Raise a glass to the midweek half bottle

♦ Waitrose has launched a range of half bottles of wine aimed at middleclass midweek drinkers.

The supermarket said its line of own-label wines, which provide the equivalent of two large glasses of wine, are the ideal portion size for a couple enjoying a “midweek evening meal”.

It is believed to be the first time a major UK supermarket has sold half bottles of own-label wine, rather than mini 20cl bottles, to discourage consumers from opening a larger bottle.

It comes after studies warned that a “wine o’clock” culture among the middle-classes is contributing to a rise in excessive consumption of alcohol. Prices for the 37.5cl bottles range from £3.49 to £4.99.