Blossom Hill Vie reviewer feedback thread - £100 voucher prize draw for feedback NOW CLOSED

[MichelleMumsnet]

This thread is for the 100 Mumsnetters who have been trying the reduced alcohol wine based drink from Blossom Hill – Vie 5.5%.

Here's what Blossom Hill Vie say, “The start of the new year is all about lighter choices – so it’s the perfect time to try Blossom Hill Vie 5.5%vol. Vie is a reduced alcohol wine based drink that has an elegant, light and fruity taste. It is the perfect choice for those occasions when you'd like a drink without the higher alcohol content – like lunch or early evening.

Vie has all the taste you'd expect from Blossom Hill – the nation's favourite wine*– but with only 5.5%vol and 30% less calories than Blossom Hill still wine. Vie is available in White - with hints of citrus, pear and apricot flavours and Rosé - with a floral aroma, ripe peach and strawberry flavours. Both are v. elegant, v. delicate and v. tasty choices – Vie 5.5%.

If you prefer sweeter style drinks, then Vie is perfect for you. We think it’s v. tasty, but would love to hear what you think! For more information about Vie and to explore more of the Blossom Hill range click here"

Thank you to all the testers who are taking part. Below are a few questions for you to answer but please feel free to add any other comments you have too.

1. Which Vie variant did you try – white or rosé? What did you think?
2. How would you describe the taste of Vie to your friends?
3. Did you know that Blossom Hill Vie has 30% fewer calories than Blossom Hill still wine?
4. Would you recommend it to them? If so, why? If not, why not?
5. The RRP for Blossom Hill Vie is £4.99 per bottle. Do you think you'd be likely to buy it again? If so, why? If not, why not?

Everyone who adds their feedback to this thread will be entered into a prize draw to be in with the chance of winning a £100 Debenhams Gift Card.

For those of you who didn't get to try Blossom Hill Vie 5.5% (or want to try again!) Click here to redeem your exclusive 50p off coupon.

Thanks and good luck,

MNHQ

*Nielsen GB Total Trade (On's to 05 10 13, Off's to 12.10.13)
The BLOSSOM HILL words and associated logos are trade marks. Copyright BLOSSOM HILL Winery 2013.
Your comments may be used by Blossom Hill in marketing materials, anonymously of course.

[tiredoutgran]

1. Which Vie variant did you try – white or rosé? What did you think?

I tried the white, I liked it, it was sweet without being too sweet. I prefer sparkling wines to still so appreciated that about it.

1. How would you describe the taste of Vie to your friends?

Fruity! It is pleasant to drink and the fruitiness also has a sharp edge to it so it tastes 'clean'

1. Did you know that Blossom Hill Vie has 30% fewer calories than Blossom Hill still wine?

I didn't know this and find it interesting, it would certainly make a difference were I calorie conscious.

1. Would you recommend it to them? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes definitely, it would make a lovely drink for summer barbeques/get togethers but also could be enjoyed, as with me, during a quiet evening watching a film.

1. The RRP for Blossom Hill Vie is £4.99 per bottle. Do you think you'd be likely to buy it again? If so, why? If not, why not?

I will definitely buy it again, it was a pleasant drink and the price is good for the product.

[daisybrown]

1. White, will certainly go on the shopping list in the future
2. Light Fruity and refreshing
3. Would recommend it for any situation, BBQ, dinner, or just as a refreshing wine that won't knock you off your feet (Unless you drink the entire bottle in one go by yourself)
4. Any time
5. No I didn't really read the label in detail, although I would pay more attention if I was buying it myself.
6. Tastes light but not watery, we couldn't tell it was low alcohol.

[manfalou]

Which Vie variant did you try – white or rosé? What did you think?

We tried to Rose (our favourite wine), it was really nice, was pleasantly surprised*

How would you describe the taste of Vie to your friends?

Fruity, refreshing and easy to drink, has no after taste like some wines so is great with food.

Did you know that Blossom Hill Vie has 30% fewer calories than Blossom Hill still wine?

I did.. but only because I read i read it on the letter that came with it, not from the label, don't bother reading calories of wine. However a definite UP point to it, especially after xmas.

