Top 4 Innovations in the Wine Industry for 2023

2023 has been a year of both excitement and challenges for the wine community, marked by legal disputes and the effects of erratic weather conditions. As the year comes to a close, this final article highlights four noteworthy trends from 2022 that have had a lasting impact and will continue to shape the industry in the coming year and beyond.

Sustainability, Clarified

The term "sustainability" has become widely used and overused, encompassing a vast array of earth-friendly initiatives and practices in production. However, it is refreshing to see the concept of sustainability being clarified and broken down into specific efforts in the wine industry. One such example is Randall Grahm's persistent and diligent work to cultivate new grape varietals at Popelouchum in San Benito County, California. Another is Brian Freedman's recently released book CRUSHED: How a Changing Climate is Altering the Way We Drink, which delves into the impact of climate change on the Hill Country of Texas and the Western Cape of South Africa. Additionally, we see exciting and creative advancements in sustainable packaging and transportation options for wine, beer, spirits, and low-alcohol alternatives. Sustainability has become more prominent, better understood, and more relatable in the industry than ever before.

Wine People Step Back

It's likely that someone in your professional network in the wine industry has recently made significant changes to their career path or has chosen to leave the field altogether. Instead of mourning the potential loss of their skills and contributions to the industry, I commend their bravery in evaluating the conditions of their workplace and making choices that prioritize their well-being and that of their loved ones.

A Broader Language Landscape of Wine

The concept of wine-related content being produced and distributed in various languages and dialects is not a novel one. However, what is noteworthy and exciting is the growing interest in making that content available to American audiences in their own language. This trend can be seen in the growing number of translations of books like Pascaline Lepeltier's Mille vignes: Penser le vin de demain. This demand for translated content from countries like Italy, China, and Peru illustrates a growing respect and recognition of the valuable insights and perspectives offered by those working in the wine industry who may not speak English as their primary language.

Wine Paris Returns

Before the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in lockdowns, the Wine Paris conference and trade show in February 2020 was the last international event that I was able to attend. Therefore, the announcement of its return in February 2023 was certainly a cause for excitement. However, it is not just the event itself that is worth looking forward to, but also the "side effects" of the preparations that have been ongoing for many months. These benefits will be available to those visiting Paris, whether or not they choose to attend the show. The most notable example of this is the comprehensive and well-researched list of 150 "off-site" venues that will be of interest to wine and spirits enthusiasts. The list is current and can be searched according to different criteria such as specialty (such as cocktails or natural wine), price point, and location, making it a valuable and long-lasting resource for Wine Paris.