Our guide to the best Waitrose wines should help you make the most of a shopping trip, saving you time and energy in the drinks aisle by sending you straight to the top bottles. Waitrose has built a reputation as a supermarket with one of the best wine selections in the UK and Waitrose Cellar, its online shop dedicated to wine and spirits, provides an extra dimension to its offering. Here you can find a range of ‘Cellar exclusives’ and special-occasion wines that certainly rewards exploration: there are some real gems to be found.
The wine buying team at Waitrose is currently keen to trumpet increased investment in the own-brand offering, with sales of such wines rising by 71% in Q3 of 2025 – growth that no doubt does wonders for the retailer’s operating margin. To that end, the supermarket has added four lines to its premium No.1 range, while also expanding its popular Loved & Found selection, which is focused on rare grape varieties. There is also a laudable emphasis on environmentally friendly bag-in-box wines.
Waitrose triumphed at the IWSC Drinks Supermarket Awards 2025, winning the ‘Outstanding Supermarket’ and ‘Sustainable Supermarket’ trophies for its high-quality, ethical range, strong customer experience and commitment to sustainability. Though Waitrose is rarely, if ever, the cheapest supermarket, it offers some enticing promotions featuring genuine reductions on high-quality lines, rather than the smoke-and-mirrors activity sometimes seen elsewhere in the market, so it’s worth being patient and waiting until the price is right. Particularly worthy of mention is the ‘25% off any six’ campaign that is rolled out a few times a year, an offer that makes customer favourites a little more affordable and may bring special treats within budget.
The Loved & Found range continues to be a treasure trove for the curious drinker. A Mataro from Australia and Bourboulenc from Languedoc have previously impressed and a Touriga Franca from Portugal can now be added to the list of successes. Most prices in the Loved & Found sit below £10, so it’s a great way for wine enthusiasts to try new and unusual grape varieties without taking a risk on a hefty price tag. Eco-conscious drinkers will also be pleased to note that Loved & Found wines are presented without capsules – a move taken by the Waitrose team to reduce excess packaging.
Waitrose triumphed at the IWSC Drinks Supermarket Awards 2025, winning the ‘Outstanding Supermarket’ and ‘Sustainable Supermarket’ trophies
The range at Waitrose Cellar continues to impress. It offers certain wines that would normally be expected on lists at high-end wine merchants, rather than supermarket shelves, and they are generally competitively priced. The only aspect of the shopping experience likely to irk wine aficionados drawn to buying online from Waitrose Cellar is that no guarantees are given regarding specific vintages.
Overall, the Waitrose range has lot to offer anyone looking to liven up their wine rack with new discoveries; there are rarely seen varietals at enticing, accessible prices, top-notch Spanish wines, a great selection of sparkling wines, plus bottles to suit every palate, from the adventurous to classic. The bottles below represent an eclectic selection of 10 of the best wines at Waitrose 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 Waitrose in 2026
