Do you still think of Asda with a knowing “pocket tap” and the phrase “That’s Asda Price”? Me too. The retailer spent over 20 years as a sub-division of the US behemoth Walmart, but since its sale in 2021, it’s been trying to draw customers back and reclaim some of the ground lost to Aldi and Lidl. While there are many complexities to the grocer’s fortune and future, one area of particular interest is the wine aisles.
Asda might not be the first destination you immediately think of for your supermarket wine, but they’ve been working steadily to overhaul their premium range while keeping a keen eye on value for money. They recently launched the “Exceptional” range, which replaces the “Extra Special” range. The previous range was always a little hit or miss regarding whether things were indeed extra special but the new range impresses.
Boasting the largest offering in the past ten years, Head buyer Clive Donaldson has been leading his team to quiet success, which is gaining good traction from those who seek it out. This success is reflected by the most recent Decanter World Wine Awards 2026, announced this week, where Asda won an impressive eight gold medals, plus a spread of silver and bronze, in this prestigious competition regarded as a global benchmark of wine excellence.
