I am looking at 6 Bottles from a shop in Ireland @180.00€ less delivery. I also looked at a shop in France @145.00€ including delivery. That's 35€ at least in saving. What are the chances of it arriving without question. Do customs still look to take it off you? We are all in the EU after all. Is it worth the gamble? TIA.
Buying wine from France.
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dereko1969
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I've had beer get through no problem but have heard of others where it's been stopped. It's a risk. For me, it was a beer club so different beers that weren't as available here every month. For wine you can get here I'm not sure I'd risk it.
dereko1969
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Nope, sorry, was not suggesting that at all. The excise level on wine is 18 times that on beer, so it's far more likely to be stopped.
I ordered wine from France a few years ago. 12 per case, one or two cases per year. As long as it's for personal use, there are no customs issues. All arrived unbroken, but the wine wasn't any better than Lidl or Aldi wine. If you know and like the wine, I would not hesitate for €35 saving.
That is only true if you carry it into the country yourself . If you have it shipped, it is liable to customs duty, even if its for personal use.
Even if it's purchased in the EU?
Folks,
Can we please have info on the wines, beers, and related websites?
I'd be very interested in getting some drinks shipped in.
For info - I got some non alcoholic drinks shipped from a specialist store in Spain (the Blue Dolphin), without issue. Selection was far superior to what's available here, service was good, although a dozen bottles did cost €50 for shipping, which seemed expensive.
Can we please have info on the wines, beers, and related websites?
I'd be very interested in getting some drinks shipped in.
For info - I got some non alcoholic drinks shipped from a specialist store in Spain (the Blue Dolphin), without issue. Selection was far superior to what's available here, service was good, although a dozen bottles did cost €50 for shipping, which seemed expensive.
That's interesting, as I know of two other people who had the same experience (one of whom subsequently ordered another few bottles a few months later, was again contacted by Revenue, but got the bottles released a second time, without penalty).
Small quantities may be the trick, if buying from Amazon.
Baby boomer
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Unfortunately Revenue is entitled to levy Excise Duty on (non personally transported) imports of alcohol, even from the EU. The Single Market has still some way to go! It may well be the case that a blind eye might be turned to small quantities but you can't be sure.
Your better option might be on this island. If you live anywhere near the border, or even if you don't, you can always pop over to Newry or Enniskillen and load up to your heart's content. Huge savings on wine and spirits, even larger savings on sparkling wine and champagne.
Your better option might be on this island. If you live anywhere near the border, or even if you don't, you can always pop over to Newry or Enniskillen and load up to your heart's content. Huge savings on wine and spirits, even larger savings on sparkling wine and champagne.
Some years ago we drove to France with one mission only, to bring back a van full of wine. Once you're travelling with it and its for personal consumption there's nothing customs wise to pay bringing the stuff to Ireland. There are vast "wine hypermarkets" not too far from Le Havre where you can buy wine and fill up for the return trip. Our "campervan" (former Telecom van) which had been lying idle at the back of the house for years was perked up for the trip. That van was by best investment ever - pity about the Eircom shares though.
If you're thinking of taking the trip ensure you know your wines (even minutely) as the French can see a fool from miles away. You don't need plonc.
If you're thinking of taking the trip ensure you know your wines (even minutely) as the French can see a fool from miles away. You don't need plonc.
Yep, and travel a little further from the tourist shops by the ports for better value.
The Vivino app is a handy tool to have on your phone when unsure. Scan the label with your camera and it's give you a rating out of 5 along with price information.
Millesima ship to Ireland, charge the correct VAT & excise yet still have some good value in the upper ends of the market. Example, Les Fiefs de Lagrange, €37.50 per bottle there, €53-60 in stockists here. First delivery free, thereafter €50 per case of 12.
Agree about the Vivano App, it's very handy alright.
That's a great tip about the first shipment from Millesima, I'll have to go and find that website, thanks Leo !
I see that Irish Ferries were doing a special offer for the month of Sept, targeting people wanting to buy wine in France. Unfortunately, I learnt about it too late, but maybe next time.
That's a great tip about the first shipment from Millesima, I'll have to go and find that website, thanks Leo !
I see that Irish Ferries were doing a special offer for the month of Sept, targeting people wanting to buy wine in France. Unfortunately, I learnt about it too late, but maybe next time.
Link in the example, but the home page for Irish customers is here.
Thanks Leo, unfortunitely I'm struggling to find bargains in the wines that I would usually buy - those that appear cheap, aren't really, when you look at reviews on the particular vintage.
I think I'll just have to borrow a van, and set sail to France (or Spain), sometime soon.
I think I'll just have to borrow a van, and set sail to France (or Spain), sometime soon.
