Let’s be honest: if your wine strategy still involves buying the cheapest bottle with a fancy label and hoping for the best, 2026 is coming for you like a cork popped without warning.
The global wine industry has been doing some serious soul-searching, and spoiler alert: it’s not just about grapes anymore. From digital wine clubs and TikTok sommeliers to zero-alcohol Pinot and wine in cans, the game has changed. But here’s the kicker: 2026 isn’t about going back to the old ways. It’s about embracing a new normal, and it’s looking rather delicious.
So what does this mean for you, dear vineyard owner, wine lover, collector, or wandering supermarket aisle dweller? Here are just a few trends worth sniffing out (besides the cork):
1. Premium is the new normal Volume might be down globally, but value is holding strong. Why? Because people are drinking less, but drinking better. If you’re not on the premium train yet, it’s time to upgrade your glassware and your standards.
2. NoLo is SoGo (So Good) Whether you’re the designated driver or just not in the mood to wrestle a hangover, low and no-alcohol wines are having a moment. And not in a “this tastes like sadness” kind of way. Technology’s stepped up, and so has the flavour.
3. Sustainable is sexy Forget the plastic corks and heavy glass bottles. Consumers (yes, us) care how our wine is made and packaged. Regenerative farming, lightweight bottles, and carbon-neutral practices are no longer fringe—they’re expected.
4. Boxes, cans & convenience Bag-in-box wine used to mean a dodgy kitchen party with questionable playlists. Not anymore. Cans, kegs, and elegant boxes are now the darlings of sustainability and casual sipping. Pair with a picnic or a Netflix binge—your call.
5. The rise of the story bottle It’s not just what’s in the glass. It’s who made it, where, how, and why. Indigenous grapes, natural wine, orange wine, rosé in winter, sparkling everything—if it has a story, it sells.
6. Click to sip If you’re still relying on your local shop’s random Merlot shelf, you’re missing out. Wine is going digital in a big way: clubs, subscriptions, Zoom tastings, and AI-suggested pairings. Wine content is going viral, and #WineTok is a thing. Honestly, it’s about time.
7. Asia’s ready to sip While Europe’s slowing, Asia—particularly China—is getting thirsty again. With a growing middle class and love for authenticity, the region’s making room for wines with story, style, and substance. Wine producers, take note.
All of this barely scratches the surface. There’s a whole report packed with juicy insights, pretty charts, and more trend-spotting than a Milan fashion show.
And guess what? It’s free.
So if you’re in the wine business, thinking about starting one, or just want to look clever at your next dinner party, download the full 2026 Global Wine Industry Trends & Outlook report.
Cheers to staying ahead of the curve (and not just the tannins).
🍷 Download it here: wineguide101.com/global-wine-trends-2026
