1,846 reviews
Notice to Reviewers: As of October 20th, 2021, Laithwaite's Wine People has rebranded to Laithwaites.
AI reviews summary
Laithwaites is highly regarded for providing a vast selection of Australian and international wines at competitive price points, often featuring lesser-known labels not found in mainstream retailers. While the core service is praised for its quality and value, there is a clear divide regarding delivery experiences and the frequency of marketing communications.
Pros
- Exceptional Value and Pricing: Frequent praise for the competitive pricing, particularly on "mystery cases" and special bundles that offer high-quality wine at a low cost per bottle.
- Knowledgeable Personal Advisors: Many users value the professional guidance from personal wine consultants who provide tailored recommendations and help resolve account issues.
- Broad International Selection: The range is commended for including unique varietals from regions such as Portugal, Moldova, and across Europe, allowing customers to explore wines outside of typical retail offerings.
- Responsive Customer Support: When issues like breakages or incorrect orders occur, the internal support team is noted for resolving problems quickly with replacements or refunds.
Cons
- Unreliable Delivery Partners: Significant recurring complaints regarding third-party couriers (specifically Aramex), citing packages left in the sun, deliveries to incorrect addresses, and poor tracking.
- Aggressive Marketing: Multiple reports of excessive communication, with users finding the daily frequency of emails and physical brochures to be intrusive.
- Subscription Transparency: Some users expressed frustration after being unknowingly signed up for recurring subscriptions or finding the "fine print" regarding automated shipments difficult to navigate.
- Questionable Retail Value Claims: Occasional skepticism regarding "original" retail price claims, with some users finding the actual quality of "premium" bottles did not match the advertised high value.
Verdict
Laithwaites is a strong choice for consumers seeking a diverse range of affordable, high-quality wines and personalised service from wine experts. However, potential customers should be mindful of high-frequency marketing and may need to monitor deliveries closely due to recurring issues with third-party courier partners.
Good value for money on their high end wines, but probably not worth it on the cheap varieties. Also, I would not recommend signing up for their regular subscription - rather, exercise discrimination with your choices. Show reply
Good quality wine. I ordered a Secret Premium McLaren Vale Shiraz dozen plus 3 extra bottles. I thought it would be a mixed secret dozen and not just 12 of the same wines. So, a bit disappointed as I like a bit of variety but I guess I will work through them as presents for son in laws. I guess I can't complain about the quality. All my previous… Read more · 1
purchases have been excellent and value for money and very enjoyable. Would recommend Laithwaites but will be more careful on what I purchase.
I have twice in 2026 ordered a box of 12 mixed reds from Laithwaites. On both occasions, the delivery was very quick with no issues or breakages. The selection of reds was mixed and of excellent quality for the price. I would have expected to pay more. No, there was no 'Grange' but every bottle was highly drinkable, full flavoured, and great to… Read more · 1
share with friends. Not a 'dud' wine amongst the two cases. Laithwaites has quickly become my 'go-to' for excellent quality wines at exceptional prices and delivered quickly with no issues. Thank you Laithwaites.
Reviews with attachments
Fantastic experience with Laithwaites Wines. An excellent selection of high-quality wines, clear tasting notes, and great value. Delivery was fast and well packaged, and customer service was friendly and knowledgeable. I’ve discovered some brilliant wines I wouldn’t have found elsewhere. Highly recommended. You are in control of ordering as well. Show reply
I am a long-time wine lover and have been a member of many cellar doors and mixed wine sellers over the years.. I have had some hit and miss experiences, I have to say. There was usually 3 to 5 bottles in a case of 12 that I didn’t like. But with Laithwaites, every single bottle is top quality! The taste and character of the wines they select for… Read more
me are always spot on. They are well structured examples of the grape varieties represented and each box contains an excellent range of expertly crafted, sumptuous and delightful wines. I am a huge fan and have cancelled all my other wine subscriptions as there’s no need for anything else. Thank you!
OMW! Laithwaites said "then Portugal for the mighty Aluado Alicante Bouchet - with its amazing SEVEN Golds!" Part of the recent European Classics offering. What a wine, smooth, a lovely body with "legs" and subtle flavours notably cherry and hints of spice. So drinkable by itself ane will make a superb pairing with red meat, ironically even a simple Italian bolognese. I cannot rave enough about this wine. Show details · 1
I bought a case of wine on special online for $94 for 12 bottles. 2 months later, PayPal took $227.89 from my account to pay for wine I didn’t order. I looked up the Wine Company seller and saw Laithwaites had me on a 2 month subscription that I didn’t know I’d signed up for. I contacted Laithwaites and they were very quick to refund the cost of… Read more
the case of wine and arrange for pickup with Aramax. Please read the fine print if buying wine on special.
The Iron Maiden addition was made to look like the bottle itself had the special graphics. However it's just a paper wrap. Complete cop out. Very disappointing and misleading.
Sorry to hear you were disappointed Andrew. The wrap… Read more
Latest follow-ups
I have reviewed laithwaites in the past, but after being a member for over a year, these are my observations I find it annoying when after browsing I get contacted on my not making a purchase suggesting I may change my mind I think that it has… Read more
become a bit tacky, with the freebies that are used to attract sales, ie wine glasses and other stuff, I would expect members of wine clubs would have glasses, what next steak knives with a purchase of grange, in the quarterly magazine the $50.00 voucher looks good until you do your sums and realize it is not such a good deal because you have to spend more
Follow-up · they are in contact all of the time, and it can be annoying you must read between the lines as some offers are not as good as they look i joined the unlimited section of the wine club, with the promise of random gifts and special deals am still waiting, all you get is a reduction in price with product they are trying to unload ordered a mixed… Read more
Thanks so much for taking the time to share your… Read more
Excellent service by Lathwaites Wines ordered Monday morning received in two days on Wednesday morning a great selection of mixed white wines at a fantastic price with a bonus expensive shiraz. Show reply
Follow-up · Have not tried shiraz yet nor the white wines. Delivery tracking was very good and packaging was first class.
