Good wine doesn’t have to be expensive. Supermarkets are now full of great bottles, whether you want a fresh white for drinking outside or a big red to pair with a Sunday roast. Social media has played a big part in making wine feel more accessible, with viral bottles like the £10.99 'chicken wine' (La Vieille Ferme rosé) and Aldi’s award-winning sauvignon blanc gaining popularity.
TikTok personalities like Lucy Hitchcock (@Partnerinwineuk) frequently cause bottles to sell out at M&S and Waitrose, while influencers such as Hannah Crosbie and Tom Gilbey help strip away snobbery. “Wine is a whole aisle now, as people want more variety as well as value,” says Libby Brodie, wine consultant and columnist. Supermarkets have invested in wine buyers and producer relationships, raising the standard of offerings.
According to sommelier Sinead Murdoch, co-founder of restaurant Tasca, “Now top wine buyers are working for supermarkets, and the growing competition is raising the standard of what ends up on the shelves.” Shoppers can find bottles that rival those in specialist wine shops without spending a fortune.
Experts recommend several standout bottles. For crisp white fans, an Albariño from Waitrose is zesty with apricot, lime and a salty edge, perfect with seafood. A South African red blend from M&S, predominantly Pinotage, is smooth, fruity and slightly smoky, ideal for barbecues. For rosé lovers, a Greek rosé from M&S offers a fragrant, zesty twist with citrus and peach, while a Provence rosé from Waitrose blends seven grapes into a silky wine bursting with raspberry and peach.
Other picks include a Vinho Verde from Portugal (10% ABV, aromatic and slightly spritzy) and an English sparkling wine from Sussex described as “racy lemon and green apple” with raspberry notes. “There’s nothing better than enjoying something made closer to home,” says Murdoch. These affordable options make summer entertaining easy.
