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Everyone wants to look past 2020 and just focus on the many possibilities that 2021 can bring. This year, people want to return to their normal, pre-pandemic lives. Many have been raring to go back to their offices, party at bars, and dine at their favorite restaurants.
In the middle of all these renewed hope and activities being resumed, wine enthusiasts contemplate what to expect in this year’s wine trends. Will there still be enough wine drinkers that celebrate life with a glass of vino? Or will people no longer buy wines since many have lost their jobs and livelihood?
Well, nobody can deny that 2020 has disrupted many aspects of people’s lives. But if you’re a true wine lover, now’s the best time to indulge in your hobby. You owe it to yourself to expand your experience through wine. Just like any leisurely interest, it pays to be ahead of the curve so you can prepare yourself and avoid being left behind.
Here are some exciting wine trends to watch out for this year:
- Faster Growth For Online Wine Stores
If there’s one thing that a lot of wine enthusiasts learned in 2020, it’s turning to the web to get their much-needed fix. Before the pandemic, vino lovers naturally preferred buying wines straight from vineyards or brick-and-mortar stores.
This year, buying wine from online stores like usualwines.com will be the trend. And it’s no longer just about convenience. Buying online will minimize your contact with other people, which means you’ll have less chance of possibly being exposed to COVID-19.
The growth of online stores is driven not just by consumers. Many governments now allow online sales of alcoholic beverages, including wines. There are many reasons why governments are now open to the online selling of wines. For one, tax departments in many countries are trying to drum up business activities to recover tax losses from 2020.
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- Wines Becoming A Staple In Gift-Giving
With all that’s happened in 2020, most people have struggled with concerns about physical health and psychological well-being. Many people realized that life is indeed short and that living in the moment is far more important than focusing on material things.
That said, more people are becoming more creative with gifts that’ll help expand the lucky recipient’s horizon. And what sort of gift would do that without making you leave the comfort and safety of your home? Wines, of course!
Wines as a gift are an excellent choice in a world reeling from a crippling pandemic. Don’t be surprised to receive gift baskets that include a bottle of wine. And don’t think that wine gift baskets only come with the usual cheeses or cold cut meats that exude that popular picnic vibe. Even cooking gift sets that have ingredients for pasta dishes or cookies also include wine.
- More Virtual Wine Tasting
Wine tastings are within the domain of vineyards, wineries, and wine bars. People would even go on vacation or travel to other countries just to participate in winetasting activities held in famous wine locations. But the pandemic happened, and it shook even the most time-honored traditions in the world of wine drinking.
In 2020, the most hardened vino enthusiasts would balk at the idea of online wine tasting. But now, it’s safe to say that virtual wine tasting is here to stay. In this setup, wineries ship packages directly to wine tasting participants. The concierge and participants will connect via online tools or private apps. You can call it the remote wine tasting experience.
- Rosé Wines Conquering The Winter Months
Rosé wines have long been categorized as sweet pink wines perfect for the summertime. Well, times are changing. Many wine lovers in the United States are drinking rosés all year round, even in winter! This trend is expected to continue through 2021, probably even beyond.
The refreshing and light taste that this wine is known for, and of course, its pretty color, is what made rosé wines popular. Moreover, there are now rosé varieties with more intense and complex flavors that make them ideal for winter. When serving up this wine for winter, it’s recommended to drink them in a cellar or room temp and not ice-chilled like in the summer months.
- Portugal Carving Its Name In Wine Culture
Portugal is home to Port wine, one of the most well-known types of vino globally. This year, the country is expected to become an even more important wine producer. Apart from Port wine, some of the world’s most beloved unfortified or standard dry red and white wines are produced in Douro Valley, Portugal’s popular wine region.
The indigenous varieties of grapes grown in the steep vineyards of Portugal are made into delicious, well-balanced Tinto, which is the Portuguese term for red. So, in 2021, expect Portugal to join Spain, France, Italy, and even California as a top winemaking region.
- Demand For Wines From South Africa
When you say Cabernet Sauvignon, most wine enthusiasts think of the Bordeaux wine regions in France. Modern-day drinkers may even add Napa Valley, California as an important New World home of Cabernet Sauvignon grape varieties.
But in recent years, one other country is making a name for itself when it comes to cultivating this grape variety and producing the red wine that bears its name. South Africa has earned applause for producing some of the most noteworthy blends that can rival the wines produced in Bordeaux, France. Many wine retailers claim that they’re having a hard time keeping up with the growing demand for South African wines. This is another trend that’s expected to continue in 2021.
- New Varieties Of Sparkling Wines
Sparkling wine can only be called a Champagne if it comes from the Champagne wine region in France. The rules of appellation labeling are a must. The term Champagne is protected legally and defined geographically. In other words, you can’t call it Champagne if it came from outside that region.
That said, sparkling wines have become party favorites. And while not everyone can afford real Champagnes, other alternative sparkling wines catch the attention and taste buds of even the most seasoned wine drinkers. This year, wine lovers will see more of these alternative sparklers.
One example would be a brut rosé from Italy, which has been cultivated in Mount Etna’s volcanic soils and made into sparkling wine using the same methods employed in Champagne production. England also produces sparkling wines that can go toe-to-toe with Champagnes from France. The best part about alternative sparkling vino is their price. Given their top-notch quality that may even surpass that of Champagnes, alternative sparklers are surprisingly more affordable.
- Classic Wines Jumping Back On The A-List
Many wines have been misinterpreted in the past. And that’s reason enough for them to fall out of favor with most wine drinkers. But perhaps because of the recent pandemic and more people becoming more contemplative as they spend more time at home, a lot of people are taking a second look at these misinterpreted, if not underappreciated, wine varieties.
One example would be Chardonnay. It’s true that this wine has always been present in the public’s consciousness. But it has arguably become underappreciated in the last few years. This 2021, trendwatchers are expecting Chardonnay to be back on the favorites list. The old-fashioned wines may be reinterpreted to lean more towards a fruity character rather than an oaky or buttery profile.
Cabernet Sauvignon will also be back as an important drink. And just like Chardonnay, the new interpretation of Cabernet will focus on fruity flavors rather than just the secondary aged notes that naturally come with aging.
- Healthier Wines Taking Centerstage
The pandemic has made it all the more important to value good health. This newfound advocacy is slowly seeping into the wine industry. Consumers are now becoming more concerned about ingredients and wine production processes and how these can impact health.
A good example would be the continued rise in the consumption of wines with low or zero alcohol content. The reason being more people believe that having too much alcohol in the body can be detrimental to one’s health. Moreover, words like organic, natural, and other similar terms are expected to be considered more when people buy wines.
- Stronger Emphasis On Sustainability
Humans are not the only ones getting sick. For decades now, ecological health has been in a steady decline. More people are demanding a sustainable approach in everything from clothes to wines.
Expect more wine producers to take more steps in minimizing their impact on the environment. Using alternative packaging materials is one way wineries can help protect the environment. That said, wine enthusiasts can expect more wines to be sold in eco-friendly boxes or even pouches.
Bottom Line
This year, you’ll probably realize it’s never been easier to nurture the wine lover inside you. Online wine stores will have a more prominent presence, and you can buy wines without risking your health outside your home. Even wine tasting will be done online, so you don’t have to spend more on travel.
Many other trends will define the wine landscape this year. Knowing where the direction of the wine market is heading will give you more ideas on how to enjoy one of life’s most wonderful pleasures.
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