Gone are the days when finding a decent bottle of wine at the supermarket was a game of chance. A revolution is underway on the aisles of Aldi, Waitrose, Tesco, and more, driven by savvy social media influencers and a new generation of expert wine buyers. The result? Exceptional quality at high-street prices is now the norm.
The Supermarket Wine Revolution
Whether you're after a full-bodied red for a Sunday roast or a delicate rosé for summer canapés, you no longer need a hefty budget for great vino. Social media has been instrumental in democratising wine, spotlighting affordable gems like the viral £10.99 "chicken wine" (La Vieille Ferme rosé) and Aldi's award-winning sauvignon blanc.
Influencers such as Lucy Hitchcock (@Partnerinwineuk) regularly see supermarket stocks vanish after sharing their recommendations online. Experts like Hannah Crosbie and Tom Gilbey are also demystifying the world of wine, making it feel more accessible to everyone.
"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," explains Libby Brodie, a qualified wine consultant and columnist. This trend mirrors improvements seen in supermarket champagne and whisky ranges, where consumer demand has pushed quality to new heights.
Sinead Murdoch, sommelier and co-founder of London restaurant Tasca, confirms the shift: "Now top wine buyers are working for supermarkets, and the growing competition is raising the standard of what ends up on the shelves."
The Expert-Approved Bottles to Buy
To cut through the noise, we consulted a panel of experts—including qualified consultants, restaurant sommeliers, and viral influencers—to compile the definitive list of the best supermarket wines for 2025. Here are their top selections.
1. Best Crisp White Wine: Altos de Torona Albariño
Wine journalist Katie Brook recommends this Spanish white from Waitrose. "It's zesty, with a touch of apricot, lime and even a salty edge," she says, suggesting it's perfect with seafood. At £12 (down from £15), it's a summer steal.
2. Best Rosé: Waitrose Loved & Found Moschofilero Rosé
For under £10, influencer Lucy Hitchcock praises this Greek rosé as a fragrant, zesty, and food-friendly crowd-pleaser, ideal for dinner parties.
3. Best Whispering Angel Alternative: La Balconne Organic Provence Rosé
Another Hitchcock pick, this £18 organic rosé from Ocado is described as a "silky-smooth" blend bursting with raspberry and peach, making any summer moment feel special.
4. Best Vinho Verde: LB7 Vinho Verde
Katie Brook highlights this Portuguese white from Majestic. At just 10% ABV and £8, it's aromatic, zesty, and lightly sparkling—"possibly one of the most refreshing wines on a warm day."
5. Best Sparkling Wine: Oxney Organic Estate Brut Rosé NV
Sommelier Sinead Murdoch champions this English sparkling wine from Sussex, available at Waitrose for £20. "It’s full of exciting, racy lemon and green apple skin notes," she says, recommending it as a barbecue aperitif.
6. Best Subtle Spritz: Morrisons The Best Vinho Verde
Also at 10% ABV and £8, this bottle is Lucy Hitchcock's current obsession for its bright, zesty lime and pear flavours and refreshing subtle spritz.
7. Best Served with Cheese: Waitrose Cave de Lugny Crémant de Bourgogne
Libby Brodie suggests this £17 French crémant as an exquisite champagne-method alternative. "Fresh, flavourful with a creamy effervescence – this is heaven with a baked camembert."
8. Best Orange Wine: Gerard Bertrand Genora Orange Wine
For the curious, Sinead Murdoch recommends this £12 Tesco find as a fantastic introduction. It's aromatic, textured, and pairs beautifully with grilled pork or fish.
9. Best for Barbecues: Visio Vintners We The People Cape Blend
Katie Brook picks this £10 South African red from Tesco, predominantly made from the bold Pinotage grape. It's smooth, fruity, and a little smoky—perfect with grilled meats.
10. Best Alternative to Champagne: Codorníu Gran Crémant Eco Vintage Brut
This £11 Spanish cava from Co-op, made using the traditional method, is Brook's pick for celebrations. She describes it as a rich, creamy, and refreshing champagne alternative.
Your 2025 Supermarket Wine Guide
The message from the experts is clear: the UK's supermarket wine aisles are currently brimming with quality and value. From the crisp Altos de Torona Albariño at Waitrose to the celebratory Codorníu cava at Co-op, there's a standout bottle for every occasion and palate. Let the recommendations of sommeliers and influencers guide your next purchase, and enjoy world-class wine without the world-class price tag.
