especially with Burgundy leading the way (163%) and Chilean fine red wine, too.

Over the last month we saw temperatures of 14.9 degrees and this dip in temperature is reflected in customers drinking habits with red wine from all regions seeing an increase in sales in the past month.

 In comparison, in July 2022, temperatures soared as high as 40 degrees with searches for rosé wine and white wine up 30% and 47% on Waitrose.com compared to the same time this year. 

Jamie Matthewson, who is the Wine Buying Manager at Waitrose, said: “Our customers usually love a chilled glass of rosé in the summer and who can blame them? It’s a shame it's not had its moment in the sun this year but it has been great for red wine, whether you want to enjoy a chilled summer red, or really want to hunker down and enjoy a Malbec or a Merlot. Personally, I love a glass of red whatever the season!”

He went on to say: "Our customers are prepared just in case the sun decides to make an appearance, opting for red wine that can also be chilled with sales of Santa Tresa Frappato up 86% year on year. 

"An elegant Sicilian red, which is full of delicious summer fruit flavours and can be enjoyed slightly chilled, perhaps served with grilled tuna. 

"Cocktails are also on the menu with searches for the red wine based summer cocktail Sangria up 47% compared to the same time last year on Waitrose.com.

For those who prefer a spirit as a tipple the preference has been more for a warming autumnal drink, with sales of spiced rum, single malts and cognac are up. Old fashioned season has also come early with recipe searches for the classic cocktail up 292% on Waitrose.com compared to the same time last year.

Argentina Fine Red Wine +90%

Australia Red Wine +24%

Australia Fine Red Wine +19%

Bag In Box Red +23.4%

Burgundy Red wine +163%

Chile Fine Red Wine +206%

Germany Fine Red Wine +68%

Germany Red Wine +56%

Italian Red Wine +29%

Loire Red Wine +30%

France Fine Red Wine +270%

Rhone +30%

South African Fine Red Wine 68%

Spain Red Wine + 45.4%

USA Fine Red Wine +73%

Until today, Tuesday 29th August, Waitrose is offering 25% off all wine and Champagne priced between £5 and £100, when purchasing any six or more bottles. The offer is available when shopping in branch, on Waitrosecellar.com, or online at Waitrose.com with a grocery delivery.

When taking advantage of the 25% offer on Waitrosecellar.com, customers are able to mix their own case with their favourite wines and Champagnes. With over 1000 wines to choose from on the Waitrose Cellar website, it’s the perfect time to stock up. Cases can include six or more bottles of the same trusty favourite, or a mixed selection of something new - creating your own bespoke case of wine has never been easier.