Wine lovers and industry insiders alike know that the world of wine is ever-evolving. With each passing year, new trends emerge that reshape how we enjoy, produce, and think about wine. From sustainability to innovative wine blends, the latest trends in wine are shaping the future of the industry. In this post, we’ll explore the top wine trends to watch this year and what they mean for wine enthusiasts and producers alike.
1. Sustainability and Organic Winemaking
One of the most significant movements in the wine industry is the shift towards sustainable and organic winemaking. More and more vineyards are embracing eco-friendly practices to reduce their carbon footprint and improve the quality of their grapes.
Sustainable wines are produced using farming methods that protect the environment, support biodiversity, and reduce waste. This approach often includes using fewer chemical pesticides, natural irrigation methods, and even rewilding parts of vineyards to encourage wildlife.
Organic wines go a step further by ensuring that no synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, or pesticides are used during production. According to Wine Enthusiast, the organic wine market is expected to grow exponentially in the coming years due to increasing consumer demand for eco-conscious products .
Trend to watch: Look for labels like "organic," "biodynamic," or "sustainably farmed" when selecting your next bottle. These wines not only taste good but are also better for the planet.
2. Canned and Portable Wines
Canned wine has made a big splash in recent years, appealing to a younger demographic and those who appreciate convenience without sacrificing quality. The days of canned wine being considered low-quality are long gone. Many respected wineries are now offering high-quality canned wines, making it easier than ever to enjoy your favorite drink on-the-go.
What’s driving this trend? Portability and eco-friendliness. Cans are easy to transport,
lightweight, and often more sustainable than traditional glass bottles. According to Forbes, the canned wine market is projected to grow 13% annually over the next five years .
Trend to watch: Expect more premium wineries to jump on the canned wine bandwagon as consumers demand more convenient and portable options for their wine enjoyment.
3. Low and No-Alcohol Wines
The health-conscious movement is making waves in the wine world as well. More consumers are turning to low or no-alcohol wines as they seek to enjoy the taste and experience of wine without the effects of alcohol. Whether it’s to cut down on calories or for wellness reasons, the market for non-alcoholic and low-alcohol wines has grown significantly.
Non-alcoholic wines are made by removing the alcohol through a process called dealcoholization, allowing consumers to enjoy the flavor profiles of their favorite wines without the buzz. According to The Guardian, sales of no- and low-alcohol drinks are set to grow 31% by 2024 .
Trend to watch: As the sober-curious movement grows, expect to see more wineries offering sophisticated, flavorful low- and no-alcohol options.
4. Hybrid Wine Varietals
Another trend to watch is the rise of hybrid wine varietals. These wines are created by crossbreeding two or more grape varieties to produce unique flavors, often with added resilience to climate change and disease. In an era of shifting weather patterns, many winemakers are turning to hybrid grapes to combat extreme temperatures and unpredictable growing conditions.
Some notable hybrid grapes include Marquette, Petite Pearl, and Itasca, all known for their ability to withstand colder climates and produce wines with distinct, rich flavor profiles.
Trend to watch: As climate change continues to impact vineyards, hybrid grapes may become more common. Keep an eye out for experimental wine blends that showcase these new and exciting varietals.
5. Natural and Minimal Intervention Wines
Natural wines—those produced with minimal intervention from winemakers—have been gaining popularity among wine enthusiasts who prefer an unadulterated drinking experience. These wines are made using traditional methods, often with native yeasts, and without adding chemicals, sulfites, or preservatives. As a result, each bottle reflects the natural characteristics of the grapes and the terroir.
Natural wine has sparked a movement that encourages more sustainable and ethical practices in winemaking. However, as The New York Times reports, the unfiltered, cloudy appearance and occasionally unpredictable flavors of natural wines can be a departure for those used to conventional wines.
Trend to watch: Natural wines often carry a premium price due to the extra care and labor involved, but they offer a unique, authentic experience. Watch for these wines in specialty wine shops and trendy restaurants.
6. The Return of Rosé
Rosé wine has been a summer favorite for years, but it’s quickly becoming a year-round staple. Once pigeonholed as a seasonal wine, rosé’s versatility is proving it can be enjoyed anytime, anywhere. With crisp flavors and a range of color profiles—from pale pink to deep salmon—rosé is perfect for pairing with a wide variety of foods, from charcuterie to seafood.
According to Wine-Searcher, rosé sales have surged by over 40% globally in the past five years, with no signs of slowing down .
Trend to watch: Expect more rosé wines that push the boundaries of traditional flavor profiles, including sparkling rosés and those with unexpected grape varietals like Syrah and Tempranillo.
7. Wine and Tech: The Rise of Smart Wine Tools
Technology is also making its mark on the wine world. From wine subscription services that use algorithms to recommend wines based on your preferences to apps that help you track and rate the wines you’ve tried, tech is transforming how we experience wine. Some wineries are even experimenting with drones and sensors to monitor vineyard conditions and improve the quality of their grapes.
Trend to watch: As more tech-savvy consumers embrace wine, we’ll likely see an increase in digital tools that make discovering, buying, and enjoying wine more personalized and accessible.
Conclusion
The wine industry is constantly evolving, and these trends reflect the changing tastes and priorities of today’s wine consumers. Whether you’re interested in sustainability, low-alcohol options, or cutting-edge wine tech, there’s something for every type of wine lover in this year's trends.
Curious about how to start your own wine brand or want to stay updated on the latest wine innovations? Join the Vino Launch Facebook group and connect with like-minded wine enthusiasts and industry experts. Stay ahead of the curve and be a part of the exciting world of wine.
References
Wine Enthusiast. (2023). Sustainability in Wine: A Growing Movement. Retrieved from https://www.wineenthusiast.com/sustainability-in-wine/ ↩
Forbes. (2021). The Canned Wine Boom: Convenience Meets Quality. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/canned-wine-boom ↩
The Guardian. (2023). The Rise of Low-Alcohol and Non-Alcoholic Wines. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/rise-of-non-alcoholic-wines ↩
The New York Times. (2021). Natural Wines Explained. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/natural-wines-explained ↩
Wine Intelligence. (2022). Gen Z’s Influence on the Wine Market. Retrieved from https://www.wineintelligence.com/gen-z-wine-preferences/ ↩
Wine-Searcher. (2023). Rosé Wine Trends: Global Surge in Popularity. Retrieved from https://www.wine-searcher.com/rose-trends ↩
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