1. Would you recommend it to them? If so, why? If not, why not?

I would definitely recommend it! For any occasion. It tastes really nice and usually I can't have more than one glass of wine because of its strength, Im happy to report I definitely drank more than one glass of this ;)

1. The RRP for Blossom Hill Vie is £4.99 per bottle. Do you think you'd be likely to buy it again? If so, why? If not, why not?

Id buy again. It was enjoyable to drink and at £4.99 it doesn't break the bank that something that tastes genuinely nice, bonus!

[nobodysfool]

1. Which Vie variant did you try – white or rosé? What did you think?

I was sent the white wine. Bottle was a nice design.

1. How would you describe the taste of Vie to your friends?

The first few mouthfuls were light and refreshing but the following ones tasted a little strange. I can only liken it to when you have a wine spritzer and it has too much soda water. Watered down and uninteresting. I don't think I would recommend this to my friends for the before mentioned reasons.

1. Did you know that Blossom Hill Vie has 30% fewer calories than Blossom Hill still wine?

If your drinking a glass of wine do the calories come into it?If your cutting calories drink some water!

1. Would you recommend it to them? If so, why? If not, why not?

No I wouldn't. The watery taste left me feeling a bit meh.

1. The RRP for Blossom Hill Vie is £4.99 per bottle. Do you think you'd be likely to buy it again? If so, why? If not, why not?

RRP is perfectly fine but I wouldn't purchase beacause of it's odd taste.

Thanks for choosing me though MN

[hootloop]

1. Which Vie variant did you try – white or rosé? What did you think?
I tried the rosé, it was surprisingly nice, I didn't notice it was supposed to be sparkling though, maybe because the bottle I got was almost a year past its best before date.
2. How would you describe the taste of Vie to your friends?
It is noticeably fruity but does have that cheap wine vinegar smell when you first pour it,
3. Did you know that Blossom Hill Vie has 30% fewer calories than Blossom Hill still wine?
Yes, It said so either on the bottle, or letter or possibly both.
4. Would you recommend it to them? If so, why? If not, why not?
I would recommend this to a friend who had complained about getting tipsy too quickly on full strength wine but otherwise probably not as there are much nicer wines out there for the price.
5. The RRP for Blossom Hill Vie is £4.99 per bottle. Do you think you'd be likely to buy it again? If so, why? If not, why not?
Probably not, but only because I didn't realise it was sparkling and although I didn't notice that on tasting I assume an in date bottle would be noticeably so and I wouldn't enjoy it.

I did enjoy the wine and wasn't ill despite it being so out of date, it served the purpose of being enjoyable but not getting me drunk, however I would rather have a named variety wine and just drink less.

[katiebasey]

1. Which Vie variant did you try – white or rosé? What did you think?

I tried the rosé , my mum and I really enjoyed it...nice to have another opinion... we both thought it was lovely, fresh and fruity my mum goes to a Slimming club and said she would definately recommend to her friends.

1. How would you describe the taste of Vie to your friends?

Fresh and fruity , very enjoyable .

1. Did you know that Blossom Hill Vie has 30% fewer calories than Blossom Hill still wine?

I did notice that Blossom Hill Vie has fewer calories .... always like to watch my calorie intake.... my mum will recommend to her friends at the local Slimming group.

1. Would you recommend it to them? If so, why? If not, why not?

I would recommend to my friends.... thought it really refreshing.

1. The RRP for Blossom Hill Vie is £4.99 per bottle. Do you think you'd be likely to buy it again? If so, why? If not, why not?

I think the £4.99 price is reasonable and would buy again... a lovely light refreshing wine... nice for a lovely summers day !!

[ThedementedPenguin]

1. Which Vie variant did you try – white or rosé? What did you think?
I tried the white wine. It was lovely, very light compared to other white wines.

2. How would you describe the taste of Vie to your friends?
It was fruity and light tasting. Didn't leave a funny after taste that some white wines do.

3. Did you know that Blossom Hill Vie has 30% fewer calories than Blossom Hill still wine?
I didn't realise but that is great. Will be telling my auntie who is watching her calorie intake.

