The wine world is always changing, expanding out of the comfort zone and pushing boundaries. What is there to look out for in the wine industry for 2019?
How is the wine industry shaping up in 2019? Let’s get up to date with the latest in global wine trends so far.
Vegan Wines Are Becoming a Thing
That’s right, not all wines are vegan. Many wines are made using animal-derived products. This is why more retailers are looking to capitalize on rising consumer demand for strictly plant-based wines. The Wine Society, Majestic and Waitrose Cellar all have ‘vegan wine’ sections on their websites, for example.
As more premium wine bars and restaurants start including vegan-friendly wines in their lists, the trend seems to be gaining momentum. Whether this trend consolidates in 2019 remains to be seen, but you can definitely expect to discover more vegan symbols in the wine industry. Interest in what makes a wine vegan may add to the debate where organic and biodynamic wines are also topics of great discussion.
Cannabis Infusions Taking the Stage
While alcohol consumption among younger consumers has reportedly declined, a rise in CBD-infused beverages is noticeable. The increasing legalization of cannabis in the US has led to experimenting with cannabis as an ingredient for drinks. US wine brands such as Rebel Coast Winery sell wine infused with cannabinoids, for example. However, like most other cannabis-infused wines, this innovative wine does not contain alcohol. This seems to set a precedent that could pave the way for cannabis-infused wines in the wine industry.
Environmental-friendly Approach
Arguably, the biggest recent food and beverage trend of ecological sustainability has slipped in the wine world too. More wine brands are moving towards more environmental-friendly policies and decisions to align with consumer concerns over nature conservancy and sustainability.
Many winemakers are moving towards renewable energy. Important wine companies such as Pernod Ricard Winemakers are announcing their commitment to sourcing renewable energies. Solar and wind farms come to mind. Packaging is also another area the industry is focusing on as part of sustainable eco-friendly decision making with recycled materials.
Canned Wines on the Shelves
The global alcoholic Ready-To-Drink Market has been steadily growing and it Is expected to continue at that the same pace. One of the main driving forces behind ready-to-drink beverages is millennial drinkers. The convenience of canned wines being sold in single measures has become evident for many consumers and producers. Moreover, this trend offers environmental benefits thanks to the recyclability of cans over glass bottles. Canned wines hitting the supermarket shelves seem to be ushering in a new era of ready-to-drink wine.
Low Alcohol & Alcohol-Free
At the end of 2018, alcoholic beverage giant Diageo identified low- and no- alcohol as the most significant trend for 2019. Healthier lifestyles are what consumers demand, therefore, there are an increasing number of people seeking to reduce alcohol intake. Low or no-alcohol options not only appeal to health seekers, it also broadens the consumer base by offering more diversity.
It’s All About Shaping Up Nicely
In the United States, the future is no longer about wine regions, but rather about growing and improving in order to achieve innovation. 2019 may be the year to prove this new reality in the industry, a year to take inspiration in the way things used to be done to evolve and bring novelty to the future. Expect to see more winery options, as well as growth in wine experiences offered to customers.
Following this new reality, we have conceived our international wine line VenToSpain. Explore the original flavors of Spanish wines locally made, infused with the spirit of our land. Find out what VenToSpain has in store for you.
VenToSpain is now available at restaurants, gas stations and other points of sale too. Visit:
- Entre Tapas Restaurant
- Madrid Tapas y Vinos
- Mobile Sunny Isles at Collins 18300
- Chevron Miami Beach at 401 71st St, Miami Beach, FL 33141
- A&G Mini Mart at Chevron Doral 2498 NW 87th Ave, Miami, FL 33172
Find out what VenToSpain has in store for you!
Sources: www.foodbev.com, www.sommelierschoiceawards.com, www.decanter.com