With the end of 2024 fast approaching, the fall is a perfect time to forecast trends for the coming year, including the wine that will have us all saying, “Cheers!’
Whether you’re sipping on a crisp white wine at a dinner party or looking for something new at your favourite bottle shop, 2025 promises to offer exciting innovations in the world of wine. As a wine expert, educator, and importer, I aim to keep my finger on the pulse of what’s next, and I’m excited to look ahead at the top wine trends to watch out for in the coming year.
Expect the non-alcoholic movement to sustain momentum, with more sophisticated and flavourful alcohol-free options on the market, ready to be enjoyed in bars, restaurants, and at home. We’ll see more growth in up-and-coming wine regions as they start to make waves and gain recognition for producing quality wines. Sustainability will also take centre stage as winemakers embrace eco-friendly practices. And while innovation is key, the classics – think Chardonnay and Merlot – will continue to be beloved choices for wine lovers everywhere.
Prepare to toast to 2025 and discover the drinks likely to be in your cup next year!
1. Non-alcoholic wines are available everywhere
Exciting things to come in this rapidly growing category
The non-alcoholic movement is no longer just a trend. Mindful drinking habits are on the rise as more consumers become informed about the health benefits of low- or alcohol-free living. In 2025, expect more consumers to turn to alcohol-free wines, drawn by the health benefits and the complexity these options can now offer.
Non-alcoholic wines are moving beyond the home and becoming mainstays in restaurants, bars, and even wellness spaces, making it easier than ever to enjoy a thoughtful, alcohol-free pour in any setting. Major companies are also taking note. LVMH recently purchased a 30% stake in French Bloom, a premium alcohol-free sparkling wine from France.
What truly sets apart the best in this category? For me, it’s all about great ingredients and exceptional flavour profiles. Alcohol-free wine consumers aren’t seeking sugary stand-ins—they’re looking for well-crafted and balanced alternatives that deliver a similar experience to traditional wine. We’re after products that are not only interesting and delicious but also health-conscious and able to pair beautifully with food.
2. Emerging wine regions
Up-and-coming regions are starting to make waves, gaining recognition for producing quality wines
My favourite thing about wine is that there is always something new to discover. I love seeing new styles, flavours and approaches to winemaking, often blending tradition with innovation. As wine consumers look for unique and exciting wines beyond the classic regions, these areas will likely gain even more popularity.
My three favourite emerging wine regions and what to look for:
- Alentejo, Portugal – Rich reds from local varietals such as Aragonez, Alicante Bouschet, and Trincadeira. Gota Wines produces wines from various regions of Portugal with the goal of bringing local growers from across the country to the world. The incredible Gota wines from Alentejo should move to the top of your must-try list.
- Mount Etna, Sicily – For red wine, the grape Nerello Mascalese creates well-structured, elegant wines similar to those of French Pinot Noir. For white, Carricante wines are fresh and mineral-driven. I recommend exploring Al-Cantàra Winery, a small, eco-conscious winery that was recently awarded the “Winery of the Year” award from Vinitaly in 2023.
- Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico – Bold red blends using Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Tempranillo. Abode Guadalupe is an outstanding winery in this region, creating incredible blends from their own single-vineyard grapes.
3. Sustainability in the wine industry
Eco-friendly wineries, from zero-waste practices to carbon-neutral operations
In 2025, sustainability will shift to become an even more fundamental part of the winemaking process. Winemakers continue to lead the charge with innovative techniques designed to reduce their environmental footprint. From organic and biodynamic vineyards to low-intervention wine production and low or zero-waste facilities, the future of wine is greener.
I expect more winemakers to lean into and promote these practices, including carbon-neutral productions, water usage reductions, and closed-loop systems. Consumers, especially Gen Z, seek transparency and accountability in all the products they consume, and wine is no exception.
4. A return to classic wines
Because you can never go wrong with an exceptional glass of Chardonnay or Merlot.
While trends come and go, certain wines remain staples for a reason, and we should anticipate a continued appreciation for the all-time classics in 2025. These wines – think Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot – have stood the test of time for being easy-drinking, crowd-pleasing options that pair effortlessly with food.
A difference we might begin to see? A shift toward small-batch productions that highlight unique regions and winemaking techniques. Unlike bulk-produced wines, small-batch productions bring more distinctive wines to the table, giving wine drinkers a richer, terroir-driven experience – a shift towards quality versus quantity in the wines we love.
Get ready to see these five favourites dominating wine lists in 2025, proving that some things never go out of style:
- Chardonnay – Whether oaked or unoaked, Chardonnay remains a global favourite for its versatility and depth, offering everything from crisp citrus notes to rich buttery flavours.
- Cabernet Sauvignon – This bold, full-bodied red is admired for its dark fruit flavours and tannic structure, ideal for aging or enjoying young.
- Merlot – Known for its softness and approachability, Merlot is a go-to red that offers plum, cherry, and chocolate notes, making it a beloved choice for both new and seasoned wine drinkers.
- Pinot Noir – Elegant and complex, Pinot Noir’s light body and red fruit flavours have garnered a devoted following, especially from those who appreciate its delicate nature.
- Sauvignon Blanc – With its zesty acidity and refreshing notes of green apple, lime, and passion fruit, Sauvignon Blanc is a spring and summer favourite for its brightness and food-friendly profile.
Whether you’re exploring new non-alcoholic options, sipping on wines from a new region, supporting eco-conscious winemakers, or sticking with the classics, 2025 has something for every palate. Cheers to another year of discovering new flavours and experiences in the ever-evolving world of wine.
