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Christmas party season and Champagne go hand in hand. But besides celebrations, almost every special occasion can benefit from a boost. fiza’s fluteYou might be more inclined towards Laurent Perrier, Veuve Clicquot or Moët & Chandon, but industry insiders will tell you that supermarkets and independent houses are creating Champagne and sparkling wine alternatives that are just as good (and much cheaper),
This year alone, the Co-op’s Champagne has been crowned one of the world’s best in an international wine and spirits competition, while Aldi’s £15 bottle won at the World Champagne Awards 2025 and Tesco was close behind with its Clubcard-favourite Premier Cru.
The combination of affordability and quality is due to improved winemaking techniques and the warm climate (particularly for English sparkling wines from Dorset, Kent and Sussex), but also to high consumer demand. “Consumers are becoming more savvy, more savvy; they can look up anything on the Internet,” says Libby BrodyWine consultant and columnist.
Wine critic Rosamund Hall explains, “Supermarkets’ own labels often provide a great entry point to Champagne, as they are working with highly respected producers to source high quality wines at the best price available – you won’t get the fancy ‘Grover Champagne’ beauties, but you can expect well-made, highly enjoyable wines that will be perfect for any occasion.”
This doesn’t just apply to Champagne – supermarkets are full of it. Sommelier-Approved Wines And premium quality whiskeyBut if you’re looking for Champagne and sparkling options, you’re in the right place, as I went to the experts at Christmas time,
So, when faced with a vast supermarket aisle, where do you start when selecting a fizz? “When it comes to value for money I personally like to look outside Champagne, because even with the supermarket’s own brands, I think you get a lot more bang for your money,” says Lucy Hitchcock, the influencer behind the wines. @Partnerinwineuk Social media account. “To find those hidden gems, look for words like Method Traditional, Crémant and Method Cap Classique (MCC) on the label. All of these wines are made just like Champagne, often using the same grape blend.”
To further narrow your search, Hitchcock highlights South Africa for wine making. “Graham Beck’s Pinot Noir Rosé 2018/19 is the best, with a richness and depth of flavor that rivals Laurent Perrier Rosé.”
Regions just outside Champagne also offer excellent value for money, including Hitchcock’s favourite, Crémant of Limoux. “it Vintage from Laithwaites Champagne is made from grapes but is a fraction of the price of your typical vintage Champagne. “Offering a five-year-old for £13.99 is a very good deal indeed.”
Whether you’ve got a special occasion on your calendar or you’re already looking forward to the festive period, I’ve asked industry experts to pick their favorite bottles of supermarket champagne and fizz.
meet the experts
I spoke to qualified wine consultants, TikTok-viral influencers, and wine critics to find the best affordable bottles of bubbly to drink in winter 2025.
Libby Brody is a qualified wine consultant with years of experience in the industry. She is the founder of Bacchus & Brody Wine Consultancy, which personally manages wine selections for individuals or events.
lucy hitchcock The person behind this is a wine lover @Partnerinwineuk Social media account. She has almost 100k followers on Instagram and 65k followers on TikTok, with her reviews of Aldi or M&S wines regularly going viral.
Rosamund Hall is a writer, presenter and columnist specializing in wine and spirits. he is IndependentWeekly wine columnist and author of ‘The Wine Down’ best rosé wine,