If you’re passionate about vino, staying informed about the latest wine trends is always helpful. Whether you want to build a career in the industry, run your own business, or just enjoy a good glass of wine, keeping up with the changes will only help you.
Despite the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, many wine producers have thrived by adapting and planning ahead. Additionally, recent efforts to address issues of inequity and promote DEI initiatives have made it an even more exciting and inclusive field to be a part of. By staying informed about the industry’s direction, you can position yourself for growth (or know the best bottles to grab!).
To get the scoop on the wine trends to watch this year, Cuisine Noir connected with a few experts to uncover what’s on the horizon. These sommeliers, shop owners, and vintners also explore their backgrounds in the industry and what’s currently flowing in their glasses. Here’s what to look forward to in 2024.
Wine Trends to Watch in 2024
It’s time to cater to young and diverse wine drinkers.
“The [wine] trends are leaning towards a focus on multicultural and younger demographics,” Angela McCrae, the executive director of the Association of African American Vintners (AAAV) and founder of Uncorked & Cultured, tells Cuisine Noir.
In response to these emerging trends, McCrae created the Sip Consciously Directory, nestled within the Uncorked & Cultured platform, to amplify BIPOC contributions to the wine industry and foster community.
Gen Z craves more than a delicious bottle; they want to invest in brands that are creating sustainable blends and that are produced by BIPOC makers, she explains.
Black educational wine events continue to grow.
“Black consumers feel invested and enthusiastic about wine education through festivals, fun pairings, and fine dining experiences,” McCrae says. As the executive director of the AAAV, she leads the nonprofit in providing education, advocacy and community support to Black vintners and wine professionals.
The organization hosts an annual Symposium and Wine Festival for industry folks and students looking for inspiration from experts in the field, plus ample opportunities to sip Black-owned wines. These gatherings continue to pop up nationwide and are preparing a new generation of leaders in the industry, she says.
By Ashia Aubourg
