Trends in Wine Buying

There are a couple consumer trends affecting the wine industry and if they hold will have major impacts. This is on top of the issue of climate change that's on the list for many in the wine business.

The Amazon Effect

The move to online sales is extending to wine. Though people still love to visit wineries much of the retail purchasing is going online. This will have an effect on wine retail shops around the world. What will happen with brick-and-mortal wine tasting rooms is unknown. One thing wineries do need is a good online presence for selling. It's all about convenience. We'll see what happens with the issue of proving you're of legal age to buy online.

The Monsanto Effect

Local, farm-to-table, organic, natural, sustainable, biodynamic all imply healthier options. Most consumers aren't fans of chemical fertilizers and herbicides and the possible long-term effects on their bodies. Anything that suggests a healthier option will have a extra push in the market.

Concerning wines, I believe organic grape growing will become a much bigger thing. I don't know about organic wines as it's difficult to control the quality so they often taste different. (Organically grown grapes in a wine and organic wines aren't the same). Whether or not you're okay with the taste of organic wines is up to you. Some say it's better, some say it's not.