Why Smart Christmas Shoppers Pre-Order Their Wine &Spirits (And You Should Too)

Picture this: It's December 23rd. You're navigating crowded aisles, searching desperately for that special bottle you'd planned to serve at Christmas lunch. But it's sold out. The backup option? Also gone. You settle for something mediocre and promise yourself that next year will be different.

Sound familiar?

At Barrels & Stills Hawthorne, we've seen this story play out too many times. That's why we're passionate about encouraging our customers to shop early and pre-order their Christmas wines and spirits. Not because we're pushy salespeople, but because we genuinely want you to have the Christmas you've imagined, not the one you're forced to settle for.

The Hidden Cost of Last-Minute Shopping

Let's be honest about what last-minute Christmas shopping really means. It's not just about braving the crowds or finding a parking space. It's about limited choices, compromised quality, and the nagging feeling that your Christmas isn't quite as special as it could have been.

When you wait until the week before Christmas, you're not shopping from our full collection. You're shopping from what's left. That premium champagne you wanted? Someone who planned ahead claimed it weeks ago.The limited-edition gin that would have been perfect for your brother-in-law? Long gone. The specific vintage that pairs beautifully with your Christmas menu? Better luck next year.

What Pre-Ordering Actually Gives You

Peace of Mind

There's something genuinely liberating about checking "Christmas drinks" off your list in November. While everyone else is panicking in December, you're relaxed, knowing that everything is sorted and waiting for you.

Better Selection

When you pre-order early, you get access to our entire Christmas range. Every special bottle, every limited edition, every carefully curated selection. You're choosing from the best we have, not what's left.

Personal Service (The Way It Should Be)

Here's where we get to do what we love most. When you come in early or call us to discuss your Christmas needs, we actually have time to help you properly. We can talk through your menu, understand your guests' preferences, suggest pairings you might not have considered, and find solutions that perfectly fit your budget.

During the December rush, we're still here to help, but we can't give you the attention and expertise you deserve when there are 15 other people waiting. Pre-ordering gives us the time to truly serve you.

How We Help You Get Christmas Right

Understanding Your Celebration

Every Christmas is different. Maybe you're hosting 20 people for the first time and feeling overwhelmed.Maybe you're looking for something special to impress your wine-enthusiast in-laws. Maybe you just want reliable crowd-pleasers that won't break the bank.

Whatever your situation, we've probably seen it before and we definitely know how to help. Our team has years of experience matching wines and spirits to occasions, budgets, and tastes. We're not here to upsell you on the most expensive bottle. We're here to find what's genuinely right for you.

Wine Pairing Expertise

Planning a traditional Christmas feast? We can walk you through the perfect wine progression from appetisers to dessert. Serving ham? We've got crisp whites and rosés that cut through the saltiness beautifully. Turkey?Let's talk about medium-bodied reds and elegant whites. Something different? Even better, we love a challenge.

Gift Selection Made Simple

Shopping for someone who knows their spirits? Someone who claims to "not really like wine"? Someone whose taste you're completely unsure about? We've got strategies for all of these scenarios, and we're genuinely good at finding gifts that land well.

What Our Pre-Order Service Includes

When you pre-order with Barrels & Stills Hawthorne, you're not just reserving bottles.

You're getting:

• Reserved stock with guaranteed availability

• Personalised recommendations from our expert team

• Flexible pickup times that suit your schedule

• Delivery options if that's more convenient

• Complimentary gift wrapping on pre-orders placed before [date]

• The satisfaction of being organised (priceless)

Real Talk: The Bottles That Disappear First

Every year, certain items fly off our shelves. Premium champagnes and French sparkling are usually gone by early December. Limited-edition whiskeys and single malts? They don't last long. Specific vintages of popular wines? Once they're gone, they're gone for good.

We're not saying this to create false urgency. We're saying it because it's true, and we'd rather you know now than be disappointed later.

It's Not Too Late (But It Will Be)

If you're reading this, you're already ahead of the curve. Most people won't start thinking about their Christmas drinks for another few weeks. By then, the best selections will be spoken for. Right now, we have everything. The full range. The special bottles. The perfect options for whatever you're planning. But that window closes as December approaches.

How to Get Started

Getting your Christmas sorted with us is genuinely easy:

Pop into the store. We love face-to-face conversations where we can really understand what you need and walk you through options.

Visit our website at www.barrelsandstills.store. Browse our Christmas range and reach out with any questions.

Send us a message. shop@barrelsandstills.com.au However you prefer to communicate, we're here and ready to help.

The Christmas You Actually Want

Here's the thing about Christmas: It's supposed to be special. Memorable. The one time of year when we pullout all the stops and create something truly wonderful for the people we care about.

Your drinks are part of that story. The champagne toast that starts the celebration. The wine that pairs perfectly with your carefully prepared meal. The after-dinner spirits that keep the conversation flowing. These details matter.

At Barrels & Stills Hawthorne, we take pride in being part of your Christmas story. Not just as a place to buy wine, but as partners who genuinely care about helping you create the celebration you've imagined.

This year, give yourself the gift of being prepared. Pre-order your Christmas wines and spirits now, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing everything is sorted.

Your future self, relaxed and ready on Christmas Eve, will thank you.

Ready to get started? Visit us at Barrels & Stills shop 2/ 119 Riding Rd, Hawthorne Q 4171, or browse our Christmas collection online at www.barrelsandstills.store. Let's make this your most memorable Christmas yet.