Best mixed case wines to buy

Most of us pick up a bottle or two from a supermarket or wine shop for our everyday drinking, but at Christmas it makes sense to plan ahead and buy online by the case.

Whether you want a collection that contains all you’ll need for the big day itself, from fizz to kick off with a bang to stickies to have with pudding and cheese, a bargain box for a party, some popular favourites to have on hand, or a clutch of unfamiliar treasures to pique jaded palates, the choice can be overwhelming. The trick is knowing where to shop.

Most major retailers offer reliable (if not the most exciting) mixed cases. Waitrose Cellar has a good choice, often on promo at substantial discount, while M&S has put together mixed cases of bottles that have scooped prizes in the Decanter World Wine Awards, all keenly priced and including some unusual wines you may not have tasted before. Booths has cases of its quality own-label classic wines, or try its mix of pink and white proseccos for a bargain £55.

The always excellent Wine Society has a wide case selection to suit all budgets, some including goodies to eat which also make great gifts (as does joining the Wine Society – £40 buys life membership and £20 off the first order). Natural wine lovers could head for Pure Wines or Juiced Wines, which both have lots of case choices. Or, for less offbeat bottles, go to well-respected merchants, such as Swig or Yapp, with service as good as their wines.

As always, consider supporting your local independent wine shop. Most will have pre-chosen cases for delivery or collection, or will happily make up a bespoke box of things you know you’ll love. Cave, one of my favourite local wine shops in Bristol, has cleverly put together mixed cases chosen to suit centrepiece feasts – roast beef, roast turkey or a veggie-based meal – and offers them at different price levels.

Five mixed case wines to try

Domaine Breton La Dilettante, £125 for mixed case of six bottles, Cave

Wonderful biodynamic sparkling chenin blanc, elegant but with lots to say for itself. Part of the all-vegan Veggie Box with three pairs of impeccable small-producer wines.

White Lies, £57.50 for mixed case of three bottles, Nouveau Wine

Copper-coloured pinot gris with a little skin contact – ripe peachy fruit and pretty floral notes. From a Christmas pack of three groovy South African low-intervention wines.

De Martino, On the QT Bin 26 £100 for mixed case of six bottles, Waitrose Cellar

Mature and voluptuous cabernet sauvignon layered with ripe black fruit, liquorice, spice and tobacco. Part of the On the QT case: three pairs of limited-edition wines you won’t find in store.

M&S Ribolla Gialla, £66.50 for mixed case of six bottles, Marks & Spencer

An ancient grape from northern Italy, generous and fruity with ripe pears, peaches and a bit of orange zest. A great multi-tasker at a great price. Part of the Decanter Mixed Six case.

The Society’s Chablis, £96 for mixed case of 10 bottles, The Wine Society

Classic steely chablis that everyone will love. It comes in the Joy of Wine Experience Tasting Kit: 10 bottles, tasting notes and links to videos that guide beginners to wine appreciation.