Another year has come and gone – and it certainly wasn’t without its challenges.
The on-trade picture isn’t particularly rosy: wine has been affected by the economic environment and changing shape of on trade occasions, with restaurants driving declines as consumers cut back on meals out – with the additional challenges for young consumers entering the category.
But where there are challenges, there are also opportunities – read below for our insights team’s predictions on trends shaping the next year for wine in the on trade.
Macro-trends shaping the market
Focus on mid-sections
Consumers will want to spend on options that are either affordable or meaningful – we therefore anticipate reduced duplications, such as two Sauvignon Blancs at similar price points, with wines in the mid-section needing a compelling justification for their place on the list.
Premium by-the-glass offering
With moderation and affordability front of mind, wines by the glass reduce the risk of overspending and provide a safe way to trade up. By-the-glass will be a key focus to engage consumers and drive margin growth, particularly when supported by wine preservation systems.
High-end rosé
Upmarket on-trade operators are capitalising on the demand for French rosé, with a higher-than-average selling price, by tiering Provence rosé offerings, a trend likely to expand across more menus in 2026.
Default to ‘safe’ options
Premium MODE* menus are focused on France and Italy, with fewer Austrian and Greek options. These safe varietals act as essential anchors within a wine list and are a must-have, while operators that implement strong product laddering and a thoughtful menu structure are likely to outperform.
Broadening sparkling wine ranges
In 2025, sparkling wine declined at a slower pace than other wine categories, making it a key area of focus for operators seeking growth. While Prosecco and Champagne remain staples, 2026 is set to introduce more options that bridge the gap, such as English Sparkling Wine, French Crémant, and New World sparkling styles from origins like South Africa and Australia.
Lighter Reds
Red wines have struggled with consistent declines in recent years. However, in premium spaces, lighter styles such as Pinot Noir and Grenache are gaining share of listings. As drinking occasions shift earlier in the day, lighter reds are increasingly positioned to compete with refreshing whites and rosés, carving out space traditionally occupied by beer and cider.
Top 10 Wine Trends for 2026
Considering these market shifts and using Wine MODE*, our insights team have picked out the trends to watch for 2026!
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Pinot Noir – Beyond Burgundy
Pinot Noir leads all still wine varieties in growth of listings in MODE venues – notably from Burgundy, but also from origins such as the US, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand. This reflects a willingness to explore and a curiosity to try diverse expressions of Pinot Noir.
Try Kopp Spatburgunder Roter Porphyr 2017
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French Whites – A shift beyond the classics
Led by classics from Burgundy, Loire Valley and Bordeaux, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc dominate growth, but interest is expanding to lesser-known varieties such as Marsanne blends, Vermentino, Altesse, Sylvaner, Chasselas and Rolle.
Try Alain Jaume Cotes du Rhone Haut de Brun 2022
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Australian Shiraz – Cool climate heroes
While traditional bold, ripe styles and iconic brands remain the hallmark, Shiraz from cooler-climates such as Yarra Valley, Adelaide Hills and Eden Valley are gaining traction.
Try Battle of Bosworth Organic Puritan Shiraz 2022
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Piedmont Whites – A diverse heritage
Classic grapes such as Cortese, Timorasso and Arneis lead this growth, often celebrated for their freshness and depth, while some venues are showcasing lesser-known varieties like Nascetta and Favorita, indicating a broader curiosity for Piedmont’s diverse heritage.
Try Giovanni Rosso Roero Arneis 2022
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White Rioja – Wide range of styles
White Rioja is increasingly popular, with styles ranging from fresh, fruit-driven Crianza to complex, oak-aged Gran Reservas, showcasing vibrant acidity and layered fruit through to nutty, honeyed examples.
Try Remirez de Ganuza Blanco Reserva 2020
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Spanish Garnacha – ‘The Grenaissance’
Grenache is experiencing a resurgence as winemakers craft more refined, elegant expressions with minimal oak influence, from regions such as Sierra de Gredos, Navarra, Catalonia, and Aragon.
Try Particular Old Vine Garnacha Tinto vintage
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Alsace – Rise of the next generation
Growth is evident beyond the typical Riesling, extending to blended whites and Pinot Noir. A new generation of winemakers is honouring tradition while embracing modern techniques, with improving climatic conditions enabling better ripening in this northern region.
Try Jean Biecher Organic Moshi Moshi 2020
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California – Resurgence of iconic classics
This year sees a renewed focus on Californian wines, with classics such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay – particularly from iconic brands – showing the strongest growth. Diversity is, however, increasing, with more styles from Zinfandel, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Riesling, and Viognier.
Try Morgan Double L Vineyard Chardonnay 2020
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English Still Wine – The Sparkling halo effect
English Sparkling Wine listings (in MODE venues) are far surpassing French Crémant and Italian sparkling wines, the next most popular choices. This popularity is creating a halo effect, boosting interest in still styles. Warmer, more consistent growing conditions are improving quality and reliability, with key varieties including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Bacchus, Pinot Blanc, and Meunier.
Try Balfour Luke’s Pinot Noir
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Portuguese Rosé – A diversity of styles
Typically crafted from indigenous grapes such as Touriga Nacional, Baga, and Ramisco, these wines often have a fuller-bodied style. However, lighter examples from regions like Vinho Verde also feature, highlighting the diversity of rosés produced in Portugal.
Try Quinta de Pedra Alta Rosé
*Wine MODE captures wine trends as they evolve at the top end of the UK On Trade market.