4. Would you recommend it to them? If so, why? If not, why not?
Yes I would recommend this wine to others. This is because it is very refreshing wine to drink. Would be perfect for sunny days with a BBQ. Is very light tasting.

5. The RRP for Blossom Hill Vie is £4.99 per bottle. Do you think you'd be likely to buy it again? If so, why? If not, why not?
Yes, I would try this again. I would also love to try the rosè wine. I'm not a big drinker anymore so it's great to have a reduced alcohol wine that tastes so sweet and refreshing.

[LynnyCuddles]

We tried the Blossom Hill Vie and it was light and fruity. It had citrus and pear aromas with ripe melon & apricot flavors. It was lovely and I would certainly recommend it.

[Ummofumbridge]

1. Which Vie variant did you try – white or rosé? What did you think?

The rose. I shared it with a friend so you get two testers for the price of one!
We enjoyed it. I love blossom hill rose anyway, I must admit I prefer the normal variety.

1. How would you describe the taste of Vie to your friends?

Sweet and slightly fizzy on the tongue. I found it a lot sweeter than most other rose wines. Although this was not unpleasant I doubt I would want to drink more than a couple of glasses at once as I find I tightly sickly.

1. Did you know that Blossom Hill Vie has 30% fewer calories than Blossom Hill still wine?

I do now!

1. Would you recommend it to them? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes if they were driving or dieting. Otherwise I'd stick to the usual.

1. The RRP for Blossom Hill Vie is £4.99 per bottle. Do you think you'd be likely to buy it again? If so, why? If not, why not?

Hmm, it's a good price for a decent wine. I probably won't buy it again but I know a lot of people who would prefer a low calorie, low alcohol wine and if I ever felt the need to restrict my intake then I'd definitely consider it.

[Whitershadeofpale]

Which Vie variant did you try – white or rosé? What did you think?
I tried rose. it was very nice. Light and fruity without the sickly sweet taste you often get in lower calorie drinks.

How would you describe the taste of Vie to your friends?
Fruity, fresh and light.

Did you know that Blossom Hill Vie has 30% fewer calories than Blossom Hill still wine?
Yes but only as it was part of the description of the product review. It didn't taste low-calorie.

Would you recommend it to them? If so, why? If not, why not?
Yes it tasted good and is reasonably priced.

The RRP for Blossom Hill Vie is £4.99 per bottle. Do you think you'd be likely to buy it again? If so, why? If not, why not?
Yes I think this is a reasonable price for the product.

[chrisrobin]

1. Which Vie variant did you try – white or rosé? What did you think?
I tried the rosé. It was lovely with a light, refreshing taste. It didn't taste sparkling to me though, it tasted quite flat and both my husband and I commented that it would have tasted better with a little fizz.

2. How would you describe the taste of Vie to your friends?
Fruity, light, sweet, summery

3. Did you know that Blossom Hill Vie has 30% fewer calories than Blossom Hill still wine?
I did notice this on the bottle. I'm not sure that calorie content would be an issue for me when choosing a wine though as it is a treat, but I suppose it is an added bonus.

4. Would you recommend it to them? If so, why? If not, why not?
Yes, I would as it was very enjoyable. My parents, like me, are only occasional drinkers as none of us like a heavy alcoholic tang to our drinks but I think they would like this and may well take a bottle to them when I next visit.

5. The RRP for Blossom Hill Vie is £4.99 per bottle. Do you think you'd be likely to buy it again? If so, why? If not, why not?
Yes, I would buy it again, that is a reasonable RRP. In fact I did try to buy a bottle when we went shopping at the weekend but was unable to find it in our supermarket. I liked the taste and it would mean I am not stuck on the soft drinks at get togethers.

[EmLH]

1. We received a bottle of the rosé.
2. I would say it's fruity, light, smooth and very easy to drink. I only like alcoholic drinks that don't have a very strong taste of alcohol, so this is perfect for me. There's none of the burning you get down the back of your throat with some strong wines. It would be perfect with a chicken salad on a nice summery evening.

