Where and how to buy wine

Where and How to Buy Wine

Whether you're buying wine from the supermarket, or you fancy visiting an independent shop to make your purchases, there are a few things to know before you set off.

Buying Wine at the Supermarket

Most supermarkets now have a range of their 'own label' wines that are definitely worth looking out for, as a lot of hard work will have gone into getting those wines absolutely right. They are often sourced from brilliant producers, usually tend to be fantastic value, and might even include a few unusual wines within the range too.

Before you go, try to get an idea in your mind of what you're after. You might be buying wine for an occasion, so think about the food that might be served and allow this to narrow down your choices. Are you going to be drinking inside or outside, in a big group, or just with a few friends?

Perhaps the biggest clues you can unlock are country and grape. Think about a grape variety you're wanting to try, or a country you know you like – this will help you to get going in the right direction. It's a good idea to do a little research beforehand, or to refer to your trusty tasting notes to remind you of grapes and countries you've tried and liked.

Supermarket wine deals can be tempting; however, I would say that if a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is. Before bulk buying heavily discounted wine, buy one bottle first to try it – if you like it, you can always go back and stock up.

Similarly, if there's a wine you know and love, do look out for when it's on promotion. Big brands especially will run deals at different times of the year, so it's well worth keeping an eye out for them.

You might be wedded to one supermarket for your food shopping, but it does make sense to shop around when buying your wine. The Co-op has a brilliant selection of wine, much of which is fair trade; pretty much all of Marks & Spencer's wines are suitable for vegetarians; and Waitrose offers fantastic quality coupled with brilliant value.

Buying Wine from an Independent Shop

The biggest joy of going to an independent wine shop is being able to benefit from the amazing knowledge and experience of the people who work there, so don't be afraid to ask for help. They will be able to talk you through their range, and might even be able to find something really unusual for you.

When asking for help, it's important to give the key information: how much you want to spend, what occasion the wine is for, and what style of wine you normally like.

Using a wine that you're familiar with as a starting point is a great gateway to discovering something different and ultimately expanding your wine repertoire.

Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone

Below are a few examples of how a familiar style might lead you to finding a new and interesting wine to try.

Sauvignon Blanc

The Crossings Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2021, £12.99

Made from the Sauvignon Blanc grape in the Marlborough region of New Zealand. It's a really delicious, fresh and aromatic wine.

This wine has, however, experienced a tricky vintage, and prices are creeping up, so something else to explore is…

Bardos Clea Verdejo 2021 Rueda, £11.50

Made from the Verdejo grape in the Rueda region of Spain. Verdejo is similarly aromatic and crisp, and when grown in the Rueda region, takes on a slightly herbal character.

Pinot Grigio

Vinvita Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie, DOC 2020, £8.99

Made from the Pinot Grigio grape in the Veneto region of Italy. It's a simple, refreshing and crowd-pleasing wine.

For something a little more interesting from the same region and just a few pounds more, you could try…

Gianni Tessari Soave 2020, £13.99

Made from the Garganega grape in the Soave region of Northern Italy. There is still the lovely freshness you get from Pinot Grigio, but there's also an additional touch of nectarine for just a little more flavour.

Pinot Noir

Domaine de Bachellery Pinot Noir 2020 Pays D'Oc, £10.99

Made from the Pinot Noir grape in the south of France. With its thin skins, Pinot Noir generally makes for lighter red wines, but there is also variance depending on where the wines made. This one is really juicy and bright.

If you like the Pinot Noir grape, you could try it from a completely different country for a new take on the flavour…

Peter Logan 'Weemala' Pinot Noir 2021 Adelaide Hills, £13.99

Made from the Pinot Noir grape in the Orange region of Australia. It's a cooler spot, which really suits Pinot Noir, bringing out a vibrant red fruit character.

Côtes du Rhône

La Goutte du Seigneur Rouge 2021 Côtes du Rhône, £14.99

Made from a blend of grapes including Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre in the Rhone Valley region of France.

For something that's similarly juicy and full of tannin, the wine below is a great one to get your teeth into…

Felicette Grenache Rouge France 2020, £9.99

Made from the Grenache grape in the Languedoc-Roussillon region in Southern France. This delivers really warm, bramble fruits and is a great versatile food wine.

Cabernet Sauvignon

Vina Cobos Felino Malbec 2020 Mendoza, £15.99

Made from the Cabernet Sauvignon grape in the Mendoza region in Argentina. A really big and juicy red with plenty of tannin and spice.

If you're looking for a big red, but are perhaps wanting something different and very memorable…

Teliani Valley Saperavi Unfiltered 2019 Georgia, £18.99

Made from the Saperavi grape in Georgia. Wine has been made in Georgia for thousands of years, and you just won't believe the incredible flavours within this bottle – definitely one you'll never forget!

Your Assignment

Select a wine that you're familiar with and taste it against a similar wine that has a few subtle differences. This could be a cool-climate Chardonnay against a warmer-climate Chardonnay, or a thick-skinned red grape next to a thinner-skinned red grape. Note down your thoughts on the flavours – are there any similarities?