New wine varieties and wine regions
While sommeliers fill their glasses with bubbles and canned wines, there is one wine that has caught their attention for the coming year: Spanish red wine. The Spanish wine industry has experienced remarkable growth in recent years and now offers a rich array of red wines that are both complex and accessible. Whether you are a seasoned wine connoisseur or a newcomer to the world of wine, Spanish red wines offer something for everyone.
Alternative Wine Regions: A new world of flavor
The world of wine is constantly changing, and in recent years we have seen a shift toward alternative wine regions. While traditional wine regions such as Burgundy are becoming less popular due to rising prices, new regions that may not have previously been associated with wine production are beginning to emerge. One reason for this shift is climate change. As temperatures rise, winemakers are forced to consider new locations and plant more climate-resistant grape varieties. This development has led to the emergence of new wine regions, such as England, the Netherlands, and even Poland, all of which are beginning to thrive in this new wine world order.
Switching to new grape varieties
Besides the shift to new regions, we also see a trend toward different grape varieties. While delicate grapes such as Pinot Noir struggle with higher temperatures, wine producers are experimenting with varieties that can better withstand warmer weather, such as Tempranillo and Syrah. So, while we enjoy new flavors and wines, we also see an industry adapting and evolving to survive in a changing climate. The wine world has always been in flux, but these recent developments and trends show that it is a particularly dynamic time.
Whether you’re looking for new flavors or interested in the impact of climate change on wine, there is much to look forward to in the world of wine in 2023.
The Digital Wine Experience
Social Media and Wine
For many wine lovers, the process of discovering and choosing a bottle of wine is almost as important as drinking it. In the past, we were limited to what was available in our local wine store, but now we have the whole world of wine literally at our fingertips. Thanks to the growth of social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook and YouTube, we now have access to a wealth of information about wines, wine producers and wine regions. Moreover, these platforms allow us to share the wine experience with others, whether by posting a photo of our latest find, following our favorite sommelier, or participating in virtual wine tastings.
Online Wine Buying: Convenience and Choice
But social media are not only useful for discovering new wines – they have also changed the way we buy wine. Online wine stores offer an unparalleled variety of wines from around the world, all available to order with just a few clicks. Plus, many delivery options make it easier than ever to have wine delivered right to our door.
This digital wine experience allows us to try a much wider range of wines than ever before, and also provides new opportunities for wine producers to present their products to a global audience.
The rise of non-alcoholic wines
There is a growing awareness of and interest in health and wellness issues, and this has led to an increase in demand for non-alcoholic alternatives. This is not a new trend, but the quality of non-alcoholic wines entering the market has improved significantly. While wine enthusiasts will rightly tell you that wine undergoing reverse osmosis or distillation can lose some of its positive properties, the processes and results are improving with time and investment. There is great potential in this market, with more and more brands fighting for the for a spot in this market.
The popularity of non-alcoholic wines
By 2022, sales of non-alcoholic and low-alcoholic beverages passed €10 billion in market value. This is a testimony to their rapidly growing popularity. It is no longer a niche category reserved for those who cannot or will not drink alcohol. Many people are now consciously choosing to drink less alcohol or stop altogether, and the industry is responding by creating a wide range of tasty and complex non-alcoholic wines. As a result, we now have a range of non-alcoholic wines that offer a strong argument for skipping wine.
Non-alcoholic wine brands to try
If you are interested in exploring the world of non-alcoholic wines, there are some brands that are definitely worth trying. Null Wines, for example, offers a range of non-alcoholic wines that are both refreshing and flavorful. French Bloom’s Champagne-style sparkling wine is another must, as are Lili’s rosy, crisp, Lambrusco-style bubbles and Miguel de Leon’s textured skin-contact collaboration with Proxies. The advent of high-quality non-alcoholic wines opens up a whole new world of possibilities for wine lovers and provides a great alternative for those looking for something different.
