DO SUPERMARKETS SELL ENGLISH WINE + WHICH ARE THE BEST.
Supermarkets now stock English wines for a variety of occasions—whether you’re planning a special celebration or just want a midweek treat. Some even offer exclusive collaborations with vineyards, giving you access to bottles you won’t find elsewhere.
But don’t expect to see entire aisles dedicated to English wine just yet. Compared to French, Italian, or Australian options, the selection is still relatively small. However, it’s definitely growing.
In this blog post, I’ll review the best supermarkets in the UK to buy English wine and help you to buy better.
Where to Find English Wine in Supermarkets
Not all supermarkets are created equally when it comes to their English wine range. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect from some of the UK’s biggest names:
Waitrose – 5/5
Waitrose is arguably the leader in championing English wine among supermarkets. Their wine section often includes a well-curated selection from top producers like Nyetimber, Chapel Down, and Camel Valley. They also stock lesser-known labels, which is fantastic if you’re looking to discover something new.
I also love that Waitrose stock their own brand English wine, and it’s actually pretty banging. Plus, they regularly have discounts on expensive bottles of English fizz. This is my go to supermarket if I need a decent bottle to take to a last min party or for gifting.
Top pick: Nyetimber Classic Cuvee – buy it when it’s on offer at Waitrose.
Marks & Spencer – 4/5
M&S is another strong supporter of English wine. Their selection often focuses on sparkling wines, with some still options available as well. They frequently collaborate with vineyards to create own-label English wines, which offer good value for money.
Last year M&S also got super creative – they produced the first ever English Pet Nat made by a supermarket. Find my review of it here.
Top Pick: Bramble Hill English Sparkling – a bargain.
Tesco – 3/5
Tesco’s English wine range is more limited but still worth a peep. They tend to stock crowd-pleasers from well-known vineyards, with a focus on sparkling wines.
Top Pick: Chapel Down Brut– A fresh and aromatic fizz with a unique English twist.
Sainsbury’s – 3/5
Sainsbury’s generally offers a small but reliable selection of English wines, but it’s usually the well known names. They also offer an own brand fizz, Ellercombe English Quality Sparkling – honestly, I think it’s a little overpriced at £22.
That said, my local Sainsburys doesn’t stock more than two or three bottles of English fizz, which is a bit disappointing.
Asda – 2/5
At Asda, you’re more likely to find Chapel Down or other big-name producers here. But, it’s hit and miss – some stores may not have any bottles at all.
They also offer Asquith Gardens, their own brand English wine. I’m yet to find this in store but you can buy it online for less than £16.
Morrisons – 1/5
Morrisons don’t have the most extensive English wine ranges but they have been known to dip their toes into the market and sell the odd bottle of Chapel Down.
Aldi – 3/5
Aldi always tends to offer one or two of their own brand English wines, which expanded last year. It’s a great bet if you want to try a budget bottle of English wine, like their Bowler and Brolly English Cuvee.
Lidl – 0/5
Lidl is much less consistent when it comes to selling English wine. In fact, I’ve not seen a single bottle of English wine in my local Lidl. Perhaps 2025 is the year!
Co-op – 2/5
Co-op sells two bottles of English wine – what’s rather delightful is that they are both under £20. They sell a Balfour Cuvee and a Co-op own brand pink fizz – adding it to my basket now!
What’s the Quality Like?
The English wines you’ll find in supermarkets are generally of good quality. Most retailers focus on sparkling wines, which is where English producers really shine. Still wines like Bacchus and Pinot Noir are also making their way onto shelves, offering a variety of options for different tastes.
If you’re a seasoned wine drinker, you might find the supermarket range a bit predictable, as it tends to feature the same big names. But for anyone new to English wine, it’s a fantastic starting point. This is especially true of the supermarket brand wines – which can come in under £10.
If you’re looking for inexpensive English wine – find my guide to the best here.
Tips for Choosing English Wine in Supermarkets
- Look for Recognisable Producers: Names like Nyetimber, Chapel Down, and Camel Valley are a safe bet for high-quality wine.
- Don’t Ignore Own-Label Options: Supermarket own-label English wines can offer excellent value and are often made in collaboration with top vineyards.
- Check for Awards: Many English wines in supermarkets proudly display awards or medals on their labels, which can be a helpful guide.
- Ask for Recommendations: If you’re shopping in Waitrose or M&S, the staff in the wine section are often knowledgeable and happy to help.
- Seek out discounts: Supermarkets can sell wine at discounted prices that are often much lower than the vineyards can. I recently got a bottle of Nyetimber for £29.
Why Aren’t There More English Wines in Supermarkets?
English wine is still a relatively small industry, with many vineyards producing limited quantities. This means there isn’t always enough stock to supply major supermarket chains, especially when demand is high.
Additionally, supermarkets often prioritise well-known international brands that sell in large volumes. However, as the English wine industry grows, we can (I hope) expect to see more local bottles making their way onto the shelves.
What About Buying Online?
If your local supermarket doesn’t stock English wine—or if you’re after a specific bottle—you can always turn to online retailers. Supermarkets like Waitrose and M&S offer online wine shops with wider selections than what you’ll find in-store. Other options include specialist wine websites like The Wine Society or Majestic.
In fact, Majestic has a great selection of English Wine. You can find my top picks for what to buy from Majestic, and how to get the best discounts here.
Where to next?
A few of my favourite things
Looking for a gift for yourself or a wine lover in your life? Here are a few of my favourite English Wine things.
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