Planning a French or Spanish holiday by car? Whether you're taking the ferry or the Channel Tunnel, your journey begins in Calais - long known for the classic “booze cruise.” But we’d like to offer something better: The Grape Escape. A smarter, more enjoyable way to shop wine, beer or spirits before or after your holiday. You're probably wondering when to make that all-important wine stop in Calais. Should you stock up before heading to your gîte, or wait until the return journey to maximise your duty-free allowance? Here’s what you need to know to time your stop perfectly and save more on quality French wine.
Planning Your Stop: Before or After Your Holiday?
The timing of your Calais wine shopping can make a significant difference to both your holiday experience and your wallet. Whether you're heading to a self-catering cottage in Provence or returning home after a week of château visits, understanding when to buy wine in Calais will help you make the most of your French adventure.
Why Before Makes Sense (for Self-Catering Trips)
If you're staying in a gîte, Airbnb, or any self-catering accommodation, buying wine before your holiday is often the smartest choice. Why waste precious holiday time wandering overpriced tourist supermarkets with a limited and uninspiring selection?
At Calais Vins and Olivier Vins, you'll find over 4,000 carefully selected bottles, from crisp whites like La Vieille Ferme to British favourites like Whispering Angel. All at prices that don’t mysteriously jump just before the holiday season... you know what we mean.
Even better, you can browse online and pre-order, so your wines are ready and waiting when you arrive - saving time, money, and stress.
Stocking up before you hit the road means arriving at your accommodation fully prepared for romantic dinners, family BBQs, and lazy afternoon aperitifs. Plus, you'll know exactly what you're drinking — no unpleasant surprises from unfamiliar supermarket bottles.Why After Is Smarter for Duty-Free Deals
For hotel stays or shorter trips where you won't be cooking, the return journey offers the best value. This is when duty-free allowances come into play, allowing you to bring back significant quantities of wine, champagne, and spirits without paying UK taxes. Read more about why duty free shopping in worth it in the Summer ?
The key advantage? You can focus on premium bottles and special vintages that would normally be prohibitively expensive in the UK. Think celebration champagnes, aged Bordeaux, and artisanal spirits that make perfect gifts or additions to your home cellar.
What Most Travellers Don't Know
Insider tip: You can actually do both. Many experienced British travellers make a quick stop in Calais on the way down for essential holiday wines, then return for a more substantial duty-free haul on the way back. This strategy works particularly well for families taking longer holidays or wine enthusiasts who want to maximize their opportunities.
Buying Wine Before: Stock Up for Your Stay
When you're planning to buy wine before your French holiday, think practically about your accommodation and activities. Self-catering trips require different wines than you might normally buy for home consumption.
Top wines for gîtes, BBQs, and family meals:
- Light, chilled rosés perfect for poolside sipping
- Crisp white wines that pair well with fresh seafood and salads
- Medium-bodied reds for evening meals and cooler nights
- Sparkling wines for celebrations and special moments
Best-selling rosés and whites for French holidays: Focus on rosé wines from Provence, Loire Valley, and Languedoc regions. These offer excellent value and are specifically crafted for the warm, relaxed style of French holiday dining. Look for bottles under €15 that would cost £20+ in UK supermarkets.
Suggested checklist for a 7-day Provence stay:
- 4-6 bottles of rosé (the local specialty)
- 3-4 bottles of white wine for seafood and light meals
- 2-3 bottles of red wine for heartier dinners
- 1-2 bottles of sparkling wine for special occasions
- Consider local specialties like Pastis or regional liqueurs
Buying Wine After: Maximise Your Duty-Free Allowance
Your return journey is the perfect time to think about wines you can't easily find in the UK or bottles that represent exceptional value compared to British prices.This is especially true for fine wines and grand cru. Both Calais Wine Stores (Calais Vins and Olivier Vins) offer a carefully curated selection of top quality bottles at prices rarely seen across the Channel. Discover how to access premium wines at unbeatable value.
What to buy for home: Premium reds from Burgundy, Rhône Valley, and Bordeaux represent the best value on your return trip. These wines often cost 40-60% less than UK prices, making them perfect for special occasions or building a home cellar. Here is why rising UK alcohol prices are driving more Brits to shop in Calais.
