Top Wine Trends Revealed in Bibendum’s Latest Report

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Discover 2025's top wine trends: Aligoté’s rise, Spanish rosado's bold flavors, reimagined Chardonnay, and California Cabernet's comeback. Explore now!

The Future of Wine: Trends to Watch in 2025

The wine industry thrives on its ability to evolve while honoring tradition. As we approach 2025, Bibendum Wine’s latest report sheds light on emerging trends that promise to shape consumer preferences and redefine what fills our glasses. From a renewed appreciation for lesser-known varietals to the global reimagining of classics, the stage is set for a dynamic year in wine.

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Aligoté’s Renaissance: A Burgundy Underdog Steps Into the Spotlight

For years, Aligoté, Burgundy’s often-overlooked white grape, has quietly played second fiddle to Chardonnay. However, its time in the spotlight has arrived. According to Bibendum’s ‘Wine MODE’ tool, this varietal now features prominently in nearly seven out of 10 tracked venues and is increasingly appearing in "by-the-glass" menus.

What makes Aligoté so compelling? Its crisp acidity and citrus-forward profile make it a versatile partner for food pairings, from oysters to creamy goat cheeses. “Aligoté offers an affordable way to explore Burgundy without compromising quality,” notes a sommelier at a London-based fine dining venue. This accessibility is particularly appealing as consumers seek wines that balance sophistication with value.

Historically relegated to the role of Kir cocktail base, Aligoté's revival is bolstered by producers focusing on single-varietal bottlings that highlight its purity and vibrancy. Expect this underdog to continue its ascent, especially among younger wine enthusiasts seeking fresh alternatives.

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Rosado Revolution: Spain’s Answer to Complex Pairings

Long overshadowed by Provence rosés, Spanish rosado is staking its claim on restaurant lists across Europe and beyond. Bibendum reports that these weightier styles now appear in six out of 10 MODE venues, reflecting their growing popularity among trend-conscious drinkers.

Unlike their pale French counterparts, Spanish rosados—often made from Garnacha or Tempranillo—boast deeper hues and fuller bodies. This richness allows them to pair seamlessly with complex dishes such as spiced lamb or paella. “Rosado isn’t just for summer sipping anymore; it’s a year-round choice for adventurous palates,” explains Maria González, a Barcelona-based winemaker.

Spain's emphasis on terroir-driven winemaking has also elevated the category. Producers are crafting rosados that embody regional character while maintaining the vibrancy consumers crave. As more venues embrace these robust wines, they’re poised to challenge longstanding perceptions of rosé as merely light and breezy.

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Chardonnay Reimagined: From Margaret River to Affordable Burgundy

Few varietals have demonstrated resilience like Chardonnay. Whether it's the mineral-driven elegance of Chablis or the nuanced restraint emerging from Australia’s Margaret River and Yarra Valley regions, this grape continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

Bibendum highlights that affordable Burgundian Chardonnays are increasingly featured on wine lists—a nod to both quality-conscious consumers and supply chain realities. Meanwhile, Australian producers are redefining expectations by trading ripe tropical notes for subtlety and finesse akin to Old World styles.

“Margaret River Chardonnay combines Burgundian sophistication with New World vibrancy,” says Claire Thompson, head sommelier at a Michelin-starred Sydney restaurant. These wines appeal not only for their flavor profiles but also for their narrative: they represent innovation meeting tradition—a story today’s consumers find irresistible.

As sustainability remains top-of-mind for many buyers, producers in regions like Australia are also leveraging environmentally conscious practices. Organic farming methods and low-intervention winemaking further enhance Chardonnay’s allure as both a delicious and ethical choice.

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Cabernet Sauvignon: California's Bold Comeback

While classic Bordeaux blends will never fall out of favor, California Cabernet Sauvignon is enjoying renewed interest among connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike. Napa Valley and Santa Cruz Mountains remain key players in this renaissance, offering wines that marry power with precision.

Bibendum reports that two out of five MODE venues now feature Californian Cabernets prominently—a testament to their enduring appeal despite rising price points. These wines excel not only in showcasing ripe black fruit flavors but also in delivering complexity through layers of spice, tobacco, and cedar.

Producers like Ridge Vineyards and Silver Oak continue pushing boundaries by emphasizing site-specific expressions over sheer opulence. “There’s been a shift toward balance,” explains John Martinez, cellar master at an iconic Napa estate. “We’re crafting wines that respect their origins rather than chasing trends.”

Pairing opportunities abound with these structured reds—from chargrilled steaks to aged Gouda—making them indispensable for restaurateurs aiming to elevate their wine programs.

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Beyond Trends: What This Means for Consumers

As these trends gain traction globally, they reflect broader shifts in how we engage with wine today:

• Accessibility Meets Quality: Affordable expressions like Aligoté allow more people to experience high-quality winemaking without financial strain.
• Versatility Is Key: Rosado's newfound prominence underscores a desire for wines adaptable across seasons and cuisines.
• Sustainability Matters: Regions embracing eco-friendly practices are resonating deeply with ethically minded consumers.
• Storytelling Sells: From California Cabernets rooted in heritage vineyards to innovative Australian Chardonnays inspired by tradition—the narratives behind each bottle matter more than ever before.

The wine world thrives when it balances reverence for history with bold experimentation—and 2025 promises plenty of both.

Photo by Lee Myungseong on Unsplash