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Top 5 Wine Trends
Wine

Top 5 Wine Trends

Seeking a taste of the latest Australian wine trends? Look no further and discover the styles and varieties making waves in Aussie wine glasses. 

Our Meet the Makers catalogue explores the latest and most exciting trends shaping the Australian wine industry. From the rise of fruit-forward, lighter-style Shiraz to modern, lightly oaked Chardonnay, discover how winemakers across the country are pushing boundaries and redefining traditional styles. 

We’ve also highlighted the growing category of alternative wines, along with Aussie drops that prioritise sustainability and organic practices in their production. 

But is wine losing popularity? Despite declining global wine consumption, Wine Australia’s Market Insights Report reveals that Australia is right up there as one of the world’s top 10 wine-consuming markets. Australia has also become more attractive and appealing globally compared to other markets since 2022. 

The buzz surrounding these trending wines suggests a promising future for the wine industry that includes plenty of stellar Aussie wines for enthusiasts to enjoy. 

So, dive in and get up to speed on the current wine trends that are captivating wine lovers, then shop our Meet the Makers catalogue to try them for yourself! 

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WHAT ARE THE TRENDS IN WINE IN AUSTRALIA?

St Hallett Wines in the Barossa Valley

Wine glass filled with Shiraz

WINE TREND #1 – FRUIT-FORWARD, LIGHTER-STYLE SHIRAZ

Let’s kick things off with an all-time Aussie favourite, Shiraz.

Traditionally, Australian Shiraz styles were of the big and bold variety. However, the current trend when it comes to this popular red, made famous by regions like the Barossa Valley, is to produce something a little lighter in style. 

Fruit-forward, medium-bodied Shiraz is really shining right now. The plush textures and approachability of these ‘nouveau’ styles make them super versatile and food-friendly, so they’re ticking a lot of boxes for wine lovers.

The Barossa’s St Hallett is one Aussie producer well and truly on board with this Shiraz trend. With a rich heritage dating back to 1944, they are rooted in tradition yet also committed to innovation and exploration, continually pushing the boundaries of winemaking to create new and exciting expressions. Their approachable, lighter-style Blockhead Shiraz Nouveau is a new twist on traditional Barossa Shiraz. 

What is the most consumed wine in Australia? Shiraz is, and this trend is keeping it fresh!

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The family behind the Robert Stein Winery in Mudgee

A glass of Chardonnay wine

WINE TREND #2 - FRUIT-FORWARD, MODERN CHARDONNAY

If you ask, ‘What wine is popular in Australia?’, a common answer would be, no doubt, Chardonnay. It is, after all, the world’s most popular white wine. 

Keen wine fans will know, however, that the popularity of Chardonnay in Australia has had its ups and downs over the years, so the range of styles being produced is constantly evolving and being refined. 

Of all the white varietals, Chardonnay responds best to winemaker influence. Aussie winemakers like Jacob Stein of Mudgee’s Robert Stein Winery is just one of many makers crafting sophisticated, modern Chardonnay, where natural fruit flavours take centre stage.

This trend of fruit-driven elegance with minimal oak influence makes this style a refreshing and expressive take on the much-loved varietal. The resulting wines appeal to a broad range of palates while remaining elegant and refined. 

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Cath and Russ Oates from Oates End winery in Margaret River

Oaked Sauv Blanc in a wine glass

WINE TREND #3 – OAK INFLUENCE IN SAUV BLANC & BLENDS

The next Australian wine trend we love is the elegant influence of oak, which we’re seeing in some stellar Sauvignon Blanc wines and Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon blends.

These innovative wines blend tradition with experimentation, offering an intriguing and delicious twist by incorporating oak barrel ageing. 

Oates End is the featured maker of this trend. Cath and Russ Oates are the driving force of the winery in Margaret River, and at Oates End, innovation and sustainability go hand in hand with quality winemaking. Their Bourdeaux-style white blend is a testament to their commitment to capturing the essence of the vineyard and pushing boundaries, with oak fermentation adding extra layers of complexity to the final product. 

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Aaron Mercer of Mercer Wines

Red wine glass with red wine grapes

WINE TREND #4 – SUSTAINABLE WINE

One of the wine industry trends currently making waves in Australia and around the world is the increasing focus on sustainability and organic practices. With consumers becoming more conscious of their environmental impact, wineries are embracing eco-conscious methods throughout the grape growing and production process to reduce their footprint and preserve the land for future generations.

The demand for sustainable wines is on the rise in Australia, with consumers regularly seeking out wines produced using environmentally sustainable methods including biodynamics. From vineyard management to packaging, the industry is evolving to meet this growing demand, paving the way for a more sustainable future in wine production.

Aaron Mercer of Mercer Wines is known for his commitment to sustainability and crafting high-quality, approachable wines. With an eye to the future, he sources grapes from sustainable vineyards throughout NSW, offering a diverse range of varieties tailored to adapt to a changing climate. His Mercer Wines Vermentino Bianco features in our Meet the Makers Young Guns mixed and white selections.

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David Hook from David Hook Wines

Red wine in glasses with red wine grapes

WINE TREND #5 – ALTERNATIVE WINES

Number 5 in our list of current wine consumption trends is alternative wines. Also referred to as ‘emerging’ or ‘new-wave’ varietals, alternative wines are those that are not in the mainstream. They tend to be less commonly planted and appear less often in retail outlets and on wine lists, and many have only been in Australia a short time (though some have been here for a long time). 

Among the array of alternative wine choices, Mediterranean varietals stand out as clear favourites. Hailing from sun-soaked regions like Italy and Spain, these captivating varietals include Fiano, Vermentino, Sangiovese and Montepulciano. Known for being great companions to food, they are enchanting wine enthusiasts with their charm.

Hunter Valley winemaker David Hook is well-known for his exploration of alternative wines, producing many varieties including Vermentino, Percorino, Barbera and Nebbiolo. He’s our ‘maker’ pick for this wine trend, with his 2023 Pecorino featuring in our Meet the Makers Alternative mixed and white selections.  

What is the future of the wine market? Only time will tell, but producers are forging ahead, committed to ensuring the vitality of the Australian wine industry. With their suitability for our climate, alternative wines are poised to play a pivotal role in shaping this future.

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Whether it’s the approachability of nouveau-style Shiraz or the allure of sustainable winemaking practices, we hope our exploration of these trends has inspired you to raise a glass to the innovative spirit of Australian winemakers. 

Learn more about Australian wine

Two Blues Sauvignon Blanc 2014
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