After thinking about how horribly I failed my friend, I quickly learned about the new wine trends and just as quickly did not report them. But, a month later, I’m all over it.

The good news? Not only have people continued to buy wine throughout this recession, but recently they’ve started paying more for their bottles. In fact, “Compared with a year earlier, volume sales for the $15-per-bottle and higher category rose 10% to 9.1 million cases shipped through the 52 weeks ended July 4. Dollar sales rose more than 2% to $1.52 billion” which really brings the categories up close to what they were pre-recession.

Flavor trends are gearing toward fruity and lower alcohol according to this article from New Zealand boldly proclaiming that NZ tastes are similar to those of the rest of the world. What was NOT obvious was that New Zealand’s wine industry is working to become completely sustainable by 2012, inline with the organic/natural trends in both food and wine. Rosés and little known varietals are also slowly becoming the rage as consumers become more playful with their wine. Its like New Zealand knows me personally.

Next up? Spirits fun.

Advertisement