Red wine vs white wine – let's break down the differences between the world’s two most popular styles of wine, from process to flavour to food pairings.
LEARN
Wine knowledge at your fingertips! Get ready to wow your friends and family – we have all you need to look like a wine pro.
ARTICLE CATEGORIES
ALL ARTICLES
Wine bottle size guide
Most wine fans are familiar with the standard 75 cl wine bottle. Many know that a magnum is double the size. But what other size wine bottles are there? And what are they called? Read on to find out.
Wine temperature serving guide
There’s plenty of conflicting advice about the perfect temperature for serving wine. Our handy guide seeks to make things simple, so no matter the wine you’re serving, you and your guests can enjoy it in all its glory.
What are tannins in wine?
What are wine tannins and how do they influence the wine you love? Read our guide to find out how tannins affect the taste and structure of wine.
How long does wine last after opening?
How long does wine last after opening? Explore our guide to discover the longevity of your favourite wines – from rosé wine to Port.
How long does Champagne last?
How long does Champagne last once opened? Discover how long you can keep Champagne in the fridge and how to store it so that you can enjoy it at its best.
Quick-Start Guide to Merlot
Merlot is one of the world’s best loved grape varieties – grown everywhere from Bordeaux to Australia. But with so many options, which Merlot should you choose?
The 'Why, When, And How' Guide to Decanting Wine
To decant or not to decant? That is the question when it comes to opening a new bottle of wine. While there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to decanting a wine, there are a few tips and tricks that will improve your drinking experience no end.

What is Cava? A Guide to Spain’s Famous Fizz
What exactly is Cava? And how is it different to Champagne? Here we’ve answered your burning Cava questions, and shared some of our favourite food pairings.

Beginner’s guide to ice wine
Discover ice wine, one of the wine world's sweetest, best-kept secrets. Find out where it's from, how it's made, why it's so rare and how best to enjoy it.
Oaked vs unoaked Chardonnay – which is best?
Chardonnay wines can vary greatly, from light and fruity to richly flavoured. The key difference? Oak. Here’s what you should know about oaked versus unoaked Chardonnay.

Mastering food and wine pairing for any dish
In this article we guide you through some simple steps to master the art of food and wine matching - complete with handpicked pairing recommendations to impress your guests.
How to taste wine like an expert
In this guide, you’ll learn the essential steps to prepare and taste wine like an expert - from mastering the classic "Five S's" method to exploring different tasting themes.

"Must-Try" Sweet white wines
Despite what some people think, sweetness in wine doesn’t mean low quality. So indulge your sweet tooth and explore our "must-try" sweet white wines.
Beginner’s guide to Crémant wines
When the occasion calls for bubbles, your first thought may be a bottle of Champagne, but there’s another French sparkler worth considering – Crémant.
Port Wine Styles Explained
You might think of Port as something you only drink at Christmas – but Portugal's famous fortified wine has much more to offer.

Best Wines For Mulled Wine
What makes mulled wine so enjoyable? The wine you choose, of course... so our experts have picked their favourites reds for mulling, plus a simple recipe to make it!
What is a wine vintage?
What is a wine vintage … and does it even matter? Our handy guide tells you everything you need to know – from the rules behind it, to when it matters and when it doesn’t.
5 ways to open wine without a corkscrew - Tested!
There are lots of ingenious ways to open wine without a corkscrew - But do they work? And which method is best for you?
Popular types of white wine
White wine comes in a huge array of styles, each with its own unique character and flavour. In this handy guide, we’ll explore 8 of the most popular types of white wine, what makes them special, and what foods to pair them with.

How Red Wines Are Made - From Grape to Glass
There are so many red wine styles – and it all comes down to winemaking choices. Read on to learn more out how your favourite red wine is made.

10 unexpected perks of joining a wine club
You don’t have to be a sommelier to enjoy a wine club membership. Discover the top 10 reasons to join a wine club, and what we do to make the Laithwaites Wine Club unique.