I didn't think it was particularly sparkling, it had a very slight fizz to it, as if it had been fizzy and then gone flat. I also quite liked this though as I think that often a lot of fizz can make things taste stronger and they don't go down as smoothly.

1. I only knew about the lower amount of calories because of the test. It's not something I would look for and I'd still buy it even if it had a normal amount because I'm not watching my weight, just looking for lighter flavours. It might appeal to others that I know though so I think it's a good selling point. Would be better off advertising the fact on the front label.
2. Yes, I would recommend it to friends and would also buy a bottle of it if they came over to dinner. My DH thought it was really nice too.
3. Yes, I usually look for wines that are around £5. I don't like to spend any more than that because we're not big drinkers and only like the occasional glass with dinner.

Thanks for the test, I was really pleasantly surprised by how much I liked the product. I might even be tempted to buy a bottle of the white!

[mandacp]

I tried the Rose. my first opinion was-very interesting!
I would describe this as a very summery drink rather than a normalk wine. It was very refreshing and I could drink it easily (and I am a light weight!)
I would reccomend it to my friends
I would enjoy this drink on a saturday night after LO was tucked up in bed!
I was surprised that it is low calories.
I did not get a hangover after this wine which is a rarity!

thank you for this sample....please feel free to send more wine!!! :-)

[NannyPlumForPM]

1. I tried the rose wine - I am usually a rose drinker so could make a good comparison! I thought it was delicious and light- really fruity and summery with no aftertaste even after chocolate :)

1. Sweet, fruity and delicate. It had no bitterness to it and didn't cause any heartburn- a mega plus since I'm 6 months pregnant!!

1. Yes but it doesn't taste lower calorie - it did taste lower alcohol IMO though (which is good)

1. I would recommend it as a lovely and light drink but I don't think I would offer it as an alternative to wine as I believe it is a different drink- still tasty and delicious but a lot lighter and more refreshing rather than earthier

1. I don't think I would pay £4.99 for a bottle for this, maybe the price point needs to be lower as I think I could get the same effect from a bottle of regular wine and a bottle of cheap lemonade in a spritzer for twice the amount of drink. I would buy it for perhaps £3.50, or two bottles for £6. I so find it goes down a little too fast for a fiver a bottle !

[chickabilla]

1. I tried the white Vie and was pleasantly surprised as it was much nicer than other low alcohol wines I have tried. The bottle looked appealing too.

1. Fruity, not too sweet, refreshing and summery. I would recommend it to friends looking for a low alcohol product.

1. I noticed the lower calories; this is not a selling point for me personally as I am not watching my calorie intake but I think it is useful information for other consumers..

1. Yes, I would recommend Vie, it is the nicest low alcohol wine I have tried and would be ideal for a summer afternoon party when you don't want something too heavy.

1. The RRP seems about right and I probably would buy again but most likely in the summer.

[MTBMummy]

1. Which Vie variant did you try – white or rosé? What did you think?
I had the rose, to be honest I was a bit disappointed, it tasted like a flat spritzer with too much soda water in it.

2. How would you describe the taste of Vie to your friends?
I did like the sweetness, but that really was the only good point. I didn't know it was supposed to be fizzy until I read the comments above.

3. Did you know that Blossom Hill Vie has 30% fewer calories than Blossom Hill still wine?
I recall reading that somewhere, and that does appeal.

4. Would you recommend it to them? If so, why? If not, why not?
Probably not, as I have said above it tasted like a watered down cheap spritzer

5. The RRP for Blossom Hill Vie is £4.99 per bottle. Do you think you'd be likely to buy it again? If so, why? If not, why not
Probably not, it does not begin to compare with the first cape offering. Although if someone brought it to a BBQ I wouldn't be offended.

[plentyofsoap]

I was going to try it tonight, however I checked the sell by date and it said feb 2013! It is a shame as I was happy to give my views on it.

[NannyPlumForPM]

Oh my goodness-
Mines the same, out of date a YEAR AGO!! Anybody know if this would cause damage to a unborn baby? Had a couple of glasses over 3 nights!!

Poor show blossom hill....

