Wines can change year by year due to weather conditions. Soil conditions can also vary around a country and around the world so grapes such as Chenin Blanc will taste different depending on where it's from.
Just because you like a wine one year you many not the next, so it's always good to have some alternatives to choose from.
Prices are subject to change, especially with tax changes and when production has been low due to poor weather.
Higher priced wine isn't necessarily the best choice for you. It's your taste palette that matters, so start cheap and work your way up in price until you find what you like. Read the labels to see what the Taste is suggesting - sometimes it will match your taste preferences.
Food pairings make a difference too so read the label or do an internet search for recommended wines to match your meal.
It's also a good idea to check where the wine is bottled. If it is bottled in the country of origin then there are likely to be less added chemicals, which are required when it's tank transported and bottled in another country. This can be a potential cause of headaches, especially with cheaper wines.
If you get headaches from red wines then try lighter ones such as Pinot Noir or Beaujolais as they are lower in tannings.
It is recommended that most wines should be consumed within 3 years of purchase.
DO NOT buy "British" wines as they are usually created from imported grape juice and not fresh grapes, making them cheap and usually poor quality.
I have added a link to the Adgestone Vineyard on the Isle of Wight, that I highly recommend after visiting there. They produce genuine English wines.
It's all a matter of taste BUT don't rule anything out. Try a few different wines from each country and see which you like.
Don't rule out all French wines because you have a bad one. I finally found some I like after rejecting the first two or three.
A Member of the A.B.C. Club (Anything But Chardonnay)? Did you hate the Oaked Chardonnay from years ago? Try the modern Chardonnays and you may be pleasantly surprised.
M&S Wines generally range from about £6 to £35, premium wines are available in some stores - I will generally be recommending wines in the £6 to £15 price range. (Based on prices in England & Wales. Prices in Scotland, at franchise stores and via Ocado may vary - prices subject to change)
The £6 M&S range basically says what it is on the label and there are some nice wines, available in Red, White & Rosé. They are worth a try, especially if you are on a tight budget. The Pinot Grigio is extremely popular.
Allergens: Most wines contain Sulphites. It is occasionally possible to find some that don't but you may have to do a lot of hunting for them.
Vegetarians and Vegans - Most M&S wines are suitable - check the back label for the "V" - many other suppliers do not have this clearly listed.
Most M&S Wines are clearly labeled: 1 (Dry) to 5 (Sweet) for White and Rosé, and A (Light Bodied) to C (Full Bodied) for Red.
Italian Wine Grading: VdT, IPT, DOC & DOCG - relate to how specific the grape region is.
Some non-organic wines may be produced in near organic vineyards but they don't pay the extra fees to be licensed to market their wines as organic, usually because they then have to pass on the cost. Don't rule out non-organic wines, especially if they are bottled by the vineyard themselves.