Surprising Things About Wine: A 2024 Perspective
As we navigate our way through 'dry January' the wine industry continues to amaze us with its evolving trends and timeless traditions. Lucilda Stewart curated some surprising things about wine and a fresh perspective for 2024
Did you know that the world’s oldest bottle of wine dates back to 325 BC? The world of wine is full of surprises waiting to unfold. As we navigate our way through ‘dry January’ the wine industry continues to amaze us with its evolving trends and timeless traditions. We curated some of these intriguing aspects that are often overshadowed by the usual conversations around wine.
Low and No-Alcohol Wines
One of the most noteworthy phenomena of 2024 is the rising traction gained by low and no-alcohol wines. Even prominent industry experts like Devlin and Harrison-Brown attest to this growing trend. You’re probably wondering why. Well, it appears that health consciousness among consumers is on the rise, and the desire to relish the taste of wine without the intoxicating effects of alcohol is leading a new trend. Innovators in the industry are telling us that these wines could eventually boast the depth and flavour of traditional wines .
East Coast Wine Regions
Contrary to the past, East Coast wine regions are starting to outshine their West Coast counterparts in 2024. This shift seems to be a product of local movements and the exploration of unique terroirs that gift us with distinctive wines. What does it reflect? A diversified American wine landscape where you, the consumer, are raring to taste the offerings of new and nascent wine-producing areas.
Wine Cocktails
We live in a world where the craving for novel experiences is never-ending. And that’s precisely what the wine cocktail trend is leveraging. As wineries infuse their wines into mixed drinks, they are attracting people like you, who are seeking an unconventional wine experience. Result? A widened consumer base that now welcomes cocktail enthusiasts and a new palette for creativity in wine consumption.
Grower Champagne
The Champagne region is turning over a new leaf with an influx of sustainable wine-making practices. Historically, producing a bottle of champagne was a complex and enigmatic process, guarded solely by the trade.
Winemakers would traditionally deliver their grapes to merchants who handled every aspect: from crafting the champagne to selling this distinctive drink in the markets.
A term you might hear often is “grower” Champagne, signifying wine grown, harvested, and bottled by the same people who exclusively vinifies grapes from their own vineyards and markets them under their own label. This green and accountable approach aligns with the global trend of consumers demanding environmentally friendly and genuine wine experiences.
From Old Wines to New Trends
The history of wine spans thousands of years, encompassing the entire globe. A 1,693-year-old bottle of wine resides in Germany’s Historical Museum of the Palatinate in Speyer. However, don’t anticipate tasting this vintage variety, as the museum not only refuses to open it but also avoids handling the bottle to prevent potential breakage or damage.
American vineyards were initially established in the 1700s by Spanish missionaries, cultivating grapes for religious wine purposes. During Prohibition, grape juice sales experienced a surge. In the initial five years of Prohibition, California grape growers increased cultivation by 700%. Grape concentrate came with a humorous ‘warning’ label, cautioning against turning it into wine after dissolving the brick in water. By the 1960s, California had gained recognition primarily for sweet wine production.
Fast forward to 2024, all 50 states produce wine, including Hawaii. The majority of Hawaii’s wine is crafted on the island of Maui, benefitting from its higher elevation and volcanic soil.
Not all wines are vegan. Those seeking vegan options must actively search for them, as many wines are not naturally vegan or vegetarian. Producers often use fining agents like casein, albumin, isinglass and gelatin, which may leave traces in the wine. However, eco-friendly wines are adopting new fining agents like activated charcoal, offering hope for the future.
China is all set to become the largest consumer of wine globally. With a fondness for red wine, this significant shift is pushing the global wine market to adapt its production, marketing, and distribution strategies to suit the Chinese palate.
As our journey through the vineyards of 2024 is just starting, the world of wine is intriguing with new trends like low and no-alcohol wines, wine cocktails, and handmade wines are pushing the boundaries of tradition. Let’s raise a glass to the exciting future and be grateful for wine’s rich heritage and centuries of winemaking traditions!
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