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If you’re passionate about vino, staying informed about the latest wine trends is always helpful. Whether you want to build a career in the industry, run your own business, or just enjoy a good glass of wine, keeping up with the changes will only help you.
Despite the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, many wine producers have thrived by adapting and planning ahead. Additionally, recent efforts to address issues of inequity and promote DEI initiatives have made it an even more exciting and inclusive field to be a part of. By staying informed about the industry’s direction, you can position yourself for growth (or know the best bottles to grab!).
To get the scoop on the wine trends to watch this year, Cuisine Noir connected with a few experts to uncover what’s on the horizon. These sommeliers, shop owners, and vintners also explore their backgrounds in the industry and what’s currently flowing in their glasses.
Here’s what to look forward to in 2024.
Wine Trends to Watch in 2024
It’s time to cater to young and diverse wine drinkers.
“The [wine] trends are leaning towards a focus on multicultural and younger demographics,” Angela McCrae, the executive director of the Association of African American Vintners (AAAV) and founder of Uncorked & Cultured, tells Cuisine Noir.
In response to these emerging trends, McCrae created the Sip Consciously Directory, nestled within the Uncorked & Cultured platform, to amplify BIPOC contributions to the wine industry and foster community.
Gen Z craves more than a delicious bottle; they want to invest in brands that are creating sustainable blends and that are produced by BIPOC makers, she explains.
Black educational wine events continue to grow.
“Black consumers feel invested and enthusiastic about wine education through festivals, fun pairings, and fine dining experiences,” McCrae says. As the executive director of the AAAV, she leads the nonprofit in providing education, advocacy and community support to Black vintners and wine professionals.
The organization hosts an annual Symposium and Wine Festival for industry folks and students looking for inspiration from experts in the field, plus ample opportunities to sip Black-owned wines. These gatherings continue to pop up nationwide and are preparing a new generation of leaders in the industry, she says.
Underrepresented wine regions are rising to the top.
“DMV (DC, Maryland and Virginia) wines are making a lot of noise; it’ll be difficult for anyone in the industry not to take a good look at the region. Which in Maryland includes four wine regions in the state: Piedmont Plateau, Eastern Shore, Southern Plain, Western Mountains,” Jean-Wesley Michel, a WSET level 2 sommelier and founder of the digital platform WineWithWes, tells Cuisine Noir.
Michel consults restaurants in the DMV area and consistently monitors food and wine industry trends. In Maryland, for example, he says that Boyd Cru Wines, a Black-owned brand, is bottling up sustainably produced blends and stands as a prime example of the passion coming out of that area.
Black celebrities lead in the wine market.
Celebrities like Carmelo Anthony, Charles Woodson, Mary J. Blige and Jay Z are releasing wine brands. Prominent personalities are finding excitement in wine and educating themselves about the industry, McCrae explains.
In addition to creating delicious wine, these celeb-backed brands are using their platforms to expand Black leadership in the industry. For example, Wade Cellars—a brand created by Dwyane Wade—partners with the UC Davis Viticulture and Enology program to promote DEI initiatives.
Increased investment in BIPOC wine brands.
“BIPOC brands are creating wines and spirits that are different and innovative,” Sunshine Foss, the founder of Happy Cork, a wine shop based in Brooklyn, New York, tells Cuisine Noir.
Foss explains that the store—which opened in 2019—prioritizes keeping the shelves stocked with diverse bottles. These brands experiment with different varietals, regions and blends that will help them stand out in the market and attract funding.
RELATED: Issa Rae and E&J Gallo Winery Announce Viarae Prosecco
What Wine Experts Plan to Sip in 2024
L’Objet Pinot Noir
While attending Taste of Black Excellence, a dinner series hosted by Chris Gaither, the fourth Black Master Sommelier in the world, McCrae fell in love with L’Objet’s pinot noir. The small-batch fermented grapes evoke a lush, velvety mouthfeel with a hint of deep-extracted fruit.
La Fête Rosé
No matter the season, Michel keeps a few bottles of rosè on rotation. But if the sommelier had to pick his go-to, currently it would be a blend—summoning vibrant strawberry grenadine and currant notes—produced by La Fête.
LVE French Rosé 2021
Celebrity brands continue to bring excitement to the market. Lately, Foss’s pick is John Legend’s LVE wines. The French rosé exudes profiles of peach blossom, raspberry and apricots.
For more information on Angela McCrae, follow her work by visiting the AAAV website and Instagram. Stay updated on Uncorked & Cultured through their website and Instagram.
For more information on Jean-Wesley Michel, follow his Instagram.
For more information on Sunshine Foss check out her website and follow her Instagram. To visit Happy Cork in person, head to 51 Buffalo Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11233.
