The world of wine in 2025 brings a transformation in taste and winemaking style for many producers, partly due to climate change.

Consumers are becoming increasingly attentive to the origin of products, preferring healthy, sustainable and authentic wines. In addition, technology brings new experiences in tasting and purchasing.

Sustainability and organic wines

In recent years, sustainability has gone from being a simple trend to a true standard in the wine industry. Wineries around the world, but especially in Europe, are enthusiastically adopting organic, biodynamic and renewable methods, which not only protect the environment, but also enhance the quality of the wine.

What do organic and biodynamic wines mean?

Organic wines are produced from grapes grown without pesticides, herbicides or chemical fertilizers. On the other hand, biodynamic wines go further, applying holistic principles that take into account the natural cycles of the earth, including the phases of the moon and cosmic influences.

These methods help protect biodiversity, maintain soil health and reduce the carbon footprint of each harvest.

Why choose organic wines?

In addition to the ecological benefits, organic and biodynamic wines offer an authentic experience for consumers. Their taste reflects the terroir naturally, without excessive technological interventions or chemical additions.

Moreover, in 2025, more and more consumers are becoming aware of the impact of their choices on the planet, preferring healthy, clean and responsible products.

The trend towards sustainability is also supported by strict regulations at European and international levels. Wineries are investing in renewable energy, eco-friendly packaging and regenerative agricultural practices, thus strengthening the position of organic wines in the market.

No or Low Alcohol Wines (NOLO)

In 2025, the NOLO segment continues to grow, fueled by technological innovations in the production process that preserve the aromatic characteristics of traditional wine. For wine lovers who want to avoid alcohol, these options represent a responsible and tasty choice.

Why are NOLO wines growing in popularity?

There are several reasons that determine this trend: health and a balanced lifestyle. But let's not rule out the hot summers of recent years. Non-alcoholic sparkling wines, as well as rosé or white wines with a low alcohol content (below 8%) offer a wide range of flavors and textures. NOLO wines are ideal for those who do not consume alcohol for personal, religious or health reasons, but want to participate in festive moments.

Alternative packaging, eco-friendly cans, boxes and bottles

Why is wine packaging changing?

As environmental concerns grow, producers are looking for more sustainable and economical packaging solutions that are also adapted to the young consumer. New wine formats are easy to transport, environmentally friendly (thanks to recyclable or reusable materials), and ideal for informal occasions: picnics, festivals, travel or outdoor parties

Popular types of alternative packaging:

• Canned wine - Canned wine is no longer a fad. It is elegant, portioned, easy to cool and perfect for an active lifestyle. Premum producers Domeniile Averești and Familia Darabont have launched such assortments.

• Bag-in-box - A reinvented classic. Modern bag-in-boxes are aesthetic, keep wine fresh longer and reduce the carbon footprint by up to 80% compared to classic glass. They are perfect for everyday consumption and have an affordable price.

• Light and eco-friendly bottles - Wineries are adopting recyclable, lighter, short-necked or creatively shaped bottles to reduce transport weight and energy consumption.

Benefits of eco-friendly packaging for wineries and consumers:

• Reduction in transport and storage costs
• Reduced environmental impact
• Accessibility and innovation in consumption
• Adaptability to new generations (Gen Z & Millennials), who prefer responsible and versatile products

Premiumization, quality instead of quantity

One of the most visible trends of 2025 in the world of wine is “premiumization”, a concept that reflects consumers’ desire to invest in quality wines, with a clear identity and authentic stories, even when the budget is moderate.

What does premiumization mean in wine?

Premiumization does not just mean expensive wine, but a change in mentality: instead of buying large quantities, consumers choose better wines, with traceability, authentic terroir and a memorable tasting experience.

“Premium” wines are perceived as:

• Expressive and well-crafted
• Authentic, without artifice or empty marketing
• Linked to a story, either of the winery or the place of origin
• Transparent labels, with clear information about the origin and winemaking methods
• Quality, not luxurious labels

Even in the €10-15 wine category, consumers are looking for wines that convey emotion and identity. Artistic labels, artisanal producers and small-scale wines with a big impact are in the spotlight.

The focus is on:

• Local or rare varieties
• Microproductions and limited editions
• Distinctive flavors that reflect local terroir

Young consumers, especially Millennials and Gen Z, are the main promoters of premiumization. They choose to drink wine less often, but when they do, they choose consciously and documented, preferring quality and sustainability over mass products.

Restaurants and wine bars are also increasingly promoting artisanal, natural or biodynamic wines with a story, even in accessible menus.

Digitalization and interactive experiences

Technology is changing the way we interact with wine: augmented reality on labels, virtual tours in wineries, pairing apps and personalized recommendations through AI. Thus, the experience becomes captivating and educational.

Ancestral wines and traditional methods

Old winemaking methods such as fermentation in clay amphorae, the use of natural yeast and the minimization of technological intervention are returning to the attention of producers for authenticity and expression of terroir. The use of amphorae is increasingly common as tests in wineries in Romania.

Orange wine and natural wines

Natural wines, not heavily barrique and without additives, as well as orange wines (with maceration of the skins in white wine, the production method of red wine), offer unusual aromas and an authentic experience. They are the perfect choice for taste explorers and many gastronomic associations.

• Local orange wine producers: Crama Avincis, Crama Bauer, Crama Budureasca, Domeniul Vlădoi, Crama Liliac, Crama Petro Vaselo, Cramele Recaș, Crama Dradara, Crama Velo.
• Local natural wine producers: Agape, Ferdi

Emerging regions in winemaking

Consumer curiosity is transforming the way we discover wine. Beyond the big classic names like France, Italy, Spain, more and more wine lovers are heading to emerging regions, where authentic terroir and native varieties offer unexpectedly valuable experiences.

What are emerging regions?

Emerging wine regions are areas that have not been in the international spotlight until recently, but are increasingly gaining traction due to:

• Rising quality of wines produced
• Unique, indigenous grape varieties
• Affordable prices for value
• Strong storytelling, often tied to the revival of local traditions

Emerging regions to watch in 2025

As the global wine scene continues to evolve, 2025 marks a shift in focus from the big, traditional producers – France, Italy and California – to emerging, lesser-known wine regions. These areas are gaining recognition for their unique terroirs, indigenous grape varieties and boutique producers eager to experiment.

Some countries considered emerging in the world of wine

• Romania - Between tradition and modernity
• Greece - Ancient vines, modern vision
• Mexico - From Tequila to Terroir
• Croatia - Coastal elegance meets red wines with tenacity
• Brazil - Beyond sparkling wines, towards global quality
• Lebanon - Bold wines from the cradle of wine
• India - The rising star of the subcontinent
• China - Quantity meets aspiring quality

In 2025, wine is more than a drink, it is a complex experience, combining sustainability, authenticity, technology and diversity. Be open to exploring new wines, choosing responsibly and enjoying the stories behind each bottle.

26/07/2025

Alina Iancu