Raising a Glass to Christmas: Five Festive Drinks to Look Out for at Asda.
There’s something about the run-up to Christmas that gets me thinking about what to put in the drinks cupboard. Whether it’s a bottle of fizz to open when friends arrive, something special for Christmas lunch or a good red to enjoy alongside a warming winter meal, it’s worth looking beyond the usual favourites.
I’m always interested in discovering what the supermarkets have to offer, particularly when there’s a chance to find something a little different without spending a fortune. So, with the festive season on the horizon, I’ve been looking through Asda’s Autumn/Winter 2026 wine selection and have requested samples of five bottles that caught my eye.
From English sparkling wine and Champagne to a rather tempting sparkling rosé, a New Zealand white and a Rhône red, there’s a nice mix to explore. Here’s what I’m looking forward to trying.
Asquith Gardens English Sparkling – £18.50
English sparkling wine has become a firm favourite for celebrations, and I’m keen to see what Asquith Gardens brings to the table. At £18.50 a bottle, it could be an appealing option for those who enjoy a glass of fizz but don’t necessarily want to spend Champagne prices.
Made by Rolling Green Hills, this English sparkling wine is a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. It has also spent nine years maturing on its lees, an interesting detail that makes me particularly curious to discover how that time has influenced the finished wine.
I can see this being one to consider for festive entertaining, whether you’re welcoming guests with a glass or saving it for a special Christmas toast.
Veuve Oliver Champagne – £28
Sometimes Christmas calls for Champagne. There’s something about popping a cork that makes even an ordinary evening feel like an occasion, and at £28, Veuve Oliver could be worth investigating for those looking for a bottle to share over the festive period.
This non-vintage Champagne combines Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier in equal measures of 40%, 40% and 20% respectively. According to Asda’s wine booklet, it has spent five years on its lees.
I’m looking forward to seeing how it compares with other bottles in this price bracket. With Christmas parties, family get-togethers and New Year celebrations all on the calendar, a good-value Champagne is always worth having on your radar.
Screaming Devil Sparkling Rosé – £12.66
If you enjoy a rosé, this is one that caught my attention. Screaming Devil Sparkling Rosé comes from Provence and is made using Merlot, Grenache and Syrah.
At £12.66, it offers a different option for anyone who fancies something pink and sparkling for the festive season. Rosé needn’t be reserved for summer, and I rather like the idea of bringing a bottle out for a Christmas drinks party or serving it as an aperitif before dinner.
Asda describes it as part of its sparkling range, and it has been positioned as a challenger to the popular Whispering Angel name. I’ll be interested to see how it stands up when I get to try it for myself.
Kakapo – £6.50
Not every festive bottle needs to come with bubbles or a Champagne label. Sometimes you simply want a versatile white wine to have ready in the fridge, particularly when there are visitors dropping in or you’re planning a relaxed evening at home.
Kakapo, at £6.50, is a New Zealand wine made from a blend of Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Semillon. It’s an unusual combination, which makes me curious to discover more about its character and how the different grape varieties come together.
At this price, it could be an interesting option for everyday drinking over the Christmas period, when the fridge seems to be working overtime and there’s always something to prepare.
Exceptional Plan-De-Dieu – £10
For those who prefer a red when the weather turns colder, the Exceptional Plan-De-Dieu is firmly on my list to try.
From the Rhône region of France, this 2025 wine combines Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah and Carignan. It’s priced at £10 a bottle and has an alcohol content of 14.5%.
I can imagine this being one to explore alongside the heartier dishes that tend to appear on winter menus. Think a warming casserole, a slow-cooked beef dish or a generous cheeseboard after dinner. Of course, I’ll reserve judgement on the flavour until I’ve had the chance to open the bottle.
Five bottles, plenty to look forward to
What I like about this selection is the variety. There are two bottles for those special occasions, a sparkling rosé for a festive get-together, a white for more casual evenings and a Rhône red to explore alongside winter food.
Asda’s Autumn/Winter 2026 wine range covers a wide selection of styles and prices, giving shoppers the opportunity to try something new as well as stock up on familiar favourites.
I’ve requested samples of all five wines, so the next step is to get tasting. I’ll be sharing my thoughts on the bottles once I’ve tried them, including which ones I’d be tempted to buy again, and which might earn a place on my own festive table.
After all, the best way to find a new favourite is to give it a try!
Poppy Watt