It’s been a tough couple of weeks hasn’t it?
Most of us have seen little else but the inside of our own homes for the last seven days, while those who have left the house are working tirelessly to keep us safe and ensure the rest of us have the supplies we need.
The nurses, doctors and all hospital and emergency staff, supermarket stockists, check out assistants, delivery drivers and warehouse workers … they’re making us all proud.
How many of you took part in the Clap for Carers on Thursday night? We certainly did, and raised a glass in their honour too.
Which brings onto wine, a taste of normality which is bringing comfort to us during this uncertain and emotional time.
With so many of us spending more time at home demand has been high, and to protect the fantastic staff packing up your cases we had to stop taking orders briefly – we hope you understand that their safety is our main concern. But we’ve changed shift patterns and brought in new practices so we can deliver existing orders to our customers.
Once you get your wine, we’d love to see which bottles you’ve chosen to take into lockdown with you. Here’s what our staff stocked up on before they were sent into lockdown last week …
Wine advisor Alexandria opened up a bottle of Trapiche Malbec once she’d set up her home working station 
Sophie who manages our website campaigns opened up a bottle of Kiwi Sauvignon Blanc. She said: “Poured myself a glass of Split Rock to look ahead to sunnier times and remind myself this won’t last forever.” 
Our events manager Rachel discovered a love for this Argentinian Cabernet Franc while hosting while of our dinner and wine tastings last year. 
Copywriter Nikki is responsible for writing our tasting notes so knows a good wine when she tries one. She opened the 100 Anos Tannat 2018 from Uruguay and said: “I love Uruguay wines anyway, but this was a cracker. Lovely fruit, bit grippy, great aroma, flavour, elegance and still very supple.” 
Wine advisor Matthew ordered a case of Bristed Brothers Sauvignon Blanc just before he went into lockdown. Thankfully it arrived soon after! 
Matt works with our in-house production teams including La Clariere and RedHeads. He managed to stock up on wine and toilet roll just in time! 
Kirsten buys our German, Austrian and South African wines. She chose to open a bottle of Austrian Pinot Noir from Heinrich Hartl on the first night of lockdown. Well worth a go if you’re a fan of red Burgudy. 
Jules couldn’t choose just one of her Monti Barolo collection so sent us all three! She said: “The wine is always incredible! Worth every penny when you know you’ll be blown away by flavour.” 
John calls himself our oldest member of staff … but we think he means the longest-serving! He’s very proudly locked himself away with a few cases of New Zealand Pinot Noir from the famous Felton Road estate. He said: “Truly top class wine from one of the worlds very best… and Laithwaites have been buying from them for 15 years.” 
Our data protection officer Jim says Pillastro Primitivo is a firm house favourite and “reassuringly familiar” during these uncertain times. 
Another vote for HJ Fabre’s Cabernet Franc. Merchandiser Daisy said: When I’m not drinking tequila, I’m enjoying this. It’s a pretty serious little number. Medium bodied and super fruity.” 
Our Print Design Manager Derrick treated himself to a glass of Lobo e Falcao once he’d finished up with work for the day. 
While copywriter Adam stocked up on Chalkdown Champagne Method Cider (yes we sell cider too!)
