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Predicted wine trends
At the beginning of each year I look ahead to see what the predicted trends in the wine world will be. And at the end of the year I look back to see which trends arose and whether or not they stuck.
I survey various media outlets, social channels and talk to people in the business. When there are commonalities among wines or themes emerging from conversations and media sources, those become distilled into a notable wine trend for me as opposed to an individual’s personal passions or preferences.
That said, I have always personally been attracted to different and unique grape varieties from around the world. This interest has led me to immersive studies in Italy as there are more indigenous grapes varieties there than France, Spain and Greece combined. I can’t say that I started this trend, but in 2024 I heard a number of sommeliers talking about introducing customers to “other” grapes varieties that are outside the box, or the bottle, of those most commonly known.
Italy is a trove of them, but you can also find them in many other European countries. Seek and enjoy. I assure you that you will be delighted with something new and exciting.
Another thing that has been on top of the list for a few years now is zero and low alcohol wines. Around the world in all major markets people have been talking about this as health, wellness and longevity are increasingly prioritized.
Another trend in the wine market that has been increasing in popularity is smaller format bottles. Not just for wine, but spirits too. In 2024, the LCBO saw an increase in demand for smaller format bottles in both wines and spirits.
Some people, myself included, don’t always want to open full bottles of wine and this past year, I have been delighted to see a broader selection of 375ml bottles available on LCBO shelves.
Finally, another trend worth mentioning is the practice of“drinking up”. This is the practice of prioritizing quality, as measured by dollar value in this case, over quantity. So instead of drinking a $20 bottle a few times per week, folks are “drinking up” a $40+ bottle once a week.
Trends don’t appear out of nowhere. There is always some sort of tipping point. For example, perhaps the decrease in consumption and thirst for smaller bottles was in response to the December 2022 World Health Organization announcement that no amount of alcohol is good for you.
Following in the wake of these recommendations, a month later Health Canada updated their own guidelines to advise a maximum of two drinks per week. That same month, the above trends were predicted.
Stay tuned for next time when I will discuss the predicted trends of 2025.
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