Asda has re-invented its wine range over the past year or so, attempting to burnish its value credentials while proving that it takes the category seriously with a new range of premium listings, so discovering the best wines at Asda made for a fascinating experience. Such an undertaking is impressive in one of the most competitive areas of UK retail but has it worked? And what are the best wines at Asda in 2026?
The stakes for could scarcely be higher. Having spent two decades as a division of American retailer Walmart, the Leeds-based chain was taken over by a private equity firm and the billionaire Issa brothers five years ago, marking the start of a tumultuous period that has seen it fall well behind its nearest rival, Britain’s number two grocer, Sainsbury’s. Asda is now in the throes of a turnaround under its returning boss, Allan Leighton, who successfully ran the chain in the 1990s.
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 works directly with producers, using their expert knowledge of the British palate to influence blending decisions. 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 providing value for money, the most interesting recent development has been the launch of the ‘Exceptional’ line up, which replaces the frankly not-very-special ‘Extra Special’ range that preceded it. The early signs are promising, with the retailer showcasing almost 50 such wines at a recent press tasting. Pinot Noir – a tricky grape to get right at a competitive price point – is a highlight, with a genuinely exceptional (for the price) Central Otago example for under £10 and a multi-medal-winning Côtes de Beaune Villages for well under £20, while the best value wine in the range is an Exceptional Grillo from Sicily, a great summer party wine that seriously overdelivers at £7.50. Read on for 10 of the best wines at Asda.
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 Asda in 2026
