Trends shaping and millennial wine drinking behaviour in 2017

Monday, 16 January, 2017
iol.co.za
It is predicted that millennials will increasingly contribute to sales in the fine wine category. 

Although this ‘trend’ has been noted in international markets, local millennials are also embarking on the serious task of being seen to learn about subjects associated with status – such as fine wine appreciation, starting a wine cellar or attending wine tastings – a fun trend that bids well for wine brands in 2017.

Nicolò Stortiglione Pudel, of Port2Port – an online marketplace of fine wine – says this trend, combined with numerous interesting developments taking place in the local wine industry right now, will result in an exciting 2017 for the whole wine industry, from winemakers to consumers, and specifically marketers who are eager to think outside the box when it comes to promoting wine to this new, eager and engaged group of wine lovers. 
 
According to Pudel, the following trends in the South African wine landscape will influence millennial wine-drinking behaviour in 2017 – and vice versa: 
 
Wine by design 
 
As in fashion, will become an interesting point of discussion in 2017: “This idea is one that is very successfully championed by winemaker Bruwer Raats. The Raats Family Wines Eden Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc, are produced from newly planted vines. His argument? For all the excitement about old vines, he says by starting from scratch he is looking for quality by design rather than by accident.”
 
International interest in South Africa’s fine wines. 
 
Increased connectivity is accompanied by an increased focus on South Africa and its value-for-money premium wine offerings. South Africa’s reputation for producing fantastic wines is becoming well-established among the global wine community; the millennial wine drinker is more connected, and actively seeks out online retailers offering immediate access to wines from all over the world. This interest in new world countries will increasingly translate into more sales for local wineries offering their product on the right platform.  
 
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