Four wine experts have weighed in on which UK supermarket offers the best wine selection in 2026, with Waitrose and Tesco emerging as favourites. Helen McGinn, BBC Saturday Kitchen expert and author of The Supermarket Wine Guide, praised Tesco for its “really interesting, diverse range”, calling it her current pick. Jonathan Kleeman, a sommelier and wine buyer, said Waitrose “consistently stands out as best in class”, noting its buying team operates like an independent wine merchant.
Andy Pincott, known as Affordable Wine Hunter, agreed that Waitrose has the best overall selection but warned it is expensive. He recommended Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Asda and Morrisons for mid-range shoppers, especially during 25%-off-six promotions. Pincott also highlighted Aldi as a solid choice for good value, while noting Lidl’s monthly wine tours offer variety but can confuse occasional customers.
Deian Benjamin, wine expert on Welsh TV, said most people buy wine at Tesco, praising its Finest range for significant improvement. “The prices are sharp, the choice is amazing, and it no longer feels like you're settling for an inferior bottle,” he said. Jane Rakison, a wine expert working with Mindful Chef, noted Tesco won ‘supermarket of the year’ at the Drinks Retailing Awards, judged by industry professionals.
Experts also gave special mentions to Marks & Spencer, Co-op and Morrisons for hidden gems. Helen McGinn advised that discounters like Aldi and Lidl offer bargains but their ranges change constantly and include some poor options. Overall, Waitrose was praised for backing interesting regions like Romania and Greece, while Tesco was lauded for its high-street accessibility and value.
