New wine retailer goes halves

A UK merchant focused exclusively on selling half bottles of wine has launched its online shop.

The company was started after market research apparently showed a gap in the market for half bottles, with many interviewees admitting that they did not always finish full bottles and threw it away or cooked with it instead.

The founders of Halfwine.com point out some of the advantages of wines in half bottles as being: reduced wastage, a healthier option, increased variety and cost effectiveness.

It was also suggested that half bottles would encourage consumers to choose better quality over quantity and that wines in half bottles mature faster than those in 75cl

“Wherever possible we buy from family owned, organic winemakers who make wines that are typical of the varietal from that part of the world,” said Kevin Dilton-Hill, the founder of Halfwine.

“Costwise, it is rare to find a quality bottle of wine under £10 but decent half bottles start around £6, which is less than the price of an average glass of wine in a wine bar or pub.

“You can afford quality half bottles every night and don’t have to feel that you need to finish a full bottle or save the leftovers.

“It’s great to have wine with dinner but a bottle, even between two, is not so healthy on a daily basis. And, if you live by yourself, after a day or so the wine has lost its quality and so you either land up drinking poor quality wine or throwing it away.

“Halfwine.com is about enhancing your lifestyle, perhaps you should treat yourself to a half a bottle of bubbly every now and again – less is more. Mini wine tastings of half bottles are not expensive and allow consumers to experiment with different styles and flavours.”

So far the range includes old and new world examples of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Champagne and sparkling wine and pudding wine.

There are also “guest” listings of Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Gamay and Sangiovese.

Wines can be bought singularly, by the case or as a tasting pack. A wine club package offers a monthly four or six bottle case  of either red, white or seasonal varieties.