This little-known wine industry secret could help you save on your next bottle

19 Aug 2026 • 10:46 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

This little-known wine industry secret could help you save on your next bottle

If you love finding a bargain on a nice bottle of wine as much as you enjoy a good glass of vino, there’s a little-known hack that can help you get more for your money, and it comes in the form of cleanskin wine.

The term refers to wine sold without the producer’s usual branding or label, often because a winery has surplus stock it wants to move on. Without the familiar name attached, retailers can buy it for less and then pass on those savings to shoppers.

The trade-off is that you may not know exactly which producer is behind the bottle. Instead, you’ll get information about things such as the grape variety, region and vintage, giving you an idea of what to expect, without the usual brand recognition.

If that’s piqued your interest, Laithwaites has a selection of cleanskin wines to choose from, including reds, whites and sparkling varieties. Below, I’ve picked out some of the options currently available to shop, so keep scrolling and you might just find your new favourite tipple.

Read more: Best orange wines for 2026

Cleanskin South Australia shiraz cabernet 2022

 (Laithwaites)

This is a full-bodied Australian red made from a blend of cabernet sauvignon and shiraz. It’s said to boast flavours of ripe dark fruit and spice, with savoury notes and a touch of oak. The wine is 14.4 per cent ABV and suitable for vegans.

Margaret River sauvignon blanc sémillon 2025

 (Laithwaites)

This 11.5 per cent ABV dry Australian white is made from sauvignon blanc and sémillon grapes. It’s touted as having a fresh, citrus-led flavour with notes of tropical fruit, melon and guava, plus a hint of fennel, so it should be ideal for summer sipping.

Limited release English sparkling brut NV

 (Laithwaites)

A dry English sparkling wine made from a chardonnay-based blend, this vino is described as having a creamy, toasty flavour with notes of ripe orchard fruit and a fresh minerality. It’s 12.2 per cent ABV and suitable for vegetarians.

Limited release English sparkling rosé NV

 (Laithwaites)

If you enjoy your rosé sparkling, this bottle is for you. It’s made from a chardonnay-based blend that is said to boast strawberry and raspberry flavours, with a biscuity note on the finish. It has fine bubbles, is 12.2 per cent ABV and it is suitable for vegetarians.

Limited release McLaren Vale shiraz 2023

 (Laithwaites)

Hailing from Australia’s McLaren Vale, this shiraz is touted as being medium- to full-bodied, with notes of spiced red berry fruit and cracked pepper, with hints of chocolate. Described as having a long, smooth finish, the 14.4 per cent ABV wine is suitable for vegans.

Illustrious Napa Valley sauvignon blanc 2024

 (Laithwaites)

California’s Napa Valley needs no introduction when it comes to wine. This 12.5 per cent ABV sauvignon blanc hails from the region, and is described as having vibrant lime and grapefruit flavours, with subtle stone fruit in the mix. It is said to have a crisp, refreshing finish and it’s suitable for vegetarians.

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