Good wine doesn't have to be expensive. Supermarkets now stock excellent bottles, whether you want a refreshing white for outdoor drinking or a robust red to accompany a Sunday roast.
Why Supermarket Wine Has Improved
Social media has played a significant role in making wine more accessible. Viral bottles like the £10.99 'chicken wine' (La Vieille Ferme rosé), Aldi's award-winning sauvignon blanc, and Asda's Screaming Devil have proven that affordable wines can deliver on taste. TikTok personalities such as Lucy Hitchcock (@Partnerinwineuk) often cause bottles to sell out at M&S and Waitrose, while influencers like Hannah Crosbie and Tom Gilbey help demystify wine for everyday drinkers.
'Wine is a whole aisle now, as people want more variety as well as value, and supermarkets have wisely chosen to invest in their wine buyers and relationships with producers – because this is how most of us buy our wine,' says Libby Brodie, wine consultant and columnist. The same trend applies to supermarket champagne and whisky, where growing demand has led to a wider selection and higher-quality offerings.
According to Sinead Murdoch, sommelier and co-founder of restaurant Tasca, supermarkets are increasingly appealing to discerning drinkers. 'Now top wine buyers are working for supermarkets, and the growing competition is raising the standard of what ends up on the shelves.' This means shoppers can find bottles that rival those in specialist wine shops without spending a fortune.
Top Supermarket Wine Picks for 2026
1. Altos de Torona Albariño – Best Crisp White Wine
ABV: 12.5% | Country: Spain | Price: £12 (was £15) at Waitrose
'If you like crisp and fresh wines, like sauvignon blanc or pinot gris, then this Albariño is one to try,' suggests Katie Brook. 'It's zesty, with a touch of apricot, lime and even a salty edge.' Perfect for summer, Brook recommends pairing it with seafood.
2. Visio Vintners We the People Cape Blend – Best Wine for Barbecues
ABV: 13% | Country: South Africa | Price: £10 at Tesco
'It's barbecue season, and if there's anything the South Africans know how to do, it's cook over a fire,' Brook says. 'This South African red blend is predominantly Pinotage – a bold grape native to the country. You'll find a bottle at every BBQ.' Smooth, fruity and slightly smoky, it's ideal with grilled lamb chops, burgers and charred veggies.
3. Waitrose Loved & Found Moschofilero Rosé – Best Rosé Wine
ABV: 12.5% | Country: Greece | Price: £7 (was £8) at Waitrose
'If you love a food-friendly wine, then you're going to love this,' says Lucy Hitchcock. 'For those who love Côtes de Provence but want to step outside their comfort zone, this dry Greek rosé offers a fragrant, zesty twist with citrus, peach, cherry and a hint of rose.' At under £10, it's an affordable and crowd-pleasing bottle for dinner parties.
4. La Balconne Organic Provence Rosé – Best Whispering Angel Alternative
ABV: 12.5% | Country: France | Price: £16 at Ocado
'This elegant rosé blends seven grapes from across Provence into a silky-smooth wine bursting with raspberry, peach, citrus and a hint of rosemary,' Hitchcock says. 'The perfect sunshine sipper to make any summer moment feel extra special.' If you're looking for a Whispering Angel alternative, this is the bottle to buy.
5. LB7 Vinho Verde – Best Vinho Verde Wine
ABV: 10% | Country: Portugal | Price: £9 at Majestic
'Not only is this wine just 10% ABV, it's aromatic, zesty, and has a tiny spritz, too,' Brook explains. 'Vinho verde is Portugal's flagship white, and it's possibly one of the most refreshing wines on a warm day.'
6. Oxney Organic Estate Brut Rosé NV – Best Sparkling Wine
ABV: 12% | Country: England | Price: £30 at Oxney Estate
English wine has a bad reputation, but Murdoch describes this bottle from Sussex as 'A wonderful fizz.' She adds, 'There's nothing better than enjoying something made closer to home. This sparkling wine has a real energy to it. It's full of exciting, racy lemon and green apple skin notes that are balanced out perfectly by raspberries and strawberries.' Recommended as a summer barbecue aperitif.
7. Morrisons The Best Vinho Verde – Best Subtle Spritz Wine
ABV: 10% | Country: Portugal | Price: £9 at Morrisons
'I'm currently obsessed with vinho verde,' says Hitchcock. 'It's got a subtle spritz which makes it super refreshing.' Described as bright and zesty, this bottle bursts with lime and pear, making it the ultimate refreshing sip for sunny days and laid-back summer lunches.
8. Waitrose Cave de Lugny Crémant de Bourgogne – Best Wine with Cheese
ABV: 11.5% | Country: France | Price: £13 (was £17) at Waitrose
'As close to champagne as you can get, this Crémant blanc de blanc is made the same way, from the same grape, but from just down the road in Burgundy,' Brodie says. 'Fresh, flavourful with a creamy effervescence – this is heaven with a baked camembert.'
9. Codorníu Gran Crémant Eco Vintage Brut – Best Alternative to Champagne
ABV: 11.5% | Country: Spain | Price: £10 at Asda
'Cava offers exceptional value when you're looking for an alternative to champagne,' says Brook. 'Made with the same method as champagne – a second fermentation in the bottle to get those vibrant bubbles – it's a refreshing alternative, and this one's rich, creamy, and delicious.' This cava from Co-op is perfect for celebrations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best supermarket wines for 2026?
If you're after a crisp white wine for dinner dates or festive parties, the Altos de Torona Albariño from Waitrose is a steal at only £12. For something innovative, try the Loved & Found Moschofilero Rosé from Waitrose. For celebrations, opt for Co-op's Codorníu Gran Crémant Eco Vintage Brut. Bright and fresh, Morrisons' The Best Vinho Verde lives up to the social media hype.
About the Experts
I spoke to qualified wine consultants, restaurant sommeliers, TikTok-viral influencers and wine critics to find the best bottles to sip in 2026.
- Libby Brodie is a qualified wine consultant with years of experience. She is the founder of Bacchus & Brodie Wine Consultancy, which personally curates wine selections for individuals or events.
- Katie Brook is a journalist specialising in wine with a decade of experience as a wine reviewer. She is the founder of Run To Wine – a London- and Surrey-based running club that ends its sessions with a wine tasting.
- Sinead Murdoch is a sommelier and co-founder of Tasca, a restaurant in London. Following formal training, she headed up front of house at Shoreditch restaurant Bistro Freddie, then spent time in Provence at Gallifet Art Centre, where she curated the wine list.
- Lucy Hitchcock is the wine enthusiast behind the @Partnerinwineuk social media account. She has nearly 100k on Instagram and 65k on TikTok, with her reviews of Aldi or M&S bottles regularly going viral.