Champagne and sparkling wines also offer significant savings, particularly lesser-known but high-quality producers that aren't widely available in British shops.For instance, Champagne Demarjory is a standout pick for both taste and value, starting at just 19,95 € (before duty free savings)
Legal duty-free limits: As a UK resident, you can bring back up to 18 litres of wine (equivalent to 24 standard 75 cl bottles) without paying additional duty. You can also include spirits, beer, and other alcoholic beverages within your overall allowance. Check your UK duty allowance
Tips for boot organisation and bottle protection: Invest in proper wine carrying cases or sturdy cardboard boxes (you can grab some in our store). Place heavier bottles at the bottom and use clothing or towels as padding. Keep your receipts handy and consider separating your duty-free purchases from any wine you might have bought during your holiday.
Your Route: How to Stop in Calais Without Losing Time
From both the Channel Tunnel and ferry terminals, Calais Vins and Olivier Vins are both strategically positioned for maximum convenience. The journey from Calais port to the store takes just 8-10 minutes (Calais Vins), while Tunnel users can reach the shop in under 15 minutes to Calais Vins or 5 minutes to Olivier Vins.
Opening hours and parking: Calais Vins and Olivier Vins open daily from 9 am to 7 pm, with ample (and free) parking directly outside the store. This means you can shop without worrying about parking meters or carrying heavy cases long distances.Tip: we also have trolleys !
The "1 hour stop = £150 saved" logic: A typical family shopping trip at Calais Vins takes 30-45 minutes and saves an average of £150 compared to UK prices. When you factor in the convenience of having everything you need for your holiday or bringing back premium wines at exceptional prices, that hour becomes incredibly valuable.
Before vs After: Which One is Right for You?
| Factor | Before Holiday | After Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Self-catering stays | Hotel holidays, wine collectors |
| Wine types | Everyday drinking, rosés | Premium bottles, champagne |
| Budget impact | Moderate savings | Maximum savings |
| Convenience | Ready for holiday | No carrying during trip |
| Selection focus | Practical choices | Special occasions |
Scenarios by traveller type:
Buy before if staying in a gîte with a kitchen. There's nothing like enjoying a sunset aperitif with wine you've carefully selected.
Definitely buy before. You'll have enough to manage without worrying about finding decent wine in tourist areas.
Consider both strategies. Essential wines before, premium discoveries after. With over 4,000 references at Calais Vins and Olivier Vins, you'll find everything from everyday drinking wines to rare vintages.
After your holiday offers the best pure savings on wine you'll drink at home.
Plan Your Stop – Final Tips
Reserve space in your boot: Whether buying before or after, plan your packing accordingly. A week's worth of wine for a family takes up significant space.
Consider the weather: Hot summer days mean wine sitting in car boots. If buying before your holiday during a heatwave, try to shop on the day of travel rather than packing wine days in advance.
With over 4,000 wine references available at Calais Vins, you'll find everything from everyday drinking wines to exceptional vintages that would cost a fortune in the UK. The beauty of stopping in Calais is that there's no wrong choice – just different advantages depending on your trip style. Whether you're stocking up for lazy afternoons in Provence or bringing back treasures for special occasions at home, a well-timed stop in Calais will enhance your French adventure and save you money.
Ready to Plan Your Wine Shopping Strategy?
Get directions to Calais Vins and discover why thousands of British holidaymakers make this their essential French stop. With over 4,000 wine references in store, you're guaranteed to find exactly what you're looking for – whether it's everyday wines for your holiday or premium bottles for your home cellar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to buy wine before or after my French holiday?
It depends on your travel style. If you're staying in a self-catering gîte or Airbnb, buying before your holiday is practical and time-saving. If you're heading home, take advantage of duty-free allowances to bring back premium bottles at unbeatable prices.
Can I bring wine into my Airbnb or gîte in France?
Yes, absolutely. Most self-catering properties welcome guests bringing their own wine, and you'll save money compared to buying at tourist prices.
What's the best time to stop in Calais for shopping?
Any time! Both Calais Vins and Olivier Vins are open 7 days a week, with extended hours to suit ferry and Tunnel travellers.
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Monday to Saturday: 9am to 7pm
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Sundays: Calais Vins 10am–6pm / Olivier Vins 10am–1pm
You’ll find free parking, trolleys, and expert staff ready to help you choose and load your wines.
Is wine really cheaper duty-free?
Definitely. You can save 40–60% on premium wines compared to UK prices — especially for Champagne, Bordeaux, and Rhône Valley reds. UK alcohol taxes have surged in recent years, making French duty-free shopping a smart move. At Calais Vins and Olivier Vins, you'll find bottles from €4 to over €1,000 — something for every budget.
Do I need to reserve at Calais Vins?
No need to reserve, but we recommend pre-ordering online to save time and ensure availability — especially during peak travel periods. Your order will be ready and waiting for a quick and easy pick-up at either store.