Naked Wines is a business that provides a direct link between wine producer and winelover. It cuts out the middle stages so keeps the price low and the quality tip-top.
It's a hugely popular business that offers a service great for all kinds of people who love decent wine. The experts love it because it has wines you will find nowhere else. The non-experts love it because it's a safe way to try out wines that are a bit beyond their ken. Indeed, we'll see how Naked Wines encourages the buyer to try out some fresh thinking and new tastes, supporting them through the wine journey and protecting them from risk.
We'll also take a look at the many and varied ways that Naked Wines keeps the excitement levels high, in terms not just of an ever-changing line-up of scintillating new wine, but also in terms of offering new and revolutionary ways of maximising your enjoyment, with features such as Angels and Wine Genie giving the wine lover all they need to make the most out of their relationship with this always vibrant viticultural vendor.
The bad old days
It doesn't seem that long ago that, if you needed some drinks, say for a party, you'd slog down to the high street, find your nearest Augustus Barnett, pay top price for a couple of bottles of Blue Nun, a Black Tower or two, and a Mateus Rose, not forgetting a Concord for the toasts (plus maybe a cheeky QC and a Leonard Rossiter-inspired bottle of Cinzano).
This basket full of drab disappointment was the limit of one's reach. The range was usually not that great and, besides, you wouldn't want to risk something new in case you got it home and proceeded to ruin the whole party with a rubbish wine.
Those old off-licences were of course largely polished off by the rise of the supermarket, which could shovel stacks of wine at you at an apparently OK price. But the trouble with these places is that you were still missing what you most desired: expertise.
It's lovely to have a wide choice, but without the wise words of a wine expert to help you decide on what to have with your vegan supper or your barbecued spare rib, it's easy to end up feeling confused and scared. It's at that point that you go back to the Liebfraumilch. Well, maybe not. But you get the idea.
The new way of doing things
Step forward Rowan Gormley. In 2008, he took a look at the supermarket-dominated system and decided that better was not just possible. It was a must.
One of the big problems with supermarkets is the way they drive the price down so that producers end up with a decidedly raw deal. Drinkers fare not much better, with poor quality being very much the order of the day.
Gormley decided to set about bringing a whole new arrangement to the world of wine. By cutting out the fat wedge that supermarkets grab for themselves, and dealing direct with winemakers all over the world, it's possible to see producers making a fair living, while keeping prices low for consumers. Super stuff.
But that's not all. Gormley was adamant that winelovers needed to be confident that what they were buying would fit their particular bill. So, information galore is available on the website, and every wine is guaranteed to be enjoyable. As he puts it: 'I'll bet my house you'll love the wines'.
OK, while this might be something for the literalists to raise an eyebrow at, the sentiment is clear. In fact, if you don't like a wine you've bought from Naked Wines, let them know and you'll get a credit. Sounds fair? You bet it does. And it takes the lottery out of wine buying.
Let's see what happens when you start your Naked Wines journey.
Buying wines from Naked Wines
So, we've mentioned the great range that Naked Wines offer. How many, do you reckon? 100? 200? Actually, Naked Wines offers over 600 wines, from around 150 independent winemakers all over the world. So, it's not small beer.
Sure, if you want to just dive in and add to basket whatever bottle looks good, then have at it. You'll be assisted by fulsome information about each wine, telling your taste buds about the treat in store and what it might pair well with.
But are you worried this will be a little overwhelming? Think again. The world of wine, like classical music, Alpine sports and TikTok dance crazes, can be daunting to the uninitiated. However, Naked Wines has your back.
Guiding you through the world of wine
Firstly, you can pick a pre-mixed case. All the information you need is there and you'll be sure of getting a well-balanced selection of wine to suit. Secondly, you can use the useful site filters to narrow down the range to something appropriate. For instance, if you're after showstopping crimson belters, you'll be well-advised to select the Big Red filter. Or, if you want something with pale sophistication and bite, you'll be better off with the Crisp White filter.
Thirdly, you can use the search box to look for wines of a particular grape, country or style. Or, finally, you can use your My Wines page to review the wines you've already had, whereupon Naked Wines will recommend future choices that might be up your street.
All the exclusive wines on the website are 100% guaranteed, so you can be brave and add to basket something a little out of the ordinary. Don't like it? No problem - let Naked Wines know and you'll get a credit on your account.
Keeping it fresh
Let's check out some of the amazing things Naked Wines does to keep the world of wine flowing with exciting ideas.
Wine Genie
This is a service for people who are too busy to keep their racks topped up with the best wines from international independent winemakers. If you're one of these types, then you might think you're limited to the pre-mixed cases we mentioned above. Not a bit of it.
What Wine Genie does is look at what you've enjoyed up to now, then puts together an interesting mix of wines that will float your boat. So, you get all the surprise of trying out new products that are picked with you in mind, all with the utmost convenience.
Angels
If only there were a way of doing more to financially support talented independent winemakers, at no additional cost to oneself. Winemakers like Mike Paterson, doing amazing things with Sauvignon Blanc down in New Zealand.
There is! The scheme is called Angels, and you can become one of these winged winelovers by simply putting at least £25 per month into your wine account. This goes towards your cases, so Angels don't lose it. It's simply a way for Naked Wines to be more sure of a steady income, so they can in turn support independent winemakers in their fabulous endeavours. And Angels benefit to the tune of 33% off each wine that they buy (and a free bottle in each case).
Tasting Tour
It's all very well this wines-by-internet lark. But you can't beat actually coming face-to-face with winemakers to talk turkey and perhaps sample some wares. Naked Wines couldn't agree more. That's why they bundle a bunch of the best winemakers from around the world onto a bus and offer customers the chance to buy a ticket, say hi and get chatting. Orders can be made there and then, and the ticket price can be offset against the purchases. Splendid.
Sustainability
Most of us have become much more concerned with the welfare of the planet over the last few years. So, it's great to see that Naked Wines have taken huge steps to make their operation as friendly to the earth and its inhabitants as possible. Lightweight bottles are used where feasible, as are recycled boxes and bulk shipping. The head office uses cutting edge LED lighting and waste recycling.
The company also uses a Green Grape logo to indicate to customers where the winemakers have gone to the greatest lengths to protect the environment. Such steps have led to recognition such as the Decanter Green Champion Award 2022.
A great deal on great wine
Naked Wines take the worry out of wine. They see to it that the glass is always half-full (at least). They ensure that your pour will never be below par. And your rack will rock.
It's because of the love and energy that Naked Wines put into their extraordinarily successful wine operation that they have been festooned with such honours as Best Online Retailer at both the Drinks Business Awards 2022 and People's Choice Wine Awards 2022.
You can be part of this success story. Take a trip over to their friendly website and check out their wares. Take advantage of their quality guarantee and be daring. Pick the odd new selection, add to basket and prepare to be dazzled. Become one with the Angels and enjoy!
Image Credit: Douglas Lopez at unsplash
