Several years ago, Waitrose launched its own Waitrose wine tasting at-home experience. In this article, we take a look at what that experience looked like, why it disappeared, and how (yours truly) Wine Night In is filling the gap with something way better.
If you don’t fancy reading the whole thing, here’s what you need to know:
- Waitrose’s at home wine sampling and tasting experience no longer available ☹️
- We don’t know why they stopped, but it doesn’t matter because…
- Wine Night In offers at-home wine tasting with a social, relaxed, and (most importantly) FUN atmosphere.
- At £30 per person, Wine Night In is already an absolute bargain compared to Waitrose’s £35 per head. But if that’s not enough, you can use the code RIPWAITROSE for £25 off your first booking.
Now that’s covered, let’s dive in!
RIP Waitrose Wine Tasting. Hello Wine Night In.
Use code RIPWAITROSE for £25 off your at-home wine tasting experience.
What was Waitrose wine tasting like?
When it was available, Waitrose used to offer an at-home wine tastings where the wine specialist would come to you.
How did Waitrose wine tasting at-home work?
Here’s how an at-home wine tasting worked with Waitrose. It included:
- Six bottles of Waitrose wine delivered to your door ahead of the tasting session.
- An “expert partner” on hand to guide guests through the fundamentals of wine tasting
- Detailed guidance on food and wine pairing
- A very corporate-sounding “Q&A session” to end the experience.
But, where’s the fun?
All in all, the Waitrose wine tasting sounded a little… Stuffy.
Educational? Sure. But not relaxed. Maybe even a little awkward…
Great if you or your guests were connoisseurs, but not ideal if you’re just looking for something a little bit different and fun.
Let’s face it. Do you want people talking about your next wine tasting dinner party because it was an educational and informative experience?
Or do you want them talking because they had an unforgettable evening somewhere you love?
On top of all this, the experience started at £35 per person which, fyi, is £5 more a head than a Wine Night In…
Just saying! 😉
Private wine tasting. From the comfort of home.
Hire a sommelier for a private wine tasting at-home. Wine Night In isn't a stuffy lecture. It's a social experience with a focus on fun, not just learning.
What Happened to Waitrose Wine Tasting at Home?
Try searching for Waitrose Wine Tasting At Home today and you’ll hit a dead end! It’s a similar story to the Deliveroo Wine Tasting experience.
The booking page? Gone.
The old website (waitrosewinetasting.com)? Vanished.
And if you try following any of the links from old press articles, you’ll just end up on the Waitrose wine store page.
Not ideal when all you want it a great night in with friends and family!
So what happened?
Why did Waitrose wine tasting stop?
We don’t know why Waitrose stopped offering wine tasting experiences from the comfort of home.
But it’s not all bad news!
Just because Waitrose packed up their tasting glasses doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a similar (and even better) experience.
In fact, there’s a new kid on the block. Wine Night In. And it’s taking everything you loved about those Waitrose tastings… but pouring you an even bigger glass.
Don’t Worry. Wine Night In’s Got You Covered.
Don’t worry, you can still book an at-home wine tasting experience.
This is where Wine Night In swoops in to save the day! 🦸 Part superhero, part sommelier (that’s the fancy word for certified wine expert).
Wine Night In takes everything that was great about the Waitrose experience and adds a little extra sparkle.
But we’ve made wine tasting in your home more flexible, way more fun, and even easier to book.
Wine Night In vs. Waitrose Wine Tasting
Here’s how we’ve levelled the at-home wine tasting experience up:
Bigger group sizes 😌
Waitrose Wine Tasting started at six people, but Wine Night In can host anywhere from four guests all the way to sixteen. It’s ideal for smaller gatherings, double dates, or even intimate family evenings.
Oh, and if you’re doing something even bigger, we have a bespoke wine tasting package where we’ll plan the perfect night with you.
Your taste, your way 🍷
We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all wine list. And we’re not limited to what Waitrose has on their shelves! So, you tell us what you love (and what you don’t) and we’ll pair the wines with your party and your guests.
Hosting an Italian wine tasting dinner? We’ll bring a journey through Italy in your glasses. Prefer bold reds? We’ll build the line up around that with a red wine tasting experience. What about white? We can do a white whine tasting too!
