A wine run before Christmas ?

[kds]

Never done this before - but could do a mid-week 2 or 3 day run to Europe to buy in some wine, beer and a champagne over the next couple of weeks.
Extended family home for Christmas and they have all turned out drinkers and all bringing partners. Blame my wife !
I am a "Working class lad" who doesn't really know his wines (usually buy South African for nostalgic reasons) so would need the chance to taste before buying a case. Based in Somerset.
Advice on: what ferry service; where to; and where to shop would be much appreciated. (and what to avoid ?)
Thanks.
Ken

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[Cantata]

It's a long drive for you, but Calais has a wide variety of hypermarkets (great for french wine and fizz) and a number of mostly UK-run warehouses that usually do good lines in New World wines. (e.g Sainsbury's, across the car park from Auchan between Calais and Sangatte).
P&O and Sea France do the run. Similar deals, all quite cheap. See www.poferries.com. Or you can go to Boulogne on Speedferries (fast cat) also from Dover, they have a special on at the moment, flat fare 50 quid for car and numerous persons, and they refund half the fare if you return within 24 hours.
I'd advise against bothering too much with beer right now. I've been over on a couple of day trips recently, and frankly the beer is no cheaper than the offers in your local Tesco. Only benefit might be greater variety at those prices.

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[Koeketiene]

The problem with Calais and it's UK-run hypermarkets is that they're not that cheap compared to French - or if you're prepared to drive 30 mins - Belgian supermarkets.
The prices in the UK-run ones are lower than over here, but still expensive for France or Belgium. If you're a bit more adventerous you will get better deals.

<hr width=100% size=1>Experience is a good teacher, but she sends in terrific bills.

 

[Robin]

Try Britanny Ferries from Poole to Cherbourg. There are 2 hypermarkets in Cherbourg and there is also Normandy Wine Warehouse who always have tasters available to try before you buy. Have a look too in the chandlers (two) by the Capitanerie at the marina, some things (flares are one example) are much cheaper.

<hr width=100% size=1><font size=1>Sermons from my pulpit are with tongue firmly in cheek and come with no warranty!</font size=1>

 

[doug748]

Brittany Ferries from Plymouth to Roscoff. Pretty cheap deal and you can take a car for £19. Some 1/2 price cabins may also be available for later in Dec (early dates booked up). Leave UK late Friday, arrive France early Sat, full day ashore before embarking c 1900h, back early Sun morning.
Eating in the excellent restaurant is a must at c£15 a head.
For cheapest deal buy your wine in the Lidel store (yes really) in St Pol de Lyon, otherwise lots of supermarche in Morlaix. Brian.

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[longjohnsilver]

Check out range and prices for majestic in France b4 you go

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.majestic.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/StoreCatalogDisplay?storeId=10001&catalogId=10051&langId=-1>http://www.majestic.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/StoreCatalogDisplay?storeId=10001&catalogId=10051&langId=-1</A>

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[floatything]

If you REALLY want to cut costs - look on eBay under their ticket section for "five day for five" tickets from P&O. These can usually be bought for under a tenner - there are loads of these promotional tickets about (at the moment) - sail from Pompy - car upgrade is cheap, can take 5 passengers in the car if you want. I agree with others that the price differential on beer makes it not worthwhile buying beer - wine is a bit cheaper but the choice is better - spirits certainly worthwhile, but sod all that... go and have some fun before the 'hell that is christmas'.

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