Columnists
Wine trends
We often forget that wine, like fashion, runs in cycles. What we drink today says as much about the moment we’re in as it does about what’s in the glass.
Take German riesling. Between the 17th and 19th centuries, sweet rieslings from the Mosel were the height of sophistication, commanding prices higher than First Growth Bordeaux and even Champagne. These were wines of status, poured at the most important tables in Europe.
After the world found its footing again following two world wars, Germany’s wine fortunes recovered. By the 1970s and ’80s, green hock glasses were back on dining tables, and German riesling was once again fashionable. Not, it must be said, Liebfraumilch or mass-market brands like Blue Nun and Black Tower that would later tarnish the category’s reputation— but serious, well-made wines with balance and longevity. Our collective love affair with red wine can be traced quite precisely to November 1991, when 60 Minutes aired a segment on what became known as the “French Paradox.” Why, the programme asked, did the French experience lower rates of heart disease despite diets rich in butter and cheese? The answer, it suggested, lay in moderate red wine consumption. The message landed with remarkable efficiency: drink red wine, live longer. Demand surged. Red wine became not just indulgent, but virtuous.
We now understand that alcohol—red wine included—contributes to a range of metabolic health issues. Hence the rapid rise of low- and no-alcohol alternatives. And yet, red wine still enjoys its lingering halo of heart health. Thank you, 60 Minutes.
For those less inclined toward red, chardonnay long held centre stage. Often Californian, frequently high in alcohol and generously oaked, these wines dominated wine lists for decades before quietly falling out of favour over the last decade or so. In their place came a fresher, more bracing alternative: sauvignon blanc. High in acid, unmistakable in flavour, and refreshingly direct, it offered a clean break from oaky excess.
Then came pinot grigio. Perhaps a stylistic shift, perhaps a linguistic one. It is fun to say. Pinot grigio.
Whatever your preference, the drink in your hand is never just a personal choice—it’s part of a broader movement.
In December, the LCBO released its trends report for 2025, and the numbers tell an interesting story. Beer and ready-to-drink coolers saw significant growth, with sales up 22% and 21% respectively.
Spirit drinkers showed a clear preference for Canadian and Ontario producers, filling gaps left by declining American imports. Asian whiskies also enjoyed a moment, with sales up 23%. Bottle size mattered too: consumers increasingly opted for smaller formats rather than the standard 750 ml bottle—more variety at home, with less commitment.
Wine trends leaned decisively toward freshness. According to the LCBO, customers continued to seek out lighter reds, sparkling wines, and fresh, easy-drinking whites. Which, rather conveniently, places Prince Edward County squarely in the spotlight. Lighter-bodied reds with bright acidity, crisp whites, and well-made sparkling wines are exactly what our region does best.
That said, lovers of fuller styles needn’t worry. Rising demand for wines from Australia (+17%), Italy (+10%), and France (+18%) means more robust options will soon be appearing on shelves.
Trends may come and go, but choice has never been better—and that, at least, is always worth raising a glass to.
Comments (0)