Bold predictions are always swirling—some exciting, some downright ridiculous (looking at you, alcoholic protein shakes). But when it comes to wine, there’s always something worth paying attention to. The way we drink, what we drink, and why we drink it is constantly evolving—and we’ve been keeping a close eye on the shifts.
Let’s just say, some very interesting things are bubbling up.
THE RISE OF CRÉMANT
The wine world is sipping smarter, drinking better, and really getting into fancy French fizz that isn’t Champagne. Wine lovers are looking for better value without compromising on quality—and Crémant delivers, offering premium sparkling at a far friendlier price than Champagne. Case in point? Our Domaine Allimant-Laugner Crémant was hands down the most popular bottle at Humble Grape in 2024, with over 2,000 bottles sold.
LOW & NO ALCOHOL
With more people prioritizing wellness, mindful drinking is on the rise, and the market for lower-alcohol wines is booming. Winemakers are using cooler vineyard sites and earlier harvesting to craft lower-alcohol wines without compromising on flavour. It’s a delicate balance—harvest too soon, and you risk losing complexity, but get it right, and you create wines that are crisp, and vibrant.
Less alcohol, same great wine—turns out, you really can have it all.
SINGLE VINEYARD WINES
Once a niche concept, terroir—the way soil, climate, and vineyard conditions shape a wine—has become a global obsession. Winemakers are leaning into single-vineyard expressions and micro-regional designations, while consumers are seeking wines with authenticity and a sense of place.
With sales of terroir-driven wines on the rise, from Barolo’s tiny plots to Oregon’s Pinot Noirs, wine with a story isn’t just for sommeliers anymore—it’s what everyone wants in their glass.
PREMIUMISATION
Wine drinkers are moving away from mass-produced bottles and investing in craftsmanship, small-production wines, and premium quality.
It’s not about drinking more—it’s about drinking better. We saw this shift firsthand during 31 Days of German Riesling, where we sold a staggering 433 bottles of one of the finest Rieslings in the world: Von Winning’s Pechstein Riesling. With its precision, depth, and unmistakable sense of place, it’s a perfect example of why premium wines are worth the hype.
THE RISE OF KEG
Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s changing the way we drink. More consumers are choosing organic wines for health and environmental reasons, while keg wine is becoming a go-to option for those who want great wine with a lower footprint.
Truly, our keg wines are some of the most popular by-the-glass choices. Less waste, fresher pours, and no compromise on quality? Now that’s a trend we can get behind.
ALTERNATIVE REGIONS
We believe great wine isn’t confined to the usual places. More drinkers are stepping beyond France and Italy, discovering high-quality bottles from emerging regions at a fraction of the price.
Over the last two decades, places like Sicily, Germany, and Eastern Europe have gained serious recognition. With 67% of consumers open to exploring new styles, it’s clear curiosity is shaping the future of wine.
Turns out, the best bottles might just be the ones you haven’t tried yet.