From Decanter

Butlins launches fine wine list
June 25, 2010
Lucy Shaw

UK budget holiday company Butlins has launched its first fine wine list.

Butlins aims to champion fine wines at fair prices. The majority of the 'Fine But Fun' list are priced within the £24-34 bracket.

The star of the 20-strong list is Krug Grand Cuvée Brut NV Champagne for a modest £120 – the same price listed by Berry Brothers and Rudd.

Other highlights include Bordeaux fourth growth Château Talbot 2004 for £65, top Châteauneuf producer Château Beaucastel 1999 for £83, Lebanon's Château Musar 2001 for £43 and Pouilly Fumé Baron Patrick de Ladoucette 2007 for £32.

The list was compiled by sommelier Pip Martin, ex wine manager of Harrods, in response to customer demand: wine sales at Butlins have increased by 34% in the last two years.

Butlins managing director Richard Bates said, 'Butlins will be the place to go for a good Burgundy or top-notch bubbly.

'These are world class wines at prices that don't take the mickey', he added.

Tasting notes are tongue-in-cheek, with Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve NV Champagne described as like 'diving into a cold pool on a hot day', while the 'seductive and approachable' Faustino Reserva Rioja 2001 is compared to George Clooney.

The wines are available at the three Butlins resorts in Bognor Regis, Minehead and Skegness.

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mel

Of course the down side is, you would have to stay there.

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Yep, Im still here.

I took the kids when they were little and we all had a brilliant time. The swimming was excellent and they loved all the shows. The accommodation was shocking and we (obviously) complained and got upgraded.

In fact, unless they've changed the deal, going for a day is pretty good value. Only if you have swimming obsessed kids. The family day ticket at the time was £30 - we were two adults and 4 kids - and that included swimming, shows and fairground rides.

The wines do look very interesting.

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mel

I've had a couple of cracking Mon-Fri at Minehead..and a ride on a steam train

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Four wheels move the body - 2 wheels move the soul.

Recently?

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mel

In living memory...

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Four wheels move the body - 2 wheels move the soul.

Tesco are giving away a free fortnight for 4 in Butlins with every 6 bottle case of Krug 92.

Plus a weekend at Premierl Inn* for a family of 48 for every 12 bottle case of Ladoucette PF

*Lenny Henry not included

Butlins managing director Richard Bates said, 'Butlins will be the place to go for a good Burgundy or top-notch bubbly.

Thinking outside the box - extraordinary stuff.

That swimming was amazingly good value. Must have been in another millenium

Yeah Ok Goose, wind-up time ! Forget the Krug Clos de Tart '92, and use the dosh for a Med cruise on board a classic yacht.

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Duncan

A family is now £40 - very good value. We may go to Minehead in the holidays.

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mel

Only done Butlins the once as first lads holiday at age of 18

Think the revamped accomodation and now this actually makes it an appealing option to be honest.
I know for certain that having a youndg family it'd be hard not to have a good time in Butlins to be honest as it'd do everything needed to keep the kids amused

The lure of med sunshine is probably the only thing that has stopped me so far but if I was at a loss I'd happily stick 2 fingers up at the snobbery and do at least a long w/e

The problem is that while the kids swim you probably won't make friends round the pool. Mind you, the Talbot might bring in some possibilities, but how would you be able to spot them.

Kids in Jack Wills and mums in Boden?

When we went my children absolutely SHONE because they had healthily tanned skin, clear, bright eyes, good haircuts and white teeth. Sorry, that's a dreadful thing to say.

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mel