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Some interesting notes from a recently held wine industry conference in Sonoma County, California.

Many of these findings, while specific to findings in the U.S market, certainly could be applicable here in Canada.

Demographic trends among regular wine drinkers, indicate where 21 percent of all wine drinkers are 65 or older, three years ago, it was 16 percent. 

Also, the number of wine drinkers 21 to 35 years old is decreasing,

There were 7.5 million regular wine drinkers in that age group three years ago. There are now 6.5 million.

Younger drinkers now know fewer wine regions and varietals then drinkers their age did three years ago. Their confidence level about wine has decreased as well. 

Younger drinkers also like other alcohols such as craft beer, cocktails and spirits. They’re more price conscious, and they are moderating more in terms of their overall alcohol consumption.

There is gender equilibrium in the wine world. Men are significantly more confident in their knowledge about wine, even though their knowledge is actually the same as the women’s. 

Another trend, is that consumers who say they enjoy trying new wines on a regular basis is decreasing, while those who say they stick to what they know is increasing. Consumers know what they like because that’s what they are more familiar with.

Generally, consumers are not very good at remembering “stuff” anymore. We live in a world where we can look up information on our smart phone. It is not that we as consumers do not care about wine regions, we do.

We just do not need to remember them as much because we’re now in a world where this info is at your finger tips.

Consumers also think wine is more expensive even when it is not. As a result, the visual impact from the label and the bottle design have gained in importance. 

An estimated 4.3 million tons of wine grapes were harvested in the fall,  the biggest crop until this year was 4.24 million tons in 2013.

All wine sales were up, driven by Cabernet Sauvignon, according Nielsen’s sales data. New Zealand’s Sauvignon Blanc, Italy’s Prosecco and France’s Rose sales are also thriving.

Other growing trends include alternative packaging such as can, box ,and keg wine. 

Customers are now requesting vegan wines, “People are concerned about additives,”

Alternative alcohol drinks such as cider consumption is growing.

The “hot topic of the day” is the legalization of recreational cannabis. There is a lot of talk out there as to whether cannabis sales will take away from alcohol beverage sales.