10 best Waitrose wines for summer, according to a drinks expert

As a drinks writer, I’ve tasted a lot of wine this summer – including plenty of supermarket bottles. But if there’s one thing I’m sure of, it’s that Waitrose’s wine buyers know what they’re doing.

They’ve a knack for selecting the very best wines, from affordable favourites to indulgent treats, while also shining a light on lesser-known grape varieties and regions. But if you’re stuck for what to choose as your summer go-to, you’re in luck.

I’ve tasted every single new wine in Waitrose’s range, from crisp Sauvignon Blancs and flavoursome Chenin Blancs to sparkling rosés and chillable reds, and selected the 10 best bottles you need to seek out this summer.

One thing I’ve noticed is there’s a real swing toward full-flavoured mid-strength wines (7-10 per cent ABV), which also offer incredible value. The number of chillable reds is also expanding, with several bottle labels actually requesting you pop them in the fridge, while the quality and variety of Portuguese wines continues to impress.

Whatever you’re looking for in a summer wine, you’re sure to find it below.

How I taste-tested

All wines were chilled before tasting, with only one bottle removed from the fridge at a time to ensure they remained cool. I nosed and tasted from an elegant white wine glass that’s also designed for sparkling wines and chilled reds, to maximise the aromatics on the nose. The glass was rinsed between samples with only water to cleanse my palate as well. After nosing and tasting, all samples were spat to avoid intoxication affecting my judgement – this is the standard for all wine and spirit tasting competitions.

Darling Cellars Old Bush Vines Chenin Blanc 2023