I’m going to start this off by saying I am no wine expert. Probably not what you expect to hear from an article about to tell you about wine although if you've read any of our other content, not a surprise. The only expertise I’ve had is drinking wine; expensive wine, plonk and all those wines in between. What I can share though is all the tips and expertise I’ve picked up during my years in London, trying to look like I know what I’m talking about in front of my friends.
This list is not designed to tell you which specific wines to buy. I believe that wine is an individual thing and the stuff that I like (atm a Cloudy Bay Sauv if you're asking) might be your worst nightmare (eg. my best mate Victoria, who despises Sauv.)
Instead I've created more of a playbook of how I find good value wines in restaurants or in shops. No ‘second cheapest’ strategy here, (apparently everyone does that anyway, just embrace your inner fears and order the house, it’s normally the best wine anyway.) Instead it’s a range of tips designed to help you enjoy a bottle without paying over £50 for it, like a fraud's guide to good wine with none of the guilt.
Side note before reading, I'm not here to yuck anyone's yum if some of the things you like are in this list as something not to do then I'm sorry but you keep doing you.
1. ANYTHING ON OFFER, with an RRP above £8.
This one might not be so surprising because of course if you're watching your wallet then you're most likely to look for the best deals. However as I've learnt, not all deals are made equal and sadly gone are the days of the good £5 wine bottle. One way that I look for a good bottle is to check out the RRP and make sure you're actually getting a good deal. Offers are designed to look great to get you to buy but often you're only getting 50p off. So take some time to get the best bang for your buck.
2. Nearly anything at Aldi and most of Lidl.
Again probably an obvious one but they are both winning SO MANY AWARDS for their wine and spirits. If I can get to Aldi (I live in zone two in London) then it's my number one destination before a party. Not only is it good value but they make it quite easy to find what you like but if you're not sure always have a quick google and look in the press to see what others are recommending.
3. Don't go to Wetherspoons or Sam Smiths Pubs
As per my warning above, I'm not trying to yuck anyone's yum but if you want to have a nice bottle of wine, they should not be your destinations. I've had many a night indulging in Wetherspoons 'Private Bin' and Sam Smith's 'white or red wine' but not particularly the nicest bottle to drink, or the nicest feeling the morning after.
4. Step away from the brand names (Hardy’s & Chateauneuf-du-Pape)
This is meant in no snobby way what so ever but there are nicer bottles of wine than Hardy's and Blossom Hill in the world. On the other end of the scale, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, sure it's nice but it's also overpriced because it's grown itself as a luxury wine brand so don't get bought in by the label.
5. If you're feeling brave, try a less well known grape
You might be familiar with Merlot and Pinot Grigio but are you familiar with Rkatsiteli or Monica? No, me neither but this is likely where you'll find a really good value, good wine. There's a great article by Vinepair that can guide you based on what you like.
Top tip: if one of your friends does know their wine, memorise some bottles they order at dinner and then just repeat that word to people you know to make you sound more knowledgable. (Eg. oh yes I love a Verdejo - this was me for many years.)
I hope you've found this list useful, some of it might be obvious but hopefully it can lead you to find a new wine you love for cheap.
If you find any goodies or have tips of your own, please share them with us either by commenting on this post or on Instagram @shop_sharreo
Also don't forget to check out our wine prints and posters!