Fancy a sprint finish that actually pays off? This July, while Vingegaard and Pogačar battle for yellow, you could be winning something even better – premium French wine to collect in Calais. From July 5th to 27th, join our Wine Jersey Challenge and discover why this year's Tour de France is a race worth following... especially with a glass in hand!
What Makes the Tour de France 2025 So Exciting?
The 2025 Tour promises fireworks from the very first pedal stroke. The Grand Départ in the Hauts-de-France region brings the race tantalizingly close to British fans – and to some serious French wine savings.
Key Early Stages for UK Fans:
- Stage 1: Lille > Lille (July 5) – Flat sprint finish in the heart of French beer country
- Stage 2: Lauwin-Planque > Boulogne-sur-Mer (July 6) – Finishing just 20 minutes from Calais Vins!
- Stage 3: Valenciennes > Dunkirk (July 7) – Dunkirk is only 30 minutes from our stores
While the Hauts-de-France region is famous for its beer heritage – think Ch'ti and local breweries – these early stages put you within striking distance of France's finest wine regions. Perfect for a post-stage celebration, whether you're following the race or just planning a strategic wine run.
Riders to Watch: Jonas Vingegaard returns to defend his crown, but Tadej Pogačar isn't giving up without a fight. Add Remco Evenepoel to the mix, and you've got a recipe for the most competitive Tour in years. Rather like choosing between a Bordeaux and a Burgundy – why not enjoy both?
Join the Wine Jersey Challenge – A Contest for British Cycling Fans
Think of it as your own personal peloton – but instead of chasing wheels, you're chasing prizes. Every day during the Tour, we'll post a cycling or wine-related question on our Facebook page. It's dead simple:
How the Wine Jersey Challenge Works:
- Follow @WineCalais on Facebook (like joining the right breakaway group)
- Answer our daily question in the comments
- Each correct answer = one entry into that week's draw
- Winners announced every Monday (July 14, 21, 28)
No purchase necessary. Just pure, unadulterated fun.
Sample questions might include: "Which French wine region will the peloton cross on Stage 12?" or "What's the maximum gradient on today's final climb?" Think pub quiz meets sports commentary – with better prizes than a pint of bitter.
Prizes to Win – And How to Get Them
Each week, one winner takes home a selection of 3 bottles carefully chosen to match the regions crossed by the Tour during that week:
- Week 1 (July 7 draw): Blanche de Wissant (Hauts-de-France beer), Calvados Pacory (Normandie), French Whiskey from Brittany
- Week 2 (July 14 draw): Gin de Solers (Auvergne), Bouteille de Vin les petits cailloux (Toulouse), Clos des fées white wine (Frontière espagnole)
- Week 3 (July 21 draw): Orca Vieilles Vignes (Mont Ventoux), Gin du Mont Blanc, Crémant de Bourgogne Bailly Lapierre
The catch? There isn't one. Well, except you'll need to collect your prize in person at either Calais Vins or Olivier Vins. Think of it as the perfect excuse for a wine run to France.
Visit Calais Vins – Your Tour Stop for French Wine and Big Savings
Why British wine lovers are crossing the Channel in droves:
- Up to 50% savings compared to UK high street prices
- 15% VAT refund available via Global Blue or Skiptax
- Generous UK allowances: 24 bottles of wine, 42L of beer, 12 bottles of sparkling wine
- Free ferry crossing with orders over €300
Jerome Pont, our wine expert, puts it simply: "A case of quality Bordeaux that costs £180 in London? You'll pay €90 here. That's not just a saving – it's a wine education fund for the year."
Whether you're following Stage 2 to Boulogne-sur-Mer or Stage 3 to Dunkirk, we're perfectly positioned for Tour fans. Both shops are within 30 minutes of these early stage finishes, and our team knows exactly which wines pair best with watching a sprint finish.
Pro tip: Check out our Tour de France Beer Trip guide if you prefer celebrating stage wins with local brews from the Hauts-de-France region instead of wine.
FAQ – Everything You Need to Know
How do I enter the Wine Jersey Challenge?
Follow our Facebook page @WineCalais and comment your answer on the daily post. That's it – you're in the race!
Can I participate if I'm not in France yet?
Absolutely! Play from anywhere – just make sure to collect your prize in person at our Calais stores. Consider it the perfect excuse for a wine shopping trip.
Are the prizes really bottles of wine?
Yes – real, drinkable, premium French wine and spirits. No vouchers, no plastic trophies. Just bottles you'll actually want to open.
When are the winners announced?
Every Monday during the Tour (July 14, 21, 28). We'll contact winners via Facebook and announce publicly.
Do I have to pay anything?
Not a penny. It's completely free – just follow, play, and potentially win. Though once you taste the wine, you might find yourself planning a shopping trip anyway!
Can I win more than once?
Yes! Each day is a new chance to win. Play every day, and you could find yourself with quite the collection to pick up.
Ready to Join? Follow & Win
From the cobbles of northern France to the mountains of the Pyrenees, the 2025 Tour de France promises to be unforgettable. Why not make it profitable too?
Follow @WineCalais on Facebook
The Wine Jersey Challenge starts July 5th. Don't miss the sprint!
#WineJerseyChallenge #TourdeFrance2025 #CalaisVins #DutyFreeWine #CyclingCompetition2025