Our guide to the best wines at Sainsbury’s should help you find something special in amongst the dozens of bottles across its network of almost 1,500 branches, a mix of convenience stores and supermarkets, catering for all the key price points from budget bottles to serious weekend treats.
Established by John James Sainsbury and his wife Mary Ann on London’s Drury Lane in 1862, a pioneer of ‘self service’ supermarkets in the 1950s with alcohol added to the aisles in the early ‘60s, Britain’s second biggest grocer became one of the country’s most significant wine sellers. However, in recent times, its range has felt conservative, bordering on boring. Thankfully, change is in the air because, like the wakening of a sleeping giant, Sainsbury’s seems to have reconnected with its roots in order to offer a more interesting and exciting wine selection.
Though reds tend to be a key focus in the winter period, the white wines are currently the most enticing
Though reds tend to be a key focus in the winter period, the white wines are currently the most enticing: Sainsbury’s buyers have observed a growing thirst for textural whites and this is reflected in the impressive range of Chardonnays, harnessing the brand’s impressive buying power, as evidenced by four such wines making our top ten. Unsurprisingly, the sparkling category was also showing well ahead of the festive rush, with a wide range of Crémants from the different French geographical designations.
Sainsbury’s may not be trying to reinvent the wheel with its wine offering but with a range this well put-together, it doesn’t need to. These are wines with clarity, balance and real drinkability – and plenty to keep both the everyday shopper and the curious explorer happy. Here are ten of the best wines at Sainsbury’s in 2026.
What are the IWSC Drinks Supermarket of the Year Awards?
The IWSC Drinks Supermarket of the Year Awards were introduced to provide consumers with an in-depth evaluation of supermarkets’ alcoholic beverage offerings, inclusive of non-alcoholic alternatives. A panel of judges spend months evaluating the biggest UK retailers. 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 Sainsbury's in 2026