Social first 😂
Our wine experts are happy to geek out about terroir and tannins if you want. But we’re just as happy running light-hearted wine games and fun challenges to keep the mood buzzing.
Think less “lecture hall” and more “party with extra flavour.” The most important thing is that you and your guests have a great night! That’s the only goal of a Wine Night In.
Charcutirie add-ons available 🧀 🥩
We’re working with local favourites LazeeGraze to provide charcutirie, cheese and meat board add-ons. So, if you need some snacks to accompany your evening, then we’ve got you covered!
How to Book an At-Home Wine Tasting
Just because Waitorse wine tasting is gone, it doesn’t mean you have to miss out! With Wine Night In, it’s easy to book your at-home wine tasting session. Just request a booking. It’s as easy as that.
Psst. Are you looking to buy the experience for someone else as gift? 🎁 Maybe an anniversary wine tasting or birthday wine tasting? Or are you planning a Christmas wine tasting?
Well, we’ve got you covered. Buy them an at-home Wine Tasting Voucher so they can book the experience for themselves.
Private wine tasting. From the comfort of home.
Hire a sommelier for a private wine tasting at-home. Wine Night In isn't a stuffy lecture. It's a social experience with a focus on fun, not just learning.
FAQs about Waitrose Wine Tasting at Home
What happened to Waitrose Wine Tasting at Home?
Waitrose launched its own Wine Tasting at Home experience in 2022. The service started at £35 per person. It included six bottles delivered in advance. And an in‑person wine specialist who provided guidance on each wine and food pairings. Plus a Q&A!
However, by 2025 the booking site (waitrosewinetasting.com) had disappeared. There’s no official explanation for why it ended. The page simply isn’t there anymore. But, luckily, Wine Night In is here to fill that gap with something even better!
What was the Waitrose Wine Tasting experience like?
The Waitrose Wine Tasting experience sounded pretty formal! The in‑person tastings delivered six wines to your door. Plus a WSET‑trained partner who would talk you through each bottle, food pairing and tasting notes.
The wine tasting sessions were structured like a mini wine tasting class with a Q&A. They required at least six guests. Sounds great if you’re studying for a wine exam… But less so if you’re looking for laughs. Wine Night In, on the other hand, is a private wine tasting at home with a focus on fun!
Why did Waitrose stop?
Waitrose hasn’t said why they stopped their at-home wine tasting experience. They relaunched wine tastings post‑lockdown, but the booking site vanished and there’s no clear “we’re stopping” message. Fortunately, Wine Night In steps in with an even better option.
What exactly is a Wine Night In?
Wine Night In is a relaxed, two‑hour wine tasting hosted by Jonny, a professional sommelier. It’s designed for groups of 4‑16 (smaller or larger groups can be arranged) and costs from £30 per person.
There’s no set lecture or schedule. You can expect tasting games, tips and plenty of laughs. Jonny curates the wines around your tastes and your occasion. Plus, everything is taken care of. That includes all the glasses and all the tasting materials. Your host even handles the setup and clear‑up so you can enjoy the night.
How is Wine Night In different from Waitrose’s tastings?
Let’s start with group sizes. Waitrose required at least six guests. But Wine Night In caters for anywhere from four to sixteen people. And Wine Night In offers bespoke packages for larger events.
How about tone? Waitrose’s tastings were educational. But Wine Night In prioritises fun – the host runs tasting games and tailoring is encouraged
And what about price? Waitrose charged from £35 per head. Wine Night In starts at £30 per person and the code RIPWAITROSE knocks £25 off your first booking.
Flexibility? Well, Waitrose’s wine lists were limited to its own cellar so not so flexible! On the other hand, Wine Night In collaborates with independent, local merchants and builds the line‑up around what you love.
How do I book a Wine Night In?
Booking a Wine Night In is easy! You can request a date through the Wine Night In website or call/email Jonny directly. There’s no prep required on your side. You just pick a date, choose your guests and let the host know what wines you love. Oh, and don’t forget to add the discount code RIPWAITROSE for £25 off any booking you make.
Do I need to provide anything for a Wine Night In?
You don’t need to provide anything for a Wine Night In. All you need is a venue. That can be your living room or dining table! Hire a sommelier who brings you six bottles, glasses, mats and even clears up afterwards. Oh, and if you want nibbles, Wine Night In can bring a charcuterie board by partnering with local suppliers.