The impact of sustainability on the wine industry
Sustainability as a priority
Millennial and Generation Z consumers, who are fast becoming the most valuable buying demographics in wine, prioritize inclusivity and sustainability. This is having an impact on the wine industry, as winemakers increasingly consider sustainability when making their products. Due to climate change, winemakers are being forced to rethink the locations of their vineyards and replant more climate-resistant varieties. This is a pressing issue, as evidenced by conversations with winemakers from several regions, including Chile, Priorat and Oregon. Some winemakers are considering entirely new varieties, while others are purchasing higher-altitude plots to mitigate the impact of climate change.
New wine regions due to climate change
Climate change not only affects existing wine regions, but also leads to the creation of new ones. Global warming has changed the way we see and drink wine. New regions are coming into the picture, such as England, the Netherlands and even Poland. These countries were previously too cold for wine production, but are now becoming viable due to rising temperatures.
Sustainable winemaking practices
Consumers are increasingly leaning toward wineries that maintain practices to preserve the environment and pay attention to overall health through biodynamic farming. Lesser-known wineries will emerge based on sustainable farming practices and younger generations taking on leadership roles. This trend is a positive development for both the environment and the quality of the wine we drink.
The rise of canned wine and alternative packaging
The popularity of canned wine
One of the most notable trends in the wine industry is the rise of canned wine. This is a trend supported by marketing firm Grand View Research, as their reports show that the canned wine market was valued at €215 million in sales in 2021 and is expected to grow to more than €520 million by 2028. This is significant growth and a clear sign of the increasing popularity of canned wine among consumers.
The benefits of canned wine
Canned wine has a number of advantages that contribute to its popularity. First, it is extremely portable and convenient, making it an ideal choice for picnics, barbecues and other outdoor activities. Canned wine is also easier and safer to transport than glass bottles, making it attractive to retailers and consumers alike.
Canned wine brands to try
There are plenty of canned wine brands worth trying. A few examples are Companion Wine Co., Nomadica, Artómaña, Broc Cellars, and Leitz. These brands offer a range of canned wines, including both reds and whites, as well as rosés and sparkling wines. They prove that the quality of canned wine can compete with that of bottled wine, and they help renew the image of wine as a product that is both enjoyable and accessible.
The evolution of natural wines
Natural wines without marketing hype
A major trend in the wine world is the shift in perception of natural wines. In recent years, consumers have caught on to the marketing hype surrounding “clean” and “healthier” wines. Instead, they call for natural wines – wines made naturally without the addition of “clean” or “better-for-you” mantras. The word “clean” has very little meaning, and in the end the wine still has to taste great1.
Natural winemakers at the forefront
This year we expect winemakers who have been using truly natural winemaking techniques for years, decades, even centuries to come to the fore. These are bottles that go beyond branding, that offer no fear tactics of additives, gluten, or sugar, just delicious wine that has been carefully crafted. Consumers are beginning to appreciate that the real value of a wine lies not in its marketing, but in the quality of the wine itself and the care with which it is made.
The importance of knowledge
As consumers, it is important that we are aware of these developments and take the time to learn more about what we drink. By asking questions and doing our own research, we can make more informed choices about the wines we choose to support and enjoy.
The future of wine: what can we expect?
Continuous change and innovation
The world of wine is always changing. The trends we see today, such as the rise of digital wine marketing, the growing popularity of canned wine, and the evolution of natural wines, are just the beginning. We can expect that the wine industry will continue to innovate and evolve to meet the changing tastes and preferences of consumers.
Sustainability and climate awareness
A major theme we will continue to see in the future is an emphasis on sustainability and climate awareness. Winemakers around the world are increasingly aware of the impact of wine production on the environment, and many of them are taking steps to make their practices more environmentally friendly. We can expect this awareness to translate into increased offerings of biodynamic and organic wines, as well as efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of wine production.
More choice and diversity
Finally, we can look forward to a future with more choice and diversity in wine. Whether you’re a fan of red, white, rosé, sparkling or non-alcoholic wine, there are more options than ever before. And with the emergence of new wine regions and the popularity of alternative wine packaging, it’s clear that the world of wine is still full of surprises.
The Future of Wine: Change, Innovation and Sustainability in 2023
Whether you’re a seasoned sommelier or just enjoy a good glass of wine, it’s an exciting time to be a wine lover. The trends and developments we discussed give us a glimpse into the future of the wine industry – a future that promises to be full of innovation, diversity and sustainable practices.
