As we all recover from a boozy and sumptuous Christmas, historically January is when we have a ‘dry month’ and lay off the drink. But its also a good time of year to report on what I think 2025 will look like in terms of wine trends and what will be popular.
The duty rate has seen another increase from last autumn’s budget so we know that unfortunately prices will rise slightly. So, the quiet months of January and February will be spent sourcing new wines at competitive prices. This is the difficult part especially when I must compete with heavily discounted prices on mass produced wines the supermarkets churn out. This is though where I look at quality wines from small producers and single vineyards. Last year the industry witnessed an upward trajectory in the ‘drink less but better’ mindset and this should get bigger this year. This will attract the younger generation who enjoy wine but who are also adopting a lower alcohol, natural and sustainable wine making philosophy and wine makers will adapt to this trend. There will be more focus on terroir, lighter wines, and wines with a great background story from these producers.
During 2024 it became clear that the non-alcoholic sector was beginning to boom. I believe that beer market has successfully adapted to this producing a non-alcoholic product but still with a huge focus on quality and the same taste. I do not think the wines have quite got there yet. There are a few on the market but these have not reached that same correlation as the beer sector. And price plays an important part in that correlation. I am hopeful that throughout 2025 we will see a change to this and more quality, non-alcoholic wines appearing on the shelves.
The spirits sector will continue to see the same move in the premium range. These include rum and brandy. Gin saw a slow down in sales last year, but we will continue to have the small local distilleries producing high quality gins with a focus on sourcing their botanicals locally and sustainably. Malt whisky also continues to rise in popularity, but we are also seeing many more whiskies from around the world appearing on our shelves particularly from Japan and the US.
Keep a look out for more whisky tastings that I will be organising this year in the shop.