Discovering the best wines at Asda made for a fascinating experience and underlined the sense of innovation and price-sensitivity that has defined the range over the past year or so. A division of the American retailer Walmart until 2021, when it was taken over by private equity firm TDR Capital and the billionaire Issa brothers, Asda is in the process of a turnaround under its returning boss, Allan Leighton, who first ran the chain – Britain’s third biggest – in the 1990s. With second-placed Sainsbury’s some way ahead by market share, and Aldi nipping at its heels, his plan is to focus on the basics, restoring a reputation for value. At its most recent trading update, Asda was still losing market share, but these are early days for Leighton’s resurrection.
Aside from value for money, the Asda wine range is confident and thoughtful
Asda’s buying model differs from rival supermarkets, with wines sourced through a separate company called International Procurement and Logistics. Why does this matter? Well, Asda believes it ‘cuts out the middlemen and builds stronger, more sustainable relationships’. The buying team work directly with producers, calling the shots on blending decisions to craft wines that appeal to the British shoppers. Whether or not this approach trumps the tactics deployed by rivals is up for debate but there’s no doubting the competitive nature of Asda’s wine prices.
Aside from value for money, the range is confident and thoughtful, with a good mix of big brands and own label cuvées, although having the ‘Exceptional’ range co-exist with the outgoing ‘Extra Special’ range is a little confusing for the moment; essentially, Exceptional is gradually replacing the Extra Special label on Asda’s highest quality products. There are some well made, keenly priced, sparkling wines and some really impressive examples of benchmark typicity, with the best wines more often than not white rather than red. Read on for ten of the best Asda 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.
More from Club Oenologique
Club O is a premium lifestyle publication for curious and discerning wine and spirits lovers. Renowned for inspiring stories and trusted expertise, we connect people to the joys of the world, through the lens of wine, spirits and other interesting drinks. Based in London, our team of expert writers seek out thoughtful stories that introduce our readers to new people, places, drinking discoveries and insights, as well as exploring fresh perspectives on familiar themes. Membership to The Collection offers exclusive access to leading critics’ tasting reports, scores, tastings and events, especially tailored to collectors and investors. Our flagship Club Oenologique magazine offers even more insights for enthusiasts and collectors.
10 of the best wines at Asda in 2026
