Epicure
2015 Wine Trends
to Watch for
By Liz Palmer
W
ine consumption in the
US has substantially
increased since 2000,
with some bumps in the
road due to recession.
With the renewed optimism in the
US economy, spurred on by the
strengthening dollar,
the trend of
purchasing more premium-priced
wines has resurfaced. The wine
industry continues to innovate and
impress. Wine consumers are now
more educated, interested and
adventurous – this makes 2015 the
year to experiment! Watch out for
these seven trends:
Trading Up – wine sales have
increased in the $12 – 30 range and
are expected to continue with the
strong dollar, lower oil prices, and
desire for more premium products
Sparkling wine is “In” – up 7% in
2014, and will continue to grow.
ha a n no
n a ot at th
dinner table. Shipments to the
United States have been climbing
steadily since 2009.The Reason is?
Grower Champagne. As more
Champagne comes ashore, Americans
ar na y r a i in that no oth r
wine is as versatile. So this year,
watch for retailers and sommeliers
to start promoting Champagne as an
affor a
ry that
at
n
the simplest of
dishes.
Red Blends are still very popular
- opportunity for higher-priced
red blends.
Most popular varietals will
continue to grow - Cabernet
Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio,
Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc from
New Zealand.
Rose over $12 performed well this
past year, and is expected to
continue into 2015.
“Eco” Wines slowly gaining
more attention with 16% of US
wine consumers now looking for
these labels. Potential increases
for sustainable, organic, and
biodynamic wine as consumers
grow more concerned about
environmental issues.
Social Media and Wine Apps
- Social media is being adopted in
large numbers by American wine
consumers with 80% reporting they
use Facebook, 41% YouT ube, 39%
Twitter, 28% LinkedIn, 25%
Google+, 24% Pinterest, and 20%
Instagram - with 13%
frequently using
social media to
get information
about wine, look
up wine pricing
- 76% of own a
smart phone and
around 24% using
wine apps.
97