Wine Matters Podcast is a hosted by Wendy Laureti owner of Saddler's Creek Wines and wine marketing expert Deborah Szabo.

In this episode, they discuss the top trends in the wine industry for 2024:

1. Return of Travel Influence: Overseas travel, particularly to wine regions like Italy, has influenced the popularity of grape varieties in Australia.

2. Alternate Varietals: Consumers are showing increased interest in alternate grape varieties and exploring new styles beyond the traditional favorites.

3. Chardonnay Resurgence: There's a resurgence of interest in Chardonnay, with various styles gaining popularity, from light and crisp to fuller-bodied and buttery.

4. Innovative Winemaking: Winemakers are experimenting with alternative winemaking techniques, such as barrel fermentation and wild yeast fermentation, to create unique and complex wines.

5. Low Alcohol and No Alcohol Wines: The market for low and no alcohol wines is expanding, reflecting changing consumer preferences for healthier options.

6. Sustainable Practices: There's a growing emphasis on sustainable growing practices and environmentally friendly packaging in the wine industry.

7. Flexible Wine Clubs: Wine clubs are becoming more flexible, allowing members to choose their own wines and providing more options for customization.

8. Evolution of Cellar Door Experiences: Cellar door experiences are evolving to be more hospitality-focused, offering bookable experiences and emphasizing food and wine pairings.

9. Casual Food and Wine Experiences: There's a trend towards more casual and accessible food and wine experiences, catering to the preferences of modern consumers.

10. Packaging Innovation: Innovative packaging formats, such as canned wine and eco-friendly materials, are becoming more prevalent in the market.

Saddler's Creek Wines is located in the Hunter Valley, cellar door is open daily.

Gnocchi Rolling Cooking Class, lunch and Italian Wine pairing - 16th March

Italian Wine Tasting Flight - daily throughout March and April

https://saddlerscreek.com/events/

Share your predictions of wine trends with us on instagram tag us at @saddlerscreekwines

#winematters

#nswwine #huntervalley #italianwines #foodandwine