Shops are reassuring. You’re surrounded by wooden crates and barrels and chalkboards with discounts. There’s the nice lady hovering at your side (although she’s probably never, ever tasted the wines you’re looking at). And you can see how pretty the label is. But the truth is, walking into a store and picking a bottle is a shot in the dark. Sending an email to an importer may sound even more difficult, but it’s actually a very flexible—and sensible—way of buying wine. Here’s how it works:
1. Send a first email asking for the catalogue.
2. See what interests you and send a second email asking for recommendations. They may also have tasting notes and you can also use Google to check ratings and get further opinions.
3. Send in your order.
4. Wait for delivery and pay on receiving the bottles.

Italasia

Why it beats going to a store: Italasia only has two shops so ordering is probably a convenient option. And they have an extensive catalogue, especially for Italian stuff.
Their focus: Wines from all over Italy, including Sicily—and some Bordeaux. They have an event at Emporium from Jun 14-20, so you can try their wines before ordering.
Our faves: The Argiolas Costamolino, a light vermentino from Sardinia, and their rose from Provence, Petale de Rose.
How to order: Twelve bottle minimum. Email Porawan at [email protected]. One drawback is they don’t do cash on delivery. You pay by credit card beforehand.

Central Wine Cellars

Why it beats going to a store: You’re emailing Ross Marks, Vice President, so there’s an expert, not a shop clerk, answering queries like: What’s a good red under B1,000? What do I serve at a barbeque?
Their focus: They supply wine stores at Central Food Halls and Tops Supermarket. Their selection tends to be pricier than some, but that’s because they do quality stuff, have personal relationships with all their winemakers and guarantee careful storage, minimizing the risk of a tainted or corked bottle.
Our faves: We’re crazy about Les Jamelles Pinot Noir (B699 at Tops), a lovely version of this finicky varietal, and Trimbach’s reislings and gerwurtztraminers. Cheaper options include wines from Chile, Australia and South Africa (they make primo wines too).
How to order: 12 bottle minimum for free delivery. Email Ross at [email protected].

Wine by Vinum Lector

Why it beats going to a shop: This is a tiny boutique company that stocks the shelves of several wine shops and restaurants around town. They do a terrific newsletter, too.
Their focus: Table wine and premium stuff from bulk-producing regions like Australia and Chile, but also unusual stuff from Portugal, Spain, and Romania and affordable sauvignon blancs from Marlborough, New Zealand.
Our faves: Their Mussel Bay sauvignon blanc is good value for money, without sacrificing any of that strong passionfruit aroma typical of this varietal. Also try the Romanian cabernet sauvignon, Feteasca Neagra.
How to order: Six bottle minimum, delivery within 48 hours on work days. Email [email protected] to get a catalogue.

Siam Winery

Why it beats going to a shop: The cheap stuff is at 7-11, but our favorites are tricky to find. Get your vino from the producer.
Their focus: With some notable exceptions, they import cheap entry level wines from South Africa, California and Australia. The highlight is their own award-winning Monsoon Valley label.
Our faves: We adore their dessert wines like the chenin blanc late harvest (B850) and, if you can get a sponsor, their Cuvee de Siam Rouge (B2,553) is a velvety, eucalyptus joy.
How to order: 12 bottles and B3,000 minimum. For less, there’s a B300 fee. For tasting notes, visit www.siamwinery.com. Order by calling 02-996-6083, or visiting them on Facebook (“Siam Winery Delivery”).

Foodcom Thailand

Why it beats going to a shop: They stock Wine Cellar at S31 Hotel and do monthly tastings there. The minimum order being B5,000, you may want to enroll a few friends, though (see Wine Clubs).
The focus: They shine when it comes to the Italian regions, and Spain. Their German selection, while not extensive, is a solid start. The website has a great search function, letting you limit by price range and food pairings.
Our faves: We like the off-dry, low alcohol Dr. Loosen Reisling (B610) from Mosel and the powerful Infinitus cabernet sauvignon and tempranillo blend (B810).
How to order: Minimum order is B5,000, placed either through the website, www.foodcomthailand.com or by emailing Reinhard Murer, at [email protected].

HOW TO: Start Your Own Wine Club