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New Year’s Eve, open a bottle Champagne Go hand in hand. In fact, almost every special occasion can be enhanced by hiss of flute. In a dream world we’d be drinking Laurent Perrier and Veuve Clicquot, but post-Christmas budgets might get in the way. Enter the best supermarket champagne and sparkling wine alternatives that are just as good (and a lot cheaper).
Ask anyone in the industry and they will tell you that supermarkets and independent wineries are producing some of the most exciting and award-winning bottles on the market. This year alone, the Co-op’s Champagne was named one of the world’s best at the International Wine & Spirits Competition, while Aldi’s £15 bottle won the 2025 World Champagne Awards, with Tesco not far behind with its Club Card favorite Premier Cru.
This combination of affordability and quality has been helped by better winemaking techniques and warmer climates (especially English sparkling wines from Dorset, Kent and Sussex), but also by higher consumer demand. “Consumers are becoming more knowledgeable and savvy; they can look up anything on the Internet,” said Libby Brodiewine consultant and columnist.
“Supermarket own brands often provide a good entry point into Champagne,” explains wine critic Rosamund Hall, “because they work with well-respected producers to source high-quality wines at the best value – you won’t find the odd ‘grower champagne’ trick, but you can expect well-made, highly enjoyable wines that will be the perfect pour for any occasion.”
This doesn’t just apply to champagne – it’s everywhere in supermarkets Great prosecco, Sommelier-approved wines, premium whiskey. But if it’s champagne and sparkling wine you’re after, you’ve come to the right place because I’ve got the experts just in time to help make your New Year’s Eve celebrations a success.
Read more: Best Supermarket Prosecco for Christmas Celebrations
So where do you start when faced with the giant supermarket aisles when choosing soda? “In terms of value for money, I personally like to look beyond Champagne because even with supermarket own brands I find you get more for your money,” said Lucy Hitchcock, the wine influencer behind the bottle. @Partnerinwineuk Social media accounts. “To find those hidden gems, look for words like traditional method, sparkling wine and method classic (MCC) on the label. All of these wines are made using the same method as Champagne, often using a similar blend of grapes.”
To further narrow his search, Hitchcock focused on South Africa’s brewing industry. “The best was Graham Beck’s 2018/19 Pinot Noir Rosé, which rivaled Laurent Perrier Rosé in its richness and depth of flavour.”
Read more: We conducted a blind taste test of supermarket champagne and the winner was £35
There’s also great value outside of Champagne, including Hitchcock’s favorite Limoux sparkling wine. “this Vintage wines from Laithwaites Made from Champagne grapes but priced at a fraction of the price of regular vintage Champagne. At £13.99 for the five-year vintage, it’s a very good deal indeed. ”
Whether you have a special occasion on your calendar or are stocking up on New Year’s Eve, IWe asked industry experts to choose their favorite supermarket champagnes and sparkling drinks.
Meet the experts
I interviewed qualified wine consultants, viral TikTok influencers, and wine critics to find the best affordable sparkling wines for winter 2025.
Libby Brody is a qualified wine consultant with many years of industry experience. She is the founder of Backus & Brody Wine Consulting, which personally curates wine selections for individuals or events.
lucy hitchcock is the wine lover behind @Partnerinwineuk Social media accounts. She has nearly 100,000 followers on Instagram and 65,000 on TikTok, where her reviews of Aldi or M&S wines often go viral.
Rosamond Hall is a writer, presenter and columnist specializing in wine and spirits. she is independentWeekly wine columnist and author of “The Wine Down” best rosé wine.