Avoid the mouse trap

But online shopping is being blamed for the death of the high street, and it is easy to see that if a company, based on an industrial site in the middle of the English countryside or even overseas, takes business away from local shops, then eventually they will run out of customers.

So the happy solution is to buy from some of our local wine businesses which operate really good websites. All of them are based in Yorkshire, and together they bring one of the widest choices of wines available in the UK.

Bon Coeur Fine Wine

www.bcfw.co.uk

The internet is by far the best way to find out what this merchant has in stock. Based at a farmhouse in Masham, there isn’t a high street shop to call in at, although you can always go and collect your order if you want a run-out to some fabulous scenery.

Classics are the main attraction here with a fine selection from Bordeaux and Burgundy, including several good-drinking 2007s still available as well as a range of en primeur wines from the 2011 vintage.

From the rest of the world there are gems such as the excellent Warwick Estate Trilogy 2008 from South Africa (£17.49) and Philip Shaw’s “The Conductor” Merlot 2010 from Australia (£12.22).

Field and Fawcett

www.fieldandfawcett.co.uk

Field and Fawcett declare themselves to be the nation’s finest and friendliest wine merchant which is quite a tall order but they are certainly friendly both on the phone and when you call in to their shop in York. The range is comprehensive with a particular emphasis on Italy and extends around the world bringing wines such as the vibrant red and black fruits of Cuvée Occitaine 2009 from Domaine Gayda in southern France (£12.20); the dense, lush flavours of Coyam 2009 (£17.95) from Emiliana in Chile and the fabulous wines of Ata Rangi in New Zealand. The website works well with click-throughs to excellent descriptions and there is a favourites facility to help you find the wines you enjoy most.

Halifax Wine Company

www.halifaxwinecompany.com

With about 500 wines available on-line, all of them sorted by country, price and type it is really easy to navigate around this website. There is a description for each wine while the vintages and prices are up-to-date so you can click with confidence. You could just select their various front-page offers such as “everyday drinking” and “new arrivals” but it is much better to settle down and work through the choices.

Portugal is a particular strength – try the plum and raspberry elegance of Quinta do Infantado 2009 from the Douro (£12.95), or choose from the excellent range from around the world, such as the zippy, lively flavours of Shaw and Smith Sauvignon Blanc 2012 from Australia (£14.50) and the deep, rich flavours of Altos los Hormigas Malbec 2009 from Argentina (£21.95).

If you register on the site you’ll get regular updates and invitations to regular tastings, and you can always get advice on the phone or by calling into the shop in Prescott Street.

Italy Abroad

www.italyabroad.com

There is no shop for this Leeds-based business, but the website is easy to use and offers a good range of Italian wines and foods. The range has been selected by owner Andrea D’Ercole who moved from the warmth and sunshine of Abruzzo to a slightly more chilly Leeds. It includes a delicious minerally, peachy Gavi di Gavi 2011 from I Moncalvi (£10.99); a cherry-spiked, truffly Chianti DOCG 2007 from San Jacopo (£10.49); and soft, brambly, pepper-spiced Lagrein Gries 2010 (£12.99) as well as wines from the whole length of Italy. With single-estate olive oils, cakes, sauces and biscuits this website could act as a one-stop-shop for all things Italian.

Le Bon Vin

www.lebonvin.co.uk

On-line shopping is an increasing part of this Sheffield-based business, although there is a shop in Brightside Lane if you want to check out the shelves. The owner, Patrick Jouan is French so there is a significant bias towards French wines and many of these are exclusives, sourced direct from France.

The website is quite bright and busy but it works well and there are bottle shots and tasting notes to help decision-making. Prices are competitive, particularly on champagne. Top choices include a deep flavoured, chocolate and cassis Baron d’Ardeuil Buzet 2009 (£13); a warm, peppery-spiced Ch. Beaubois Costières de Nîmes 2010 (£13) and a juicy raspberry-packed Saumur Champigny 2010 from Domaine Filliatreau (£11.50).

Martinez Wines

www.martinez.co.uk

Based in Ilkley, Martinez has a shop, wine bar and regular tastings, but if you just want to order, their website is well-designed and comprehensive with good descriptions and background notes on the wine regions.

France and Spain are the strong points and include the savoury, deep flavours of Guelbenzu Azul 2008 (£9.99) from Navarra; the delicate, delicious Crego e Monaguillo Godello 2011 (£10.95) from Monterrei and the complexity of Muga Reserva 2008 from Rioja (£16.95). Get on their mailing list to keep up to date with new arrivals and make a note to get out to their tasting on March 12 in The Winter Gardens when a sizable chunk of their range will be open for tasting. It makes future wine buying so much easier.