Hi laithwaits are great and they deliver with in the week,even to our island in QLD Show reply
Follow-up · No problems, wines are great ,tha package is good
Positive reviews
Thanks, Peter. Ordering with you is always easy and your wine recommendations never disappoint. We especially love your Barossa and Clare Valley picks. Thanks for the great service. Show reply
Couldn’t be more happy with Laithwaites. I buy their wines for my wife who absolutely loves their wines. They have a great selection to choose from and when they’re on special it’s great value for money. Highly recommend them with their prompt delivery and customer service. Show reply
I was offered a "Dowie Doole" cabernet shiraz package after a $100 per bottle contract had been closed. I fail to see how this cabernet shiraz could have been sold at $100 per bottle. From my experience I believe it could only realize around $20 - $30 per bottle, which was the price I ended up paying. It was not that special a deal - OK to drink but that is all. Show reply
Negative reviews
A lot of Laithwaites wine is very average and those that are of a better quality are very expensive. Some of their RRP for wine is grossly exaggerated e.g. $100 for Dowie Doole The Banker Shiraz Cab, $75 for Angas King Reserve Shiraz and $65 Redheads Esule Shiraz Durif. I accept everyone's tastes are different but these are definitely not "plus… Read more
$50" bottles of wine and that is supported by Laithwaites habit of passing on their surplus stock of these brands as "secret" labels. In short, value for money is very poor. And duping customers is not helping their sales in the long term.
Thank you for your feedback Ian, we’re sorry to hear… Read more
Super excited placing my order and then to receive. No movement on my order until the day after I made contact with Laithwaites for an ETA on my delivery. It was dispatched then the day after. Unable to comment on the product as still not received.
Thanks for the feedback Ally, and Apologies for the… Read more (+1 reply)
Laithwaites themselves are great to deal with, but they are badly let down by their "transport partner" Aramex. When the business is totally reliant on deliveries, it is not helpful when the deliveries are not made within stated timeframes and tracking of packages seems fictional. 2 minutes between the package being loaded and then being unable… Read more
to deliver seems very strange; and this was supposedly the second attempt at delivery to an address with 24 hour parcel locker availability.
We’re really sorry to hear about your experience… Read more (+2 replies)
Recent reviews
Excellent service, quick delivery. Wines are really nice. Have bought from them several times now. Only issue was with the delivery as it went missing enroute, Laithwaites sent me another carton without question. When the first one eventually arrived I was able to purchase it at a reduced price. Show reply
Excellent service and fantastic wines. The range of wines is great, there is always something to suit our budget and there are more expensive wines available for special occasions. Very happy with Laithwaites. Show reply
They again outdid themselves. The two cases of wine were excellent value and good quality varietals. And for those that have had delivery issues with Aramex, they have vastly improved and delivery was as per advice. Well done. Show reply
Orders arrive on time and in good condition. The ordering process is easy and the product descriptions are great, and they match up very well to the wine when they are drunk. Never had a bad wine yet from them out approximately 12 cartons of mixed reds. Mostly Shiraz. Show reply
Laithwaites ALWAYS provides great products at excellent value for price. We have been Laithwaite customers for several years and have never been disappointed. Highly recommended to anyone looking for great wine at great prices. Anthony and Alison Tyler Point Clare NSW 2250 Show reply
Cameron couldn’t be more helpful in filling our orders. We are only a small customer but we are treated as if we were the biggest. The orders always arrive promptly within the week. Show reply
I have been a Laithwaites member for a few years now and find that the wines are not only great quality but great value for money. I typically buy the red wines and find that although they are not always well known wines, the quality is superb. In addition to the great value wines are the great discounts and bonus bottles depending on which case… Read more · 1
you buy. I also subscribe to the monthly delivery fee which more than offsets the standard delivery charges. Keep up the good work Laithwaites!
Very happy with their Mystery Cases. Have had several over recent years and they consistently provide very good value. In addition, always look for the regular Halliday selections for good quality wines. Amazing delivery service - always delivered within a few days of placing an order. Show reply
Wines orders have been ok but the premium dozen said to be $75-$100 I recently purchased, aside from one brand which I rated from undrinkable to very good But my personal advisor Daniel has been fantastic and I award him alone 5/5. His understanding of my disappointment in the wine and suggestion to replace was service at its best Show reply
I bought my wine through a phone call. I ordered a dozen bottles of what I wanted and not what was listed on the brochure that I get from time to time. Sales person was very nice and understanding. Within a few days I received the bottles of wine and now I am enjoying them. Thank you Laithwaites. Show reply
We ordered the 12 bottle red wine selection and was amazed at the quality of these wines given the price. So easy to order and prompt delivery will definitely be ordering from laithwaites in future. Show reply
I have found their service and the wine quality impeccable... we are choosey and like shiraz mostly - they seem to be able to get excellent quality boutique wines and competitive prices. We have not yet had a poor recommendation from them. Show reply
Extra Information
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Follow up review. Aramax kept failing to pick up the case. I had to leave it outside on my doorstep… Read more (+1 reply)