Wine Trends to Watch in 2025: Sustainability, Low-Alcohol Options, and More

The wine world will continue evolving, influenced by cultural shifts, consumer habits, and sustainability trends. As we step into 2025, the wine industry is poised for some exciting developments. These trends will be worth keeping an eye on:

Sustainability Takes Center Stage

Environmental consciousness will continue to shape the wine industry. Consumers will increasingly demand wines that align with their values, and winemakers will respond with eco-friendly practices.

Organic and Biodynamic Wines

We will see more wines labeled as organic or biodynamic. These farming methods will prioritize soil health, avoid synthetic chemicals, and emphasize sustainability. Not only will they appeal to eco-conscious consumers, but they will continue to be more honest representations of the land from which the grapes were grown on.

Carbon-Neutral Wineries

Wineries will be working to reduce their carbon footprint by adopting renewable energy, using lighter bottles, and implementing carbon offset programs. Supporting these producers will make a meaningful impact. And...

Packaging Innovation

... along the lines of sustainability, the days of wine only coming in heavy glass bottles will be behind us. Packaging innovation will make wine more portable and sustainable.

Canned Wines

Canned wines will be perfect for casual settings and outdoor activities. They'll be lightweight, recyclable, and increasingly available in premium options.

Boxed Wines, But Make It Premium

Boxed wines will continue shedding their low-quality stigma. Many producers will offer high-quality wines in eco-friendly boxes, which will reduce waste and keep wine fresh longer.

Low-Alcohol and Non-Alcoholic Wines

As health-conscious lifestyles gain more traction, low-alcohol and non-alcoholic wines will become mainstream. These options will cater to consumers seeking the experience of wine without the buzz. Now, we have to be honest. We'd rather just have a sparkling water than drink an NA wine, but sometimes you want to "act" like you're drinking and that's when these bevs shine.

The Rise of "Sessionable" Wines

Low-alcohol wines, often referred to as "sessionable," will be perfect for social settings where you want to enjoy a drink without overindulging. (We use "sessionable" lightly here because, technically, it's a term for beers around 4%, so an 8% ABV wine isn't really sessionable—but it's almost half the alcohol!) They'll often have vibrant, fresh flavors and will pair well with lighter meals. We're talking German Riesling and certain Pet Nats—perfect for striking the balance of moderation.

Non-Alcoholic Alternatives

Innovative winemakers will craft non-alcoholic wines that retain the complexity and taste of traditional wines. These options will be great for those participating in trends like Dry January, Sober October, or if you're just looking to sneakily skip the booze when your peers are pressuring you. Remember: To make non-alc wine feel like a real wine, producers must replace the alcohol with something—and that something is often just simple sugar. So, non-alc wines will typically have more sugar than your average wine, but still much less than a soft drink.

Emerging [yet very old] Wine Regions

While traditional regions like Bordeaux and Napa Valley will remain iconic, new players will enter the global stage in 2025. Emerging regions will offer fresh, exciting flavors and often will come with a more approachable price tag. With that said, you'll still be able to find some steals in the most popular of wine regions like Bordeaux, but you'll have to work really hard to do so. (Or, you find a great wine shop that will do that hard work for you!)

Wines from Eastern Europe

Countries like Austria, Armenia, Georgia, Hungary, Romania, and Croatia will gain recognition for their ancient winemaking traditions and "unique" varietals. Grapes like Saperavi, Furmint, Plavac Mali, Areni, and Rkatsiteli will be worth exploring.

Hybrid Beverage Categories

The lines between traditional beverage categories will continue blurring as producers experiment with innovative crossovers and unexpected combinations.

Wine-Based Ready-to-Drink Cocktails

Going beyond simple spritzes, winemakers will create sophisticated RTD cocktails using wine as the base. Think vermouth-forward canned cocktails, wine-based botanical drinks, and premium sangrias that will actually taste like real wine—not the sugary versions we're used to. These products will appeal to wine lovers seeking convenience without sacrificing depth of flavor and complexity.

Leading the charge will be canned versions of classics like the Bamboo (sherry and vermouth), White Port & Tonic, and even experimental takes on the Negroni using wine-based alternatives to spirits. Premium producers will also introduce seasonal releases, like summer-ready Kalimotxo (red wine and cola) made with quality tempranillo, and winter warmers featuring mulled wine bases with carefully balanced spices.

The Rise of Wine-Based Cocktail Bars

A new breed of bars is set to emerge in full force, bridging the gap between wine bars and cocktail lounges. These spots couldn't come at a better time—with more people seeking moderation in their drinking in 2025, their lower-ABV cocktails will deliver all the complexity and enjoyment without the high alcohol content of traditional spirits-based drinks. And actually, they will be so much more tasty and enjoyable.

These establishments will put fortified wines and Italian bitter liqueurs front and center in their drink programs, elevating them from supporting players to starring roles. They'll craft clever takes on classics like the "Reverse Manhattan," where vermouth steals the show and whiskey plays backup, or the "Amaro Sour," showcasing the rich complexity of bitter liqueurs.

This will breathe new life into forgotten classics like the Adonis (a sophisticated blend of sherry and vermouth) and push the boundaries with new creations—think sparkling wine cocktails elevated by house-made wine-based tinctures.

These trends highlight how the wine industry will adapt to changing tastes, values, and technologies. Whether you're exploring sustainable options, trying low-alcohol alternatives, or venturing into new wine regions, 2025 promises a world of discovery for wine lovers. Cheers to the future of wine!