2025 Wine Trends Forecast
By Ana Cahuas
With 2025 right around the corner, the wine industry is poised for exciting changes that reflect evolving consumer preferences. And one of the hot questions of the moment: how do wine brands reach today’s younger consumers?
As PR professionals, we always look ahead to help our clients navigate emerging trends. Here are four key trends we predict will shape wine consumer preferences in 2025:
- Sustainability & alternative packaging
Sustainability has become a core expectation with consumers seeking out wines made with sustainable, biodynamic, or organic winemaking practices. The pressure is coming from consumers who are more conscious of the ecological impact of their choices.
Sustainability efforts include alternative, eco-friendly packaging options. Over 30% of wine’s carbon footprint comes from glass, which is why Element[AL] Wines developed a first-of-its-kind aluminum wine bottle. Labels will feature more transparent information, with many brands adopting chips or QR codes to give consumers insight into the wine’s journey from vineyard to bottle.
- Approachability
The wine world is shedding its stuffy reputation, becoming more accessible to a wider and younger audience. Gen Z is not enticed by “terroir” or “tannins.” Instead, they want an inviting experience with no rules. We predict seeing more wine labels with minimalist or artistic designs that prioritize clarity and authenticity. On social media, we anticipate an increase in untraditional ideas for enjoying wine, such as snack or fast food pairings.
- Lesser-known regions & styles
Wine drinkers are becoming more adventurous, seeking out unique flavors from unexpected places. While traditional wine regions like Bordeaux, Napa, and Tuscany will always have a place on the shelf, the prospect of discovering unique varietals and regional expressions offers an exciting and fresh take on wine. And building off the popularity of orange wines, we predict we’ll continue to see a variety of styles and ways to enjoy wines, from natural wines to chillable reds.
- Low- & no-alc options
As the mindful drinking movement continues to grow, wine drinkers are increasingly seeking out low- and no-alcohol options. Consumers are becoming more health-conscious, and many are looking for ways to enjoy the social aspects of wine without the alcohol content. Bread & Butter proved cutting the alcohol and calories is just as delicious with their new Bread & Butter Sliced Chardonnay.
Need help connecting with younger consumers and navigating these evolving trends as a brand? Drop us a line.