From sustainable vineyards to chilled reds and low-alcohol wine blends, 2026 is set to redefine how we drink wine. In the year ahead, the wine landscape is evolving rapidly, driven by changing consumer tastes, new technologies, and growing awareness of climate and lifestyle impacts. We believe staying on top of these wine trends is more than interesting; it’s essential. So pour a glass, and let’s explore the wine trends of 2026.
1. Sustainable Winemaking Takes Centre Stage
Sustainable winemaking is front of mind these days in the wine industry. According to experts, 2026 will see a sharp acceleration in eco-practices, including lighter packaging, regenerative and organic vineyards, transparency about origin, and reduced environmental impact.
Consumers, especially millennials and Gen Z, expect more than flavour; they expect values and provenance. Vineyard practices that protect biodiversity, use renewable energy, and minimise waste will become stronger buying signals. Expect brands to lean into stories of soil health, carbon-neutral production, and recycled or alternative packaging formats.
2. The Rise of Chilled Red Wines
If you thought red wine was always served warm, think again. One of the most compelling wine trends 2026 experts are pointing to is the increase in chilled red wines. Think lighter-bodied, cooler-serve styles with freshness, bright fruit, and moderate tannins.
These reds are perfect for modern drinking occasions: from alfresco lunches to summer get-togethers. Think elegant Pinot Noir, bright Grenache or slender Merlot assemblages served lightly chilled for a refreshing lift. For retailers and enthusiasts alike, they offer a compelling shift in how red wine is consumed.
3. Low-Alcohol & Mindful Drinking
Low-alcohol wine is no longer niche; it’s going mainstream. With wellness, moderation and “sober-curious” lifestyles influencing choices, wines with reduced alcohol or zero-alcohol are rapidly gaining traction.
These blends allow drinkers to enjoy the ritual of wine, the complexity of varietals, and the pleasure of pairing, without getting drunk. Look for alcohol-free or low-ABV styles that don’t compromise character, and discover how they’re increasingly part of premium wine portfolios, not just alternatives.
4. Heritage Grapes & Alternative Styles
In 2026, we’ll see more revival of heritage grape varieties, indigenous varietals and alternative styles that celebrate authenticity and terroir. From forgotten varieties in Portugal, Georgia and Greece to skin-contact whites (orange wines) and natural/minimal-intervention styles, diversity is key.
Wine drinkers want stories, uniqueness, and identity. These wines are less about power and more about personality—often with distinctive textures, flavours and the kind of ‘why haven’t I tried this before’ curiosity.
5. Technology & The Wine Experience
Tech is reshaping how we make, taste and buy wine. Whether it’s AI in vineyard monitoring, virtual tastings, blockchain for tracing origin or apps that personalise wine recommendations, this is no longer future talk. For consumers, that means more immersive experiences: remote tastings, augmented-reality label stories, and digital tools that make wine accessible, educational and social. For retailers, it means engagement and storytelling will be as important as the bottle itself.
6. Emerging Regions & Premiumisation
2026 will further highlight the contrast between volume and value. Premiumisation—fewer shoppers chasing cheap bulk wine, more selecting fewer but more premium wine bottles—is a key driver.
Simultaneously, emerging wine regions, those less known but with high potential, are gaining attention. New terroirs, lesser-planted varietals and boutique producers will become accessible to curious Aussie drinkers looking beyond the usual suspects.
Expect to see more from Eastern Europe, South America and overlooked pockets of Australia.
FAQs: Wine Trends in 2026
What wine trends will dominate in 2026?
Expect sustainability, low-alcohol wines, chilled reds, a heritage-grape revival, tech-enabled experiences, and premiumisation to lead the way.
How is sustainable winemaking going to impact wine in 2026?
Winemakers are increasingly adopting regenerative practices, lighter packaging and transparent sourcing, making sustainability a marker of quality.
Why are low- and no-alcohol wines gaining popularity in 2026?
Shifts in consumer lifestyles, wellness awareness and moderation are driving demand for wines that offer flavour and experience, minus the high alcohol.
Are chilled red wines becoming a major trend?
Yes, red wines remain a major trend. Lighter-bodied reds served cool are gaining ground as drinkers seek freshness, adaptability and refreshing style.
Which heritage grape varieties are making a comeback in 2026?
Grapes like Baga (Portugal), Saperavi (Georgia), indigenous Australian varietals and orange wine styles are being rediscovered and elevated.
How will technology shape wine tasting in 2026?
Expect some AI-driven viticulture, digital label storytelling, remote tastings, and apps that personalise flavour profiles, reshaping how we buy and enjoy wine.
What role will emerging wine regions play in 2026’s wine market?
Emerging regions offer novelty, authenticity, and value, making them key for adventurous drinkers and businesses seeking differentiation.
Here’s to Exciting Wines in 2026
For anyone selecting, selling or simply enjoying wine, 2026 signals a shift: less about sheer volume or high alcohol, more about values, variety and context. At The Wine Collective, this means we’re curating wines not just by vintage or price, but by story, impact and drinkability.
As you explore your next bottle, look beyond the label. Ask: How was this wine made? What’s the vineyard’s journey? Is this varietal familiar—or delightfully unexpected? Are we pairing it with the right moment, food or mood?
By paying attention to these 2026 wine trends, you’ll stay culturally relevant, improve your wine experience and position your own enjoyment (or selection) ahead of the curve.
Here’s to 2026—with more glass-raising, more discovery, and more mindful sips than ever.
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