Cambridge Wine Merchants (Mill Road)

Cambridge Wine Merchants is the largest of Cambridge's independents, having three branches (Mill Road, Kings Parade and Bridge Street).

They stock a good range of wines and spirits, with some unusual items suitable for gift ideas.

Staff are generally knowledgeable and in any case, have recourse to tasting notes on their system.

They also hold small tasting events at their various branches, but you may prefer to try out The Cambridge Food and Wine Society which is a non-profit wine appreciation society.

You can read reviews of their wines and tastings here:

http://cambridgewineblogger.blogspot.com/search/label/Cam...

It is a real treat to go to a reasonably priced off license where the staff actually know about wine. Several times I have gone in, explained what I am eating, and asked for a recommendation. Every time I have been very impressed by what they have suggested.

Even when I went in and asked for a 'tasty cheap white’ they recommended a great bottle, only £5 and didn’t leave me with a hangover the next day. And it tasted great too.

They also have a range of spirits, which are a little more expensive than you would pay in Sainsburys (which is only 5 minutes away) but they have some unusual brands which you wouldn’t get in a Supermarket.

The customer service is brilliant as well, with the owner often serving behind the counter. I have only praise to offer this little off license. And, if you fancied learning a bit more about wine, they do wine tasting each week as well.

A great little shop - I highly recommend it.

Though a little more expensive than the £3 bottle of wine on offer in the local supermarket the selection of wine here is great. There are no 'bad' wines here which means you can feel safe in experimenting with something new and different. There is also a 10% student discount, but with a bit of knowledge you can extend this to 20%, but beware if your brain is not up to it there is no discount. Time to brush up on your trivial persuit questions...

it is worth going there if you looking for a gift, planning party or romactic dinner for two..or maybe just wish to learn more about wines - experienced staff are ready to help. There you can find ports, bordeaux, cognac, for those who are not sure what to get - a solution may be mixed cases. Price rande is also wide - you can have lovely Ch.des Tours 2003 Ste Croix du Mont for just under £6 or if you are after something more special and have extra spare cash - Krug Grande Cuvee NV, which costs over a £100 per bottle. Also you can buy half bottle or large bottle. I believe they can accomodate any taste and pocket.