Aldi used to hold large press tastings at Tate Modern, which I attended regularly and which gave me the opportunity to taste through a substantial part of the range.

In Spring 2026, however, I was told that Aldi was “streamlining” its wine range, with a greater focus on high-performing wines and fewer new launches. I was also told that it would not be holding its usual Spring/Summer tasting that year.

Instead, Aldi said it was curating a more focused selection of “hero” wines and offered to send bottles for review. I requested samples, but unfortunately they never arrived.

As it turned out, Aldi did hold a smaller Spring press tasting, but I wasn’t invited. A colleague in the wine press who attended subsequently told me that the range had been severely reduced. There was also an Autumn/Winter 2026 press tasting, to which I again wasn’t invited. Hence, I’m sorry, I no longer have an Aldi Pick list.

Looking at the range in store, it does in any case seem noticeably smaller, with fewer different wines and fewer genuinely new additions. Much of what remains consists of the familiar, mass-market styles you would expect. They are likely to be perfectly acceptable everyday wines, but there is less that particularly demands reviewing, comparing and picking out. In that sense, there is also rather less need for a dedicated Aldi pick list than there once was.

I will, however, continue to buy the occasional bottle that catches my eye in store. Keep an eye on my Aldi category for reviews of any wines I find that are particularly worth seeking out.

Q) I read your article about Gruner Veltliner 2024 vintage from ASDA and bought a bottle, which I liked very much. I would like to buy quite a quantity for my daughter’s wedding in March 2027 but want to know if it will still be OK in March 2027. 

A) I wouldn’t buy that far ahead. Most wines from the supermarket only keep their flavour for months rather than years, especially when stored in homes rather cellars.