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From British Tradition to Modern Adventure
With Christmas approaching, British wine lovers Ben McFarland and Tom Sandham – known as The Thinking Drinkers, reviewing in The Sun– crossed the Channel on a mission: to see whether the modern-day booze cruise still makes sense.
Once known for packing cars full of wine, beer and spirits, the booze cruise has had to adapt to new regulations. But as Ben and Tom discovered, there are still plenty of savings to be made — and new joys to be found.
Photo courtesy of The Thinking Drinkers
First Stop: A Wine Lover’s Paradise
After docking in Calais, their wine journey began in earnest. At the heart of it all: shelves lined with Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, Sancerre and more. Prices ranged from a humble £2.46 bottle of red to over £1,200 for Premier Cru Champagne.
“It’s a wine lover’s paradise, with aisle after aisle of Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, Sancerre and rosé wines…” – The Sun
Inside Calais Vins: Trolleys, Tastings & Top-Notch Advice
Only ten minutes from the ferry, Calais Vins was the duo’s first stop — and they weren’t disappointed. Welcomed by Supremo Jérôme Pont, they discovered a shop offering far more than deals: English-speaking sommeliers, wine tastings in-store, and hidden gems not found in UK supermarkets.
“These aren’t wines you’ll find in British supermarkets — but the prices are around 40 per cent cheaper than wines of equivalent quality in the UK.” – Jérôme Pont
They smiled their way in the aisles, glasses in hand, sampling and selecting wines with expert guidance. Their trolley? Overflowing with carefully chosen bottles — the result of curiosity, expertise, and plenty of laughter.
The Numbers: Big Wines, Bigger Savings
They left with 24 bottles of wine, and six bottles each of Champagne and sparkling wine. The total came to just under £390 — and then came the VAT refund.
After scanning their tax-free form at the kiosk in Calais port (a process that took less than five minutes as they said), £59.78 was refunded directly to their card, reducing their final spend to £330.
“We spent £330 at Calais Vins... by no means bargain-basement booze, but great value for money for top-notch wines.” – The Sun
Photo courtesy of The Thinking Drinkers
The Grape Escape: Ferry Ticket on the House
As if the savings weren’t enough, the pair also unlocked Calais Vins’ seasonal offer: a free return ferry with P&O. All they had to do was spend €300 online and place a €60 deposit — the perfect excuse for a day trip filled with fine wine and festive spirit.
Is the Booze Cruise Still Worth It? Absolutely.
“So is the modern-day booze cruise worth it? Absolutely – whether you’re a cork-sniffing wine buff or bargain booze hunter.” – The Sun
Conclusion: A Wine-Fuelled Adventure Worth Repeating
Ben and Tom didn’t just do a booze cruise — they redefined it. With expert advice, hands-on tastings, VAT refunds and even a free ferry thrown in, the modern Calais trip is more than shopping — it’s an experience.
Whether you’re filling your cellar or sipping your way through Champagne selections, Calais Vins proves that duty-free wine shopping can still be smart, memorable… and delicious.
Ready to start planning your own Grape Escape? Discover the best Champagnes for Christmas 2025 here.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Calais Booze Cruise
How much can I save on wine and spirits in Calais?
Ben and Tom saved over £59 in VAT and spent just £330 on 36 bottles — showing savings of up to 40% compared to UK prices.
Is the booze cruise still legal post Brexit?
Yes, but with new limits. You can bring back up to 18L of still wine, 9L of sparkling wine, 42L of beer, and 4L of spirits for personal use.
Can I really get a free ferry with Calais Vins?
Yes! Calais Vins offers a “Grape Escape” deal: spend €300 online, pay a €60 deposit, and receive a free return ferry booking with P&O.
How does the VAT refund work?
At checkout, you receive a tax-free form. Scan it at the kiosk at the port, and the refund is processed in under 5 minutes — money is usually back on your card within days.
Are the wines at Calais Vins really different from the UK?
Yes. Many wines come from exclusive partnerships with French vineyards — they’re not found in British supermarkets.