Ultimate Guide to Cooking With Wine
Cooking with the right wine can totally transform a dish. Here are our top tips to help you bring a little wine magic to your meals.
How many glasses in a bottle of wine?
Wondering how many glasses are in a bottle of wine? Our sip-size guide covers everything from standard pour sizes to tips for party planning.
How to store wine at home
Want to keep your wine tasting its best? Our handy guide covers everything you need to know about storing wine at home – from temperature and light to opened bottles.
How rosé wines are made – all you need to know
Our handy guide tells you everything you need to know about how rosé wine is made.
Sulphites in wine: What you need to know
Looking to find out more about sulphites in wine? You’re in the right place. Our handy guide will tell you everything you need to know – from what they are to why they’re used.
Popular types of red wine
Looking to branch out and find your next favourite red wine? This handy guide highlights five popular red wine grapes and their most famous wines. From soft, juicy Merlot to bold, spicy Shiraz, your perfect match is just a short read away.
Malbec vs Merlot: Which to choose?
Malbec and Merlot may both be smooth, fruity reds, but each has its own distinct character.
A deep dive into fortified wine
What is fortified wine? And how does it differ from other wine? Discover how Port, Sherry and other great styles are made and enjoyed …
The beginner's guide to enjoying red wine
Read on to find out what the main types of red wine are and what they taste like, so you can choose with confidence.
Wine cork vs screw cap – which is better?
Are screw caps the future? Or are corks making a comeback? The great cork vs screw cap debate continues ...
The beginner's guide to rosé
Read on to discover all you need to know to start enjoying UK’s fastest growing wine style … rosé.
How wine is made – A beginner’s guide
Ever wondered how your favourite wine is actually made? Our beginner’s guide outlines the five stages of winemaking.
Your Grape Guide to Riesling
Ethereal, floral and enchanting. Aromatic, delicate, racy and expressive. That’s seven reasons to try Riesling, Germany’s superstar white. It’s also perfect with spicy food. But it’s not for everyone.
How to get a cork out of a wine bottle – the ultimate guide
You’re ready to enjoy a glass of your favourite wine, bottle at the ready. Only one thing stands between you and that first delicious sip. The cork.
Five steps to maximise your wine subscription
A wine subscription is the most convenient way to enjoy regular delivery of wine. But how can you make sure you get the best value, and the best wines?
Syrah vs Shiraz: Which Should You Choose?
Syrah or Shiraz - which should you choose? If you’re a fan of rich, brooding reds, the answer is both. But how do you choose which? Pull up a glass while we explain the key differences.
Your easy guide to Pinot Noir
Not for nothing is Pinot Noir known as the ‘heartbreak grape’. Top bottles can be heartbreakingly expensive. And if you’re unlucky, it can heartbreakingly disappointing. Yet it can also be heartbreakingly good – the most seductive, silky and graceful wine you could ever sip.
The Essential Guide to Malbec
Dial M for Malbec – and full-bodied flavour! Everything you need to know about France’s inky dark red, what to drink it with, and how it found richer fame and fortune in Argentina.
Wine Classifications Around the World
Knowing the basics about wine classifications can really help you spot the good stuff - here we break down the major wine classification systems across the world.
Your complete guide to Chardonnay
Chardonnay is one of the most popular wine grapes – but with styles ranging from rich, oaky and fruity to lean, crisp and minerally, which one should you choose?
What is natural wine?
If you’re already drawn to organic options when it comes to food and lifestyle you might find that natural wines appeal to you.
Dry rosé wines to enjoy
From elegant Provence rosés to fruity Spanish rosados and perfectly balanced Pinot Noir rosés, each variety offers something unique.
What are noble grape varieties?
We’ll tell you everything you need about noble grapes and what elevates them to this lofty status.
What is fine wine?
What makes a wine fine? How does a fine wine differ from any other wine? What’s the best way to buy fine wine? And once you’ve bought it, how do you store fine wine?
What is corked wine?
What is corked wine, how can you tell you have a corked wine and – most importantly – should you drink it?
Popular types of rosé wine
Here’s a handy guide into the different types of popular rosé wines, as well as a quick look at some lesser-known rosé varieties that might just tickle your fancy.
Popular types of wine
Looking to learn more about wine? With such an exciting selection of wines available from different corners of the globe, there’s no end to the types of red, white and rosé wines to discover and enjoy.
Understanding sweetness in wine
Sweet wines come in various styles, from easy-drinking, fruity wines perfect for sipping on a sunny afternoon to rich dessert wines to pair with any after-dinner treat, from cheesecakes to cheeseboards.
Cabernet Sauvignon wine guide
Cabernet Sauvignon is delicious on its own, but it also works beautifully when paired with a wide array of dishes. So, what should you know about this famous wine? Our guide answers all your questions and more.
A Complete Guide To Sherry
A sherry renaissance is sweeping the UK, with wine lovers discovering that sherry is not a single style of wine, but an entire spectrum – from the bone-dry Finos and Manzanillas, to the rich, dark and sweet Pedro Ximénez.
Pinot Noir vs Merlot
Merlot is often regarded as an uncomplicated, crowd-pleasing grape. In contrast, Pinot Noir is regarded as a connoisseurs’ grape. But not all is as it seems...Here we dive into the details and compare these two red titans.
5 myths about wine clubs – debunked!
With so many misconceptions about wine clubs swirling around, it’s easy to get bogged down with conflicting information. So … we’re going to uncork the truth once and for all.
Your guide to Sauvignon Blanc wine
You've probably heard of Sauvignon Blanc and for a good reason. It is the superstar of white wines – adored worldwide for its racy acidity and vibrant fruit flavours. It’s like a fragrant summer garden in a glass!
Pinot Grigio Wine Guide
A light, zesty white wine that’s as refreshing as a gentle breeze on a summer’s day. Read our sip-size guide to understand everything you need to know about Italy's signature white grape.
What is dry red wine?
Dry red wine is one of the more popular styles, referring to red wines that don’t taste as sweet as other styles. Learn more about the most popular types of dry red, and discover of our top picks.
What is wine body?
“Body” is a term that is regularly used when describing wine, frequently appearing on wine labels and tasting notes. But what does “body” actually mean, and how can it help you choose a wine that you’ll love?
Introduction to Wine Colours
You can tell a lot about a wine just by looking at its colour. With a whole spectrum of wine colours to explore, we’ve looked at what each shade reveals.
Your Guide to Zinfandel
When you pour a glass of Zinfandel wine, you’re pouring a glass of American winemaking history. Although its heritage can be traced back to Croatia, this black-skinned grape variety is today considered an American icon, so read on to find out more ...
Wine ratings and scores explained
Wine ratings can be valuable to any wine lover looking for their new favourite bottle. We’ll walk you through the main ones so you can get to grips with wine ratings.
Wine aeration – is it necessary and how to do it
This guide explains the benefits and potential drawbacks of aerating wine, and what you need to know to decide when and how to aerate your next bottle.






















































