Hady Kahale, Naked Wine’s head of wine buying, gives us the lowdown on the latest wine trends for 2023.
Supply chain and harvest issues, rampant inflation and healthy consumption habits will shape 2023’s wine trends.
Wine from uncommon regions
For the past few years, the decrease in production and harvest quality in the majority of the classical (old) world regions has led to an increase in wine prices. To compensate for this gap, wine from esoteric regions, such as Slovenia, Georgia, Corsica, and Sicily, are on the rise. Overall, supply chain issues and inflation have caused a hefty increase in shipping costs and packaging materials, thus pushing wine distributors and retailers to explore value-driven wines with an attractive back story and wine swaps from alternative locations, like Pinot Noir from Oregon or Chile instead of Pinot Noir from Burgundy and for.
Sparkling wine continues its growth, but traditional method wines — like Cava and Cremants — will be in the spotlight, as they will compensate for champagne shortages.
Sustainability
As supply chain woes continue to impact the wine industry globally, supporting small ecological wineries has becomes crucial. Increasingly, those who consume wine are seeking to support brands that share the same values and uphold responsible social and farming practices. The SHB (Stupidly Heavy Bottles) market will diminish, as consumers realize that this vanity and marketing gimmick has a deep environmental impact, and producers hesitate to pay the high cost —not to mention the considerable freight expenses — associated with such bottles.
Innovation
Online platforms are facing tough challenges to maintain the tremendous gains they experienced during the pandemic, and this will lead to innovations in channels, offers and marketing.
Non-alcoholic and low-alcohol wines
Non-alcoholic and low-alcohol wines are finally becoming a reality. For example, more than 50 percent of Americans reported that they would like to drink less, after a heavy drinking period fueled by the pandemic. After disappointing trials, due to shaky technology, quality non-alcoholic and low-alcohol wines are finally being produced, which will suit those who want to cut back but still enjoy a drink with friends or at home.
Orange or skin fermented wines
Albeit from a small production base, orange wine from different origins, including Italy, Slovenia, Australia and California, will become more popular as time goes by.
