It’s official – when it comes to wine, Tesco really is the Finest. Tesco wine medal haul outshines rivals at this year’s competitions

Tesco has cemented its status as the UK’s #1 supermarket for wine lovers, topping the medal tables at this year’s International Wine Challenge (IWC) and International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC). Bringing home a haul of 6 Golds, 58 Silvers, 127 Bronzes, and 19 Commendations, it marks Tesco’s best-ever performance in these prestigious competitions.

Amongst the standout achievements, the Tesco Finest range was the most awarded own-label wine range of all supermarkets by the IWC and received more Golds than any of its rivals*. This proves that when it comes to wine, Tesco really does deliver unbeatable quality and value.

The judges were generous in their praise. Tesco Finest Chablis Premier Cru was applauded for its “piercing and poised style, generous fruit, oyster shell precision and persistent length”, whilst the Tesco Finest Sancerre Rosé was described as having “…a beautiful purity, with hints of red berries and red apple peel.”

Jason Godley, BWS Category Director at Tesco, comments: “For 64 of our wines to score 90 points or more out of 100 is an outstanding result. With gold medals accounting for less than 1% of total medals awarded at the IWC, this recognition is a true testament to the dedication and expertise behind Finest, our own-label range. Many of the wineries we work with have been trusted partners for over 20 years, and these medals reflect the strength and success of those enduring collaborations. It’s fantastic to see the quality we strive for every day being celebrated on such a respected stage.”

The industry recognition spotlights Tesco’s continued investment in curating a diverse, high-quality wine selection at great value prices, that resonates with customers and critics alike. With over 190 new reasons to celebrate, the Tesco wine aisle is more rewarding than ever.

Tesco Gold medal winners:

Tesco Finest Sauternes 2016, £12 – 37.5cl

IWC 2025 Gold Medal Winner
IWSC 2025 Gold Medal Winner

Made from hand-picked Sémillon grapes affected by ‘Noble Rot’, a condition that concentrates sugars and flavours to produce complex and intense wines. A sweet, luscious dessert wine with flavours of honey, dried apricots and baked fruits and a refreshing citrus finish.

Tesco Finest 10 Year Old Tawny Port NV, £14.50 – 75cl

IWC 2025 Gold Medal Winner

Peter Morrell, Editor, comments “The Tesco Finest Tawny Port is made by the world famous Symington Family Estates, who have been making port for more than 130 years. It’s been matured in their cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, situated on the south bank of the Douro River, overlooking the city of Porto in Portugal. The port has been aged in oak casks for 10 years before bottling, and during that decade it’s exposed to small amounts of air. This oxidises the wine and it takes on a light brown colour, hence its name. However, it’s not just the colour that changes, this oxidation process is maturing the wine, giving it mellow new aromas and flavours.

“In the glass the port pours a light brown colour, but it still has flashes of red. The bouquet has pronounced hazel nut aromas together with figs and raisins. In the mouth it really makes a statement, it’s very smooth and not overly sweet. The nuts and dried fruit remain, and even after 10 years in the cask there are still vibrant fruity notes of dark berries and strawberries. Its lush fruit tastes are complemented by notes of burnt caramel and butterscotch. The finish is bold, nutty, and very persistent. This port gives you a memorable drinking experience for a very modest price.

“Serve this lightly chilled, you can pair it with salty nuts and cheese like Feta, drink it neat or try this cocktail, fill a tall glass with ice, add 50ml of Tesco Finest Tawny Port, top up with sparking white wine, garnish with a wedge of lemon and a stick of cinnamon.”

Tesco Finest Chablis Premier Cru 2022, £24 – 75cl

IWC 2025 Gold Medal Winner

Made from high-quality Chardonnay grapes picked from Premier Cru Chablis vineyards in northern Burgundy. Partially oaked in French barrels, this wine is an intense and more complex style of Chablis, with apple, citrus fruit and the classic mineral flavours typical of the region. Pairs perfectly with Dover sole, salmon en croûte, roast chicken and truffle brie cheese.

Tesco Finest Pedro Ximénez NV, £7.50 – 37.5cl

IWC 2025 Gold Medal Winner

A velvety smooth Sherry from the 180-year-old Gonzalez Byass family winery in Jerez, Spain. Pedro Ximenez grapes are laid out to dry in the hot sun before pressing and ageing in the traditional solera system. Deliciously rich and warming, this sweet sherry is brimming with raisin and fig aromas. Serve chilled on its own or poured over vanilla ice cream.

Tesco Finest Sancerre Rosé 2024, £16 – 75cl

Made from Pinot Noir grapes grown in the famous Sancerre vineyards, this delicate rosé portrays refreshing flavours of stone fruit and red cherries and a long, crisp finish. Serve with salads or spicy food.