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Nowadays, wine is a drink produced in over 100 countries around the globe. Each of these countries has its own unique culture, but all of them incorporate wine in celebrations or rituals related to the local history and tradition. Different varieties of wine are produced in different regions of the world and true wine enthusiasts love to try various styles.
You, as a restaurant owner or a wine bar owner, should take advantage of people’s interest in trying various wines. When you have a well-curated wine list, your well-trained waiters or sommeliers will be able to earn big wine sales commissions. When they offer the best wine pairings and deliver exceptional customer service, your business will enjoy a good reputation and your profit will increase.
However, you shouldn’t forget that adult beverage trends change. Not as frequently as fashion trends but there are still some waves you need to ride so you can keep your customers interested. And that’s what we want to talk about in this article - how to understand the latest wine trends and how to take the opportunity to increase wine sales based on seasonality.
If the topics of wine trends and boosting your business’ profits are of interest to you, stay on this page. We are just getting started!
Current Wine Trends to Know About
Several key trends are shaping consumer preferences and industry dynamics right now. Sustainability and organic practices have become increasingly important. The wine lovers are seeking wines made in environmentally friendly ways.
There's also a growing curiosity about exploring lesser-known grape varietals and wine-producing regions. You can say there is a big desire for unique wines and restaurants should deliver. There's also a preference for lighter and low-alcohol wines, which reflects the lifestyle changes many young people made after the recent pandemic.
Natural wines made with minimal intervention and additives are becoming more popular by the day. There is an increasing amount of vegan wines on the market, too. Furthermore, there is innovation in packaging, so you can find lots of canned wine and eco-friendly bag-in-box options.
Wineries are now blending tradition with technology and are using tools like data analytics and virtual tastings to enhance production and consumer engagement. All of hese trends reflect a dynamic and evolving wine industry that is constantly trying to impress and satisfy consumers.
Key Takeaway: Wine trends are ever-changing and right now, it’s all about natural wines, sustainable packaging, and unique varietals. Try incorporating a few of the trends to your wine list to see what will stick!
Popular Wine Varietal and Styles to Stock Up On
Wine trends are constantly changing. In the last few years, people have been looking into more sustainable options, natural wines, alternative packaging, and wines with lower ABV. Here are the wine trends to keep in mind when you are updating or building your top wine list.
1. Rosé Wines
Rosé wine continues to be popular. It has a light, refreshing character, and it’s also versatile, which makes it a crowd favorite. That’s true, especially during the warmer months. Dry rosés, particularly those from Provence remain in high demand.
2. Sparkling Wines
Sparkling wines, including champagne, prosecco, cava, and other bubblies are a popular choice for celebrations. Prosecco, in particular, experienced significant growth due to its accessible price point and fruit-forward profile. It’s a trendy item on beverage menus in different bars and restaurants. You can see prosecco on most brunch menus, too.
3. Alternative Varietals
Wine lovers today show an increasing interest in exploring wines made from alternative grape varieties. Varietals such as Grüner Veltliner, Albariño, Vermentino, and Gamay are good examples. There are many food and wine pairings you can make with these varietals that will make an unforgettable experience for your guests.
4. Natural and Organic Wines
Wines produced using natural and organic methods continue to attract attention from consumers. Natural wines appeal to those interested in sustainable and artisanal production methods. As previously mentioned, there are various vegan wines you can explore, too.
5. Low-Alcohol Wines
Wines with lower alcohol content, including lighter-bodied reds, crisp whites, and sessionable sparkling wines, are gaining popularity among health-conscious consumers. These wines offer a refreshing alternative for casual drinking. They are perfect for wine tasting events, too, as customers can enjoy a few different wines.
Wine Trends Based on the Region
Now that we’ve discussed the latest wine trends based on the styles of the wine, it’s time to talk about the regions. There are a few different regions that are currently part of the wine trends:
1. Eastern Europe
Countries such as Georgia, Hungary, Slovenia, and Romania are becoming popular wine-making regions. They are gaining recognition for their indigenous grape varieties, ancient winemaking traditions, and distinctive terroirs.
2. South America
While countries like Argentina and Chile already established themselves as major players in the wine industry, there are other emerging regions. For example, there is the Uco Valley in Argentina and the Leyda Valley in Chile. Both of these regions are gaining prominence for their high-altitude vineyards and premium-quality wines.
3. Australia
Australia had long been known for its Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. Now, there are regions such as Tasmania and the Adelaide Hills that are gaining attention for their cool-climate varieties. These regions offer an alternative to the warmer-climate wines traditionally associated with Australian wine production.
4. Canada
Wine regions in Canada, particularly in Okanagan Valley and Niagara Peninsula, are gaining recognition for their quality wines. These are made from grape varieties such as Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Icewine. The cooler climates and diverse wine terroirs of these regions allow the production of a wide range of wine styles.
Wine Seasonal Sales Opportunities
To make the wine trends work for your business, you need to have a plan in place. You can’t simply stock up on different bottles of wine and hope for the best. There are some seasonal wine sales opportunities you need to know about and use to your advantage. Here’s what you can do:
Holiday Season
Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s present great opportunities for wine sales. This is when you can take full advantage of the wine trends. Offer different promotions, tastings, gift sets, and whatever else makes sense for your business. Just make sure to capitalize on the fact you are offering high-quality, trendy wines.
Summer Months
Rosé, sparkling wines, crisp whites like Sauvignon Blanca and Pinot Grigio, and light-bodied reds like Gamay and Pinot Noir are popular choices during this time. Focus on promoting these types of wines when the weather starts warming up.
Spring and Fall Releases
Spring and fall are ideal seasons for releasing new wine vintages and limited editions. Create excitement around these releases by hosting exclusive tasting events. Highlight the unique characteristics of the new vintages and the stories behind their production to entice consumers.
Local Events and Celebrations
Take advantage of any festivals and other celebrations in your specific area. This could be the perfect time to introduce some of the latest wine trends to the local public. Make sure you take the time to create an appealing restaurant marketing campaign highlighting the new wines you are offering.
Frequently Asked Questions about Wine Trends
Want to know more about the wine trends? Read the answers to these frequently asked questions to learn more!
How Can I Stay Updated on Wine Trends?
To stay updated on wine trends, you can follow wine industry publications, attend wine trade shows and tastings. You should also engage with wine influencers and sommeliers on social media platforms. Participating in wine education courses and seminars, and subscribe to newsletters and blogs from reputable wine professionals and organizations are also great ideas. Some or all of these combined will give you the information you need on wine trends.
What Are Some Popular Food and Wine Pairing Trends?
Popular trends include exploring global cuisines and wine pairings and matching wines with plant-based and vegetarian dishes. You can experiment with unconventional pairings like spicy foods with off-dry Rieslings or rosé wines, and focus on regional pairings that highlight the terroir of both the wine and the food.
Are There Any Trends in Wine Packaging and Labeling?
Yes. Trends in wine packaging and labeling include the rise of alternative formats like cans, pouches, and bag-in-box packaging for their convenience and sustainability. Another one is the use of eco-friendly materials and minimalist designs for labels and packaging.