When wine promotions roll out at supermarkets like Tesco, savvy shoppers find themselves with a wonderful opportunity to explore a variety of wines at discounted prices. Tesco’s regular 25% off six bottles or more offers, once reserved for occasions like Christmas and Easter, have now become more commonplace.
Despite being an experienced wine editor, I still take time to browse the aisles for a selection of six bottles while grocery shopping. My strategy is to avoid the smaller Express locations, where wine selections are disappointing and prices tend to be higher. Instead, I prefer the larger branches for a more extensive and exciting variety.
During my last visit to Tesco, I sought out refreshing whites and rosés perfect for summer, aiming for affordable bottles priced around £10 to £15. This budget generally offers good value while allowing me to steer clear of overly sweet, simple wines often found on lower shelves.
For my shopping expedition, I consulted Decanter.com to help make my choices easier. The tasting team regularly reviews supermarket wine selections, providing insights into which bottles to try. I looked particularly for wines that scored 89 points or higher, which includes recommendations from my colleague Natalie Earl’s current best picks from Tesco.
I ended up purchasing several of Natalie’s recommendations: Nepenthe Gruner Veltliner, a 2 Banks Winery Assyrtiko/Malagousia blend, and the Tesco Finest Viñas del Rey Albariño. These wines are consistently high-quality options that promise satisfaction every vintage.
After those picks, I ventured into the Sauvignon Blanc section. I have recently re-embraced this grape variety, looking for a cool-climate option from Chile. Tesco has several appealing offerings, and I settled on the Errazuriz Reserva Estate Sauvignon Blanc, which was on promotion, making it an even better deal.
Next, I wanted to select a rosé. I picked the Dianthos rosé, made from Xinomavro, a grape I adore. This choice adds a fresh twist to my selection for the summer months.
Finally, with one more slot open for a sixth bottle, I faced the dilemma of choosing between two French Viogniers. Ultimately, I opted for the Paul Mas, noting its single-vineyard designation typically hints at greater quality.
In total, my final selection comprised five whites and one rosé, showcasing a delightful range of flavors perfect for easy summer enjoyment, all for just over £50. This shopping excursion demonstrates that even with wine expertise, selection can be a thoughtful and rewarding process, revealing enjoyable choices for any budget.
The Six Picks:
- Tesco Finest Viñas del Rey Albariño, Rías Baixas, 2025
- 2 Banks Winery Assyrtiko & Malagouzia, Central Greece, 2025
- Nepenthe Grüner Veltliner, Adelaide Hills, South Australia, 2024
- Errazuriz Reserva Estate Sauvignon Blanc, Aconcagua Valley, Chile, 2025
- Dianthos Xinomavro Rosé, Naoussa, Macedonia, Greece, 2025
- Domaines Paul Mas Viognier, Pays d’Oc, Languedoc-Roussillon, France, 2025
Exploring the aisles and utilizing expert resources can lead to a fruitful wine shopping experience, ensuring both enjoyment and savings.