With more than 2,500 of its own stores and a wholesale arm supplying almost 6,000 more, run by independent retailers and separate societies, the Manchester-based Co-operative Group has a huge presence on Britain’s high streets, so what are the best Co-op wines in 2026?
It was once a full scale supermarket chain but these days the Co-op is firmly focused on its network of convenience stores, meaning its wine range is inevitably smaller than those with bigger shops but it punches above its size, with an emphasis on innovation and ethical sourcing by an astute buying team who successfully cater for a broad range of tastes and budgets.
The Co-op range is an impressive balance between stalwarts and emerging styles
The co-operative movement began with the Rochdale pioneers in 1844 and, happily, there’s still plenty of pioneering spirit in evidence today: the Co-op’s first sparkling wine in an environmentally friendly, super lightweight, recycled plastic bottle (the first time I have seen sparkling sold in such a format); a convincing range of Fairtrade branded bottles; a growing, premium ‘Irresistible’ range that now accounts for 12.2% of total wine sales; a surprisingly well curated selection of top end cuvées from sought-after names; and even an IWSC trophy-winning vintage Champagne made exclusively for the Co-op by Piper Heidsieck.
Across the board, the Co-op’s range is smart, focused and full of good intention. There’s an impressive balance between stalwarts and emerging styles, offering wine lovers the chance to explore both the familiar and the unexpected, and, remarkably, there’s value to be had, despite rising costs and higher taxes.
Read on for ten of the best Co-op wines currently available.
What are the IWSC National Drinks Retail Awards?
The IWSC National Drinks Retail Awards were introduced to provide consumers with an in-depth evaluation of alcoholic beverage offerings from supermarkets and online retailers, inclusive of non-alcoholic alternatives. A panel of judges spend months evaluating the biggest in the UK. Attending supermarket tastings forms part of this process, offering judges the chance to taste many of the wines available in-store and see how buyers are responding to trends and consumer demand.
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10 of the best wines at Co-op in 2026
