Three months into lockdown and it’s starting to get to all of us, right? Although we all know it’s for the benefit of the greater good and we are doing our best to follow the rules (well, mostly), it does mean that one of our greatest, yet simpliest, pleasures in life has gone walkabouts: going into a nice bar and choosing a nice glass of wine.
For me, trying a glass of something new, having a good conversation with your pals in a bar or pub garden, and sipping the night away is the main thing I am missing the most right now. Third world problems and all that, but we are allowed to miss the things that make us feel most normal during this bloody massive global pandemic. At least now, I have found a new way to combat that grape-sized hole in my heart. Spoiler alert: it’s Smashed Grapes.
Get £10 off Smashed Grapes with my exclusive promo code, LILY10
Smashed Grapes is a no-nonsense, monthly subscription service that delivers 6 bottles of wine directly to your door. In the beauty blogger world, monthly subscription boxes that contain makeup and skincare samples are a pretty big deal, and well, Smashed Grapes is the wino’s equivalent. Right up my street… Or down my throat…
In fact, Smashed Grapes make a point of having an honest and down to earth approach to wine tasting. No sniffing, no swirly and most certaintly no wine snobs here! Just good quality, honest wines for good quality, honest people like us.
In fact, it’s a great way to discover new wines without wasting money, feeling like a plonker dithering on the alcohol isle of the supermarket or suffering snobs at a poncy wine-tasting event.
It’s pretty easy; you sign up for a subscription plan, choose whether you want to receive red, white or a selection of mixed wine, and sit back, relax, and wait for your box to arrive.
Each box is shipped out on the 28th of the month, so your 6 bottles will arrive just in time for your month ahead. That works out at about a bottle and a half a week… If you can make them last that long throughout the month, that is!
Like beauty boxes, there are three different subscription options for Smashes Grapes that offer you various different levels of discount based on the amount of months you want to subscribe for.
The three options include a one month plan (£60), a three month plan (their most popular at £162, working out at £54 a month) and a 12 month plan (that works out at the best value for money at £576). Sure, that might seem expensive on the face of it, but that works out at £48 a box, which is basically 8 quid a bottle.
Plus, right now I have a discount code to get £10 off your first case when you sign up. Use code LILY10 at the checkout and sign up by 25th June to get your box in time for the 28th June dispatch.
Every month Smashed Grapes will deliver 6 bottles directly to your door, based on whether you chose to have all white wine, all red wine or a mix. Me? I’m a white wine fan. In fact, some might call me a superfan, and so I had to try the all white box.
Although next day delivery isn’t guaranteed, my box arrived on the 29th – the day after the monthly dispatch date – which was really excellent service. Inside, the six bottles were carefully packaged with bubble wrap and bottle dividers, ensuring they arrived safe and sound. No spilt milk (or, well, wine) here.
As well as your six bottles – which you can choose to drink as quickly or as slowly as you like! – you will receive an information booklet letting you know a little about the wines you’re about to try. Think: key flavours, any wine types they are similar to and what foods they are best enjoyed with.
For me, this is super helpful – although I’ve probably drank more white wine than I care to admit, I am pretty ignorant when it comes to the subtle nuances between flavours and the no-nonsense approach Smashed Grapes holds gives me a relatable way to learn more.
Aside from choosing your wine colour preference, the joy in the Smashed Grapes subcription service is that you truly never really know what wines you will receive. The thrill is in the surprise, and it’s an easy way to expand your taste buds without having to stress over what to choose.
Every month, there will be a mix of some famous wine names and some not-so-well-knowns, that come from independent vineyards, indie start ups or other brands specialising in vegetarian, vegan or organic wines. Just like beauty subscription boxes have caught the imagination of so many makeup lovers for the joy of unboxing a little surprise to themselves every month, I truly believe Smashed Grapes captures the imagination too.
Put simply, yes. I enjoy the element of surprise. I like that is works out at around £8-9 a bottle (about the price of a decent supermarket wine and about half the price of ordering one at a restaurant). I like the ease of knowing that despite lockdown putting a hold on any sort of normal shopping and browsing experiences, I will still get my monthly wine fix no matter what.
Even after lockdown, I could envisage Smashed Grapes being part of my monthly routine. It’s nice to know that you’ve treated yourself – or a loved one – to something you truly enjoy. In fact, a subscription to Smashed Grapes would make an awesome gift for the person who already has everything; an introduction to new tastes and flavours.
Disclaimer: I was gifted this month’s subscription box for review purposes, I have not been paid to advertise it.
Full time I'm an ambitious Head of Marketing and Communications in the luxury industry. Part time, I'm an enthusiastic British Fashion, Beauty and Lifestyle blogger and YouTuber from Manchester, UK. This blog has been my outlet for the past 7+ years, and as a longstanding, Award-winning blogger I take the most enjoyment from creating content I truly love and believe in. All authentic. Always.