Shoppers can find some of the world’s best wines in their local supermarket, according to the results of the 2025 International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC).
From a £7 Portuguese red to a £22 vintage Champagne, UK supermarkets picked up dozens of top medals, with own-label wines from Aldi, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, M&S, Co-op, Asda and Waitrose going head-to-head with fine wine producers from around the globe.
In one of the most competitive judging seasons yet, wines from major UK grocers earned Gold, Silver and Bronze medals across every style, from English sparkling to Barolo, Rioja, and Sauternes – many at everyday prices.
Top medal winners from the IWSC 2025 include:
- Aldi Animus Douro Reserva 2022 – Silver (94 points) | £6.99
A full-bodied Portuguese red, praised for its richness and structure. One of the best-value medallists of the year.
- Co-op Les Pionniers Vintage Champagne 2013 – Gold (95 points) | £22
The only supermarket Champagne to win Gold. A standout vintage with complex brioche and citrus notes.
- Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2022 – Gold (95 points) | £16
A bold southern Rhône red made in partnership with top estates, described by judges as ‘impressively elegant.’
- Tesco Finest Sauternes (37.5cl) – Gold (92 points) | £12
A classic French dessert wine, offering luscious, honeyed fruit for under half the price of château equivalents.
- M&S Collection Saint Gall Premier Cru Champagne NV – Gold (95 points) | £28
Elegant, chalky, and finely textured – made in partnership with a historic grower in Épernay.
- Asda Extra Special Rioja Reserva 2019 – Silver (94 points) | £8
Classic vanilla, spice, and red fruit Rioja profile, praised for structure and ageing potential.
- Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference English Bacchus 2023 – Silver (92 points) | £9.50
A fresh, zesty white made in England, earning high praise in a competitive aromatic white category.
- M&S Collection Picpoul de Pinet 2023 – Silver (91 points) | £9
A crisp, coastal white from the Languedoc – ideal summer drinking.
- Waitrose No.1 English Sparkling Brut NV – Silver (91 points) | £22.99
One of the UK’s most awarded sparkling wines, holding its own against Champagne.
- Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Barolo 2019 – Silver (90 points) | £14
An accessible expression of Italy’s king of wines, delivering dark cherry and rose petal notes.
David Kermode, IWSC judge and broadcaster, says: “These results are a wake-up call for anyone who still associates great wine with high prices. The best supermarket own-label ranges are now being made by some of the most respected producers in the world and the blind tasting at IWSC proves just how well they perform.”
Christelle Guibert, CEO of the IWSC, added: “At the IWSC, every wine is judged blind by a panel of experts from across the globe. What makes this year especially exciting is the number of affordable supermarket wines standing out alongside premium bottles. It’s proof that great winemaking doesn’t have to come with a luxury price tag.”
The International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) is widely regarded as the gold standard for wine and spirit quality.
With entries judged blind by Masters of Wine, sommeliers, buyers and producers, its rigorous methodology ensures medals are awarded purely on taste and quality – with judges never seeing the bottle or label, eliminating all bias or visual influence.
Celebrated globally for its integrity and expertise, the IWSC remains one of the most respected and trusted competitions in the drinks industry.
