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The Top Wine Trends Set to Shape 2026: What Buyers Should Know at IBWSS UK

Photo for: The Top Wine Trends Set to Shape 2026: What Buyers Should Know at IBWSS UK

These categories are set to define the UK market in 2026, offering the best opportunities for private labels and import portfolios.

09/09/2025

Every year, the London Wine Competition brings together some of the UK’s most influential sommeliers, buyers, and importers to evaluate wines not just on quality, but also value and packaging. 

Ahead of IBWSS UK, we asked this year’s judges what wine trend excites them most for 2026. Their answers reveal where consumer demand — and business opportunities — are heading.

1. Low & No Alcohol Wines Gain Ground

“The growing focus on low- and zero-alcohol wines is one of the most exciting changes I see coming,” says Michele Orbolato, Head of Wine & Sake at Thesleff Group and judge at the 2026 London Wine Competition.

Michele Orbolato

Michele Orbolato

Angelo Lorea, Head of Wine at The Roof Gardens, agrees: “Low and No alcohol wines seem to be the next big thing.”

- For IBWSS UK buyers, this highlights a huge opening in both bulk sourcing and private label development.

2. Heritage Grapes & Authenticity Return

Maria Boumpa, Wine Director at two-Michelin-starred Da Terra, notes: “The revival of heritage and nearly-forgotten indigenous grapes excites me most.”

Maria Boumpa

Maria Boumpa

Anastasios Karakasis, Head of Wine at Lilibets Mayfair, echoes the shift: “I’m enjoying that people now go more and more toward authenticity in wine.”

- For importers and distributors, the push for authentic, story-driven varietals is creating fresh portfolio opportunities.

3. Sparkling Resurgence

“Resurgence for Champagne!” declares Tim Triptree MW, International Director of Wines & Spirits at Christie’s.

Meanwhile, Elizabeth Mellish, Head Sommelier at Gleneagles Townhouse, is excited about fizz outside of France: “I’m really excited about the growing focus on premium sparkling wines beyond Champagne.”

Elizabeth Mellish

Elizabeth Mellish

- Sparkling categories represent premium growth potential across UK retail and on-trade.

4. Sustainability as a Core Expectation

Yves Desmaris, Senior Sommelier at Galvin La Chapelle, underlines: “Sustainability winemaking practices are increasingly important.”

Daniele Palomba, Head of Wine, adds: “Sustainability: lighter packaging significantly matters.”

Antonio Palmarini, Head Sommelier at Nela, expands: “There isn’t just one trend, but rather a shift toward holistic, sustainable practices.”

Antonio Palmarini

Antonio Palmarini

- For IBWSS UK attendees, this shows sustainability is no longer optional — it’s a deciding factor for listings.

5. Orange, Natural & Alternative Styles

“Orange wine, which keeps growing,” says Carla Bertellotti, Managing Director at Vinos Latinos.

Antonio Palmarini also emphasizes that buyers are embracing holistic approaches that often align with minimal-intervention styles.

- This category is resonating with younger drinkers and represents a growing on-trade talking point.

6. Emerging Regions & Small Producers

Valeria Rodriguez, Director of Fine Wines & Prestige Sales, highlights: “A drive to discover small producers and unusual regions.”

Valeria Rodriguez

Valeria Rodriguez

Joanna Nerantzi, Head Sommelier at 5 Hertford Street, adds: “Emerging wine regions will take over wine lists by 2026.”

- For importers, this is an invitation to source differently and bring new origins to the UK market.

7. Market Recovery & Innovation

“The wine market’s expected recovery in 2026 will spark new energy across categories,” predicts Seray Kocaemre, Founder of Fabulator Vino.

Matteo Furlan, Head of Wines at The Dorchester, reflects: “With wine consumption reducing a lot, I’m excited about how producers will adapt with quality and creativity.”

Dan Belmont, Wine Buyer at Good Wine Good People, adds: “We’re going to continue to drive quality and diversity across wine programs.”

- For IBWSS UK buyers, this means now is the time to innovate portfolios and prepare for renewed consumer engagement.

8. Country-Specific Growth Stories

Sara Muirhead MW, freelance wine consultant, points to “the increasing prevalence of high-quality independent wineries being recognized.”

- These insights underline where new sourcing opportunities may emerge for UK trade.

9. A Touch of Humor

Beans Boughton MW, Buyer at Alliance Wine, offered a lighter perspective: “My first glass on January 1st.” Even in trend forecasting, the joy of wine remains at the center.

Beans Boughton MW

Beans Boughton MW

Key Takeaway for IBWSS UK

From low/no alcohol and sustainability to heritage grapes and emerging regions, the 2026 London Wine Competition judges offer a roadmap for the future of the UK wine market.

Wines

For IBWSS UK attendees, these insights translate directly into sourcing strategies:

- Build low/no alcohol private label ranges.
- Champion authentic varietals and heritage stories.
- Prioritize sustainability and packaging innovation.
- Explore new regions and producers for differentiation.

Join us at IBWSS UK in London this November to connect with the buyers, importers, and producers who are shaping these trends into tomorrow’s wine business opportunities.

Also Read:
Sara Muirhead MW to Host LWC Winners Masterclass at IBWSS UK 2025
From San Francisco to London — The Global Bulk Wine & Spirits Conversation Continues

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