[julesofdenial]

1. We tried the rose wine. It was quite pleasant - my husband said that it was nicer with food. I could tell it was low alcohol, but could be good if I was planning to drink a lot at a party!
2. Fruity and rather sweet, probably more so than I like.
3. I did know that it was low calorie - great, makes me happy!
4. A nice summer drink - I think it would have been nicer if it was fizzy.
5. I think that is a little expensive for a low alcohol drink. £4 would be better. I certainly wouldn't buy one that was almost a year out of date! Extremely surprised that we were sent this (only realised after another tester posted this and just went to check the recycling).

[winetime]

1. Which Vie variant did you try – white or rosé? What did you think?

I tried the white, which was very nice, it was sweet without being too sweet. It had a fruity fragrance which was pleasant.

2. How would you describe the taste of Vie to your friends?

It tasted fruity but did feel like "watered down" wine, not a bad thing as that took away that acidic taste I find many white wines have.

3. Did you know that Blossom Hill Vie has 30% fewer calories than Blossom Hill still wine?

No I didn't know that, I suppose that makes sense if it has less alcohol in it. If I was calorie conscious it would make a difference, definitely.

4. Would you recommend it to them? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes, especially to anyone who complains about hangovers. It did go to my head a little (I am a lightweight!) but next day I was not suffering from the effects. I did drink the whole bottle in an evening, so that's about 4 glasses. I would probably recommend it with lunch or perhaps a quiet relaxed night in. I'd probably go for something a bit more alcohol-fuelled for a big night out!

5. The RRP for Blossom Hill Vie is £4.99 per bottle. Do you think you'd be likely to buy it again? If so, why? If not, why not?

That's about around how much I'd normally spend on wine unless it was a special occasion, so yes I would buy it again as it is within my price range.

[lilyloo]

1. We tried the rose. I was pleasantly surprised it tasted good.

1. It tasted a little fizzy to me which I wasn't to keen on but the overall taste was good. I could tell it was different to the normal blossom hill. However it wasn't sickly sweet like a non alcoholic wine can be.

1. I wasn't aware it was lower calorie and I wouldn't have guessed that drinking it but is a definite selling point.

1. I would recommend this as a lunchtime drink with friends or as an option if you are dieting. Also maybe a nice treat for a midweek drink when you may normally give it a miss in case of a fuzzy head the next day. My head felt fine after a couple of glasses.

1. I think the price is fine but overall I still prefer the traditional blossom hill. However for any reason in number 4 I would happily pay the rrp.

Thanks Blossomhill

[cookiemonster66]

1. Which Vie variant did you try – white or rosé? What did you think?

WHITE - Lovely and smooth and did not taste like other low alcohol wines could easily pass as full strength!

1. How would you describe the taste of Vie to your friends?

sweet & smooth, went down well!

1. Did you know that Blossom Hill Vie has 30% fewer calories than Blossom Hill still wine?

it just gets better and better!

1. Would you recommend it to them? If so, why? If not, why not?

of course, only if it meant they shared it with me!

1. The RRP for Blossom Hill Vie is £4.99 per bottle. Do you think you'd be likely to buy it again? If so, why? If not, why not?

possibly would, but def would if it was on promotion or special offer

[ThedementedPenguin]

Did everyone get the email, saying a few bottles were out of date and to contact mnhq so another in date bottle could be posted.?

[kinkyfuckery]

1. Which Vie variant did you try – white or rosé? What did you think?

I tried the white.

1. How would you describe the taste of Vie to your friends?

Fruity and light. Very easy to drink. It didn't have the aftertaste that a lot of wine has. Some wouldn't like that, but for me it was perfect.

1. Did you know that Blossom Hill Vie has 30% fewer calories than Blossom Hill still wine?

I did notice on the bottle. Even better

1. Would you recommend it to them? If so, why? If not, why not?

Definitely. I think most people are trying to be health-conscious these days. If you can make a healthier choice and still drink wine, what's not to love?

1. The RRP for Blossom Hill Vie is £4.99 per bottle. Do you think you'd be likely to buy it again? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes, I think so!

[NannyPlumForPM]

No demented :(