Raise a Glass with Virgin Wines
5th Aug 2025
Wine lovers, this one's for you. As the days stretch longer and the garden becomes your favourite place to unwind, there's something particularly satisfying about pouring a chilled glass of white, uncorking a smooth red, or popping a bottle of fizz to share with friends. So, in celebration of alfresco dinners, weekend hosting and easy evenings that roll on into dusk, we’ve teamed up with Virgin Wines – named Best Online Retailer at the People’s Choice Wine Awards – to bring you an exclusive, limited-time offer that pairs beautifully with the season.
The Offer
Right now, Garden Trading customers can enjoy:
- A luxurious 12-bottle case of quality wines
- Only £4.99 a bottle, saving you £89
- FREE delivery to your door
- Plus, a free bottle of premium Prosecco worth £12.99
- All backed by a no-questions-asked money-back guarantee
Whether you're topping up the wine rack or planning ahead for your next gathering, it's the ideal opportunity to discover new favourites, without the usual price tag.
What’s in the Case?
Expect a handpicked mix of bestselling bottles, each one chosen for its balance, depth, and drinkability – whatever the occasion.
Senti Prosecco Extra Dry
Fresh, crisp and celebratory, this Prosecco sparkles with green apple, juicy pear, and a lift of citrus. Soft bubbles and a refreshing finish make it the perfect aperitif or toast-worthy treat.
Marques del Parral Rioja DOCa Tempranillo
A classic Rioja that delivers every time – red berries, warming spice, and velvety tannins. A perfect match for slow-cooked dishes, grilled meats or a Friday night in.
The Black Pig Sauvignon Blanc
Straight from sun-drenched Aussie vineyards, this vibrant white is packed with zesty citrus and tropical notes. Ideal for sipping as the sun sets or pairing with light salads and seafood.
These are just a few of the highlights – the full case covers a spectrum of styles, from spicy Shiraz to crisp Italian Pinot Grigio – ready to suit every mood, meal, and moment.
The WineBank Perks
By snapping up this special offer, you'll also unlock Virgin Wines’ WineBank – an award-winning way to buy wine that gives you more for your money.
Here’s how it works:
- You choose how much you want to save each month
- Virgin Wines adds 20% interest, free
- You get free express delivery on every order
- And there’s no commitment – pause or cancel any time
It’s a flexible way to spread the cost of wine, enjoy priority access to exclusive bottles, and never run out of the good stuff.
Ready to Raise a Glass?
Whether you’re planning your next get-together or simply want to stock the cupboard with crowd-pleasing wines for the months ahead, this offer brings luxury and value together beautifully.
The wine. The savings. The ease. It all adds up to something worth toasting.
Pairing Food and Wine
The art of pairing wine with food, even at a basic level, opens up a whole new world of culinary enjoyment. There are several factors to consider when choosing the best wine to accompany your meal: the type of food, the occasion, personal preference, and budget.
In this comprehensive guide from Virgin Wines, you'll find how to pair wines with key food types. It covers essential house rules for each category, the best red, white, and sparkling wines to try, and classic food and wine pairings. Warning — this will whet your appetite and wet your whistle at the same time!
Why Is Food and Wine Pairing Important?
Pairing matters because, when done right, wine can complement and elevate the enjoyment of your food. Your pairing should focus on the most dominant aspect of a dish — especially when cooking with wine. This could be a spicy seasoning, a creamy sauce, or simply the element with the strongest flavour.
There are two types of pairing:
- Complementary pairing: contrasting flavours chosen to enhance each other. For example, salty Roquefort cheese with a sweet dessert wine.
- Congruent pairing: similar flavours selected to deepen one another. For example, the earthy notes of mushrooms paired with an earthy Pinot Noir.
Top Tips for Pairing Wine with Food
- Red wines: Tend to be more bitter and work well with bold, strong flavours or fatty dishes. For example, a robust Malbec pairs beautifully with steak.
- White wines: Dry whites with high acidity suit lighter dishes. For example, a crisp Pinot Grigio complements delicate white fish.
- Rosé wines: Rosé balances the acidity of white wine with fruity red notes. The best matches depend on how dry or sweet the rosé is — try a dry Provence-style rosé with a goats’ cheese salad.
- Sweeter wines: Wine should be sweeter than the food. Sweet wines are often best with desserts, like a classic Sauternes with Christmas pudding.
- Sparkling wines: Their palate-cleansing bubbles make them versatile. Many have a touch of sweetness, so they pair wonderfully with salty foods like fish and chips or fried chicken.
Foods That Shouldn’t Be Paired with Wine
Every food can find a wine partner! That said, some foods are trickier to match perfectly.
- Spicy foods can overpower many wines. To avoid an unpleasant burn, opt for lower-alcohol, light white wines such as Riesling or Gewürztraminer.
- Heavy or overly sweet foods can also be challenging. For instance, the bitterness of dark chocolate is tricky but pairs well with a sweet vintage port.