Ski & Save: How UK Travellers Can Cut €2,700+ on Premium Wines in 2026

- Categories : The Wine Calais Blog

Planning your return from the Alps in early 2026? Whether you're a wine enthusiast, a collector, or simply looking to bring back something exceptional from your ski trip, this is one of the most cost-effective moments of the year to invest in premium bottles.

With your ski pass, you benefit from an immediate 10% discount on still wines at Calais Vins and Olivier Vins — including Grand Cru Bordeaux, Beaujolais (Fleurie, Brouilly, Juliénas), Loire whites (Sancerre, Pouilly-Fumé)...Best-selling wines among UK shoppers

For UK travellers, this discount can be combined with a VAT refund of up to 15%, resulting in up to 25% total savings compared to UK retail prices.

What does that mean in real terms?
A single traveller using their full UK allowance on premium wines, Champagne and spirits can save over €2,700 on one purchase (see the table below) — simply by combining the ski pass discount on still wines with the VAT refund.

Ski pass wine discount – Grand Cru wines 10% off at Calais Vins

Save 10% on Still Wines with Your Ski Pass

Whether you're stocking up for your chalet or bringing back a rare bottle from your ski holiday, Calais Vins and Olivier Vins offer 10% off on still wines for skiers in 2026.

This single, exclusive offer applies to all still wines in store — from everyday wines and après-ski essentials to Grand Cru Bordeaux and Prestige selection. Simply show your valid ski pass at checkout.

Planning to bring bottles back to the UK? Combine the 10% discount with a 15% VAT refund to save up to 25% in total.

Offer valid until April 20, 2026.

? Looking for more inspiration? Don’t miss our dedicated guide: Top Wines & Spirits to Bring Back from Your Ski Trip.

✅ How to Claim Your 10% Discount in Store

Redeeming your exclusive ski discount at Calais Vins or Olivier Vins is easy:

  • ⛷️ Bring your valid ski pass (from any European resort, dated winter 2025–2026)
  • Shop freely across our full range – wines, rare vintages, bag-in-box, etc.
  • Get 10% off instantly on eligible items at checkout (still wines only)
  • Ask for your VAT refund form if you’re returning to the UK (savings up to 15% extra)

✔ Tip: The offer is available before or after your ski holiday – as long as your pass is valid.

Save Big on Premium Wines

At Calais Vins, we take pride in offering an exceptional selection of Grand Cru wines, rare vintages. Thanks to our 10% discount with your ski pass, British skiers can now save up to 25% (with VAT refund) on these premium bottles.
Offer valid until April 20, 2026.

Premium Wine Selection Over €100

Product Original Price Price After Savings
Château Lafite Rothschild 2019 €1,059.00 ~€810.13
Carillon d'Angélus 2020 St Emilion €129.00 ~€98.68
Château Margaux 2006 €690.00 ~€527.00

Tip: These offers are available in-store only with your 2026 ski pass. For even more inspiration, discover our top staff picks for ski travellers.

Pre-Order Your Wines, Beers & Spirits Online

Save time and secure your favourites before you travel. With Calais Vins’ pre-order service, it’s easy to plan ahead and collect your premium bottles without delay.

  • Browse our full wine, spirits and beer range on wine-calais.co.uk
  • Select & Pre-order your favourites
  • Collect your order at Calais Vins or Olivier Vins on your way back
  • Don’t forget your ski pass for 10% off + up to 15% VAT refund

UK Duty-Free Allowances (2026)

Stay within your limits to benefit from tax-free shopping. These are the current personal allowances when returning to the UK:

Product Type UK Allowance Example
Beer 42 litres ~3 crates of 24 x 50cl cans
Still Wine 18 litres 24 bottles (75cl)
Sparkling / Fortified Wine & Spirits
(under 22% ABV)
9 litres ~12 bottles
Spirits
(over 22% ABV)
4 litres ~5–6 bottles (70cl)

Tip: You can mix types of alcohol, as long as you stay within the total allowance. For more details, check our full guide to import limits.

Wide selection of wines and spirits at Calais Vins duty-free shop

 Easy Stop on Your Way Back to the UK

No need to detour — both stores are located just minutes from the terminals:

  • Calais Vins – 5 minutes from the ferry terminal
  • Olivier Vins – 5 minutes from the Eurotunnel

Terms and Conditions of the Offer

This exclusive 10% discount on still wines is valid upon showing your ski pass in-store and applies until April 20, 2026.

  •  Discount applied directly at checkout: Product price – 10%
  •  A VAT refund voucher (approx. 15%) is provided for eligible purchases
  • Important: You must validate the VAT form at UK customs to receive your refund

? Example: How Your Savings Add Up

Bottle Price 10% Ski Pass Discount VAT Refund (15%) Final Price Paid
€100 – €10 – €13.50 €76.50

➡ That’s a total saving of 23.5% — perfect for premium bottles and collector’s items.

Premium Basket Example – How Much Can You Save?

Planning a serious wine and spirits haul? Here’s a representative selection using the full UK duty-free allowance per person.

Note: Only still wines are eligible for the 10% ski pass discount. Champagne and spirits can still benefit from a VAT refund (approx. 15%).

Still Wine – Up to 18 Litres (24 x 75cl)

Product Qty Unit Price Final Price Savings
Carillon d'Angélus 2020 12 €129.00 €1,184.16 €362.84
Château Margaux 2006 12 €690.00 €6,324.00 €1,956.00

Sparkling Wine – Up to 9 Litres (e.g. 12 x 75cl)

Only eligible for VAT refund – no ski discount.

Product Qty Unit Price Final Price Savings
Champagne Ruinart Brut Magnum 12 €129.95 €1,326.54 €133.86

Spirits – Up to 4 Litres

Only eligible for VAT refund – no ski discount.

Product Qty Unit Price Final Price Savings
Whisky Bowmore 2001 2 €1,050.00 €1,785.00 €315.00
Old Armagnac 1976 1 €134.00 €113.90 €20.10

? Total Basket Summary

Category Total Paid Total Savings
Still Wine (24 bottles) €7,508.16 €2,318.84
Champagne (12 bottles) €1,326.54 €133.86
Spirits (3 bottles) €1,898.90 €335.10
? Total €10,733.60 €2,787.80

Conclusion: A single UK traveller can still save over €2,700 on a premium wine & spirits selection — by combining the 10% ski pass discount (still wines only) with the VAT refund.

 Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get the discount before my ski holiday?
Yes – as long as your ski pass is valid for the current winter season, you can benefit from the offer before or after your trip.
What ski passes are accepted?
Any European ski resort pass dated for the 2025–2026 winter season is accepted.
Do I need to book in advance?
No booking required, but you can pre-order your selection online for faster service.
Is this offer valid on all items?
No. The 10% ski pass discount applies to still wines only. Champagne, sparkling wines and spirits are not discounted but remain eligible for a VAT refund (approx. 15%).

Plan your stop at Calais Vins today – exceptional wines, unbeatable prices.
? Pre-order now or visit us in-store before April 20, 2026.

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