What’s Pouring Next

The wine world is always evolving, and 2026 is shaping up to be a year where drinkers lean into authenticity, sustainability, and adventure.
—
Here are six trends shaping what we’ll be sipping next, along with a few bottles you’ll find on our shelves that capture that spirit.

🌋 Volcanic Wines

Volcanic soils are having a moment. These wines often have a striking minerality, smoky edge, and lively freshness that can’t be faked. From Sicily’s Mt. Etna to Santorini’s windswept vineyards, volcanic wines tell a geological story in every sip. For wine lovers, it’s terroir you can taste — dramatic, elemental, and unforgettable.

🍇 Indigenous Grapes

Consumers are looking beyond the usual Cab Sauv and Chardonnay. Indigenous grapes, from Georgia’s Saperavi to Portugal’s Baga, carry centuries of history and local character. They also appeal to younger drinkers chasing discovery and authenticity. Each grape feels like unlocking a hidden cultural code, offering both freshness and storytelling power.

🧡 Skin-Contact Whites

Once niche, “orange” wines (white wines fermented on their skins) are now firmly in the mainstream. Their amber hue, textured mouthfeel, and funky personality hit the sweet spot between geeky natural wine culture and casual Instagram-worthy sipping. They speak to curiosity and experimentation, perfect for adventurous palates.

🍷 Old World Bottles

In a swirl of trends, the timeless regions, Burgundy, Bordeaux, Piedmont, Rioja to name just a few, are regaining the spotlight. But today’s drinkers aren’t necessarily chasing the prestige bottles; they want value-driven, terroir-rich wines that feel real. Old World wines bring comfort and confidence, but the focus is shifting to approachable producers who honour tradition without being stuffy.

🌱 Sustainability

Eco-consciousness isn’t optional anymore, it’s expected. Consumers care about how wines are made, from renewable energy to low-intervention farming. Organic, biodynamic, and regenerative practices are no longer niche talking points but mainstream purchasing drivers. Brands that lean into transparency and eco-values are building the strongest loyalty.

✨ Unique Varietals & Styles

From pét-nats and piquettes to hybrid grapes thriving under climate change, wine is moving beyond the familiar. Consumers want surprise and play, bottles that spark conversation at the table. Unique varietals give people a chance to expand their palate while feeling like they’re in on something special.

The future of wine isn’t about trends for trend’s sake, it’s about connection. Each of these movements reflects a desire for more meaningful drinking: wines that tell a story, respect the planet, and keep discovery alive. Let's enjoy the ride!