Food & Wine reports that Tesco has been named Outstanding Supermarket Wine Range at the 2026 IWSC National Drinks Retail Awards, after posting the highest press tasting scores among major supermarkets for a second straight year. The report says Tesco’s range runs to roughly 800 own-label wines, with nearly 100 in the premium Tesco Finest tier, and credits a buying team that includes Master of Wine Elizabeth Kelly plus long-running winery partnerships. For the UK trade and shoppers alike, it is another sign that supermarket wine remains a serious quality battleground, not just a volume game.
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Star Wine List Reveals UK 2026 Awards Finalists
Star Wine List has published its 19 February 2026 finalists list for Star Wine List of the Year UK 2026, naming 66 venues across 13 categories ahead of the awards ceremony on 23 March 2026 at 1 Hotel Mayfair in London. The organisation says the judging panel includes Richard Hemming MW, Kathrine Larsen-Robert MS, Stephen Wong MW and Mikk Parre, and it flags returning local categories, plus a new award for Best Riesling Wine List.
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Lifetime Achievement for Andrew Jefford
BusinessWire reports that renowned wine writer and journalist Andrew Jefford was named the recipient of the 2026 Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) Lifetime Achievement Award. The award was presented at the V d’Or awards ceremony by Kylie Minogue. Jefford is celebrated for his work with Decanter and The World of Fine Wine, and for his deep exploration of terroir.