Wine Trends of 2023: A Glimpse into the Future
As we approach the midpoint of 2023, the wine industry continues to evolve, driven by technological advancements, changing consumer preferences, and the ever-present challenge of climate change. That’s why I wanted to explore the key trends shaping the wine industry this year, excluding the overtold stories around direct-to-consumer marketing, something that is now more table stakes for wineries just like a tasting room operation is today.
1. Sustainability and Values-Based Winemaking
The wine industry is increasingly focusing on sustainability, with winemakers overhauling practices to better care for the environment and protect vines from climate extremes. Consumers are showing a growing interest in how grapes are grown, how workers are treated, and how wine is packaged. They are seeking wines that align with their values, which are increasingly focused on a sustainable future. This is changing everything from what goes on in the vineyards to how wine is now packaged for sale.
2. The Rise of Emerging Regions
Climate change is causing shifts in the wine industry, with traditional wine-growing regions like Burgundy and Napa facing challenges such as fires, frost, and drought. As a result, younger winemakers are turning to emerging regions to purchase grapes or vineyard land. These regions, including Virginia in the U.S., the Finger Lakes, and the lesser-known regions of France like Beaujolais, Mâcon, and Côte Chalonnaise, are gaining prominence. So too is Walla Walla, Texas Hill Country and even Arizona. Wines from Georgia (the country, not the state, Hungary and Turkey are also on the rise, as improved production practices, led by technology blending with old wold techniques are enabling winemakers to blend the old and the new to make and market world class wines.
3. The Popularity of Hybrid and Indigenous Grapes
In response to extreme growing conditions brought on by climate change, there is a growing interest in hybrid and indigenous grape varieties. These grapes can handle extreme conditions and are often associated with emerging wine regions. For example, the University of Minnesota has developed varieties such as Frontenac, Marquette, and La Crescent, which are proving promising in northern states.
4. The Continued Success of the Premium Wine Business
Despite a second year of negative growth in overall wine consumption, the premium wine business, also known as Fine Wine, showed continued success in 2022. This trend is expected to continue into 2023, with older consumers driving the growth in this segment.
5. The Impact of Climate Change on Costs
Climate change is causing increases in the costs of doing business in the wine industry. Heavy rains in the winter increase the likelihood of larger harvest yields in the West, which can be problematic in segments where demand is negative.
6. The Blurring of Wine Styles
The world of wine is becoming more multidimensional, full of nuance, and sometimes downright confusing. More wines of various styles are being produced in a wider variety of locations than ever before. This style blending is expected to continue over the next year.
With all this in mind, 2023 is a year of significant change for the wine industry. From the rise of sustainability and values-based winemaking to the emergence of new regions and grape varieties, the industry is evolving to meet future challenges. As we move forward, it will be fascinating to see how these trends continue to shape the world of wine.