IN VINO VERITAS by JONATHON ALSOP | Boston MA, Dec. 29, 2024 — Every year this time, I’m called upon to predict the future of wine, in spite of the fact that most of the time I can’t even see the present that’s happening right in front of my face in the here and now.
January calls forth the spirit of the Roman god Janus, god of doorways, entrances and exits, with his two faces, one looking forward, the other back. You can tell the near future easily just by observing the present and the recent past, he says. The wisdom to see way into the future is the province of other deities, like wine writers, so here we go.
In 2025, more people will taste orange wine for the first time than have ever tasted it up till now.
In 2025, wine consumption worldwide will be down 20% to 25%. They call that numerology.
In 2025, you are going to cool on Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc and replace those with two Spanish whites: Verdejo and Albariño.
In 2025, someone working in a wine shop is going to say the words, “Try this Tannat from Uruguay.” And you will. And it will be good.
In 2025, skeevy will win wine word of the year, applied to natural wines that are a little too natural, or orange wines that are way too orange.
In 2025, you’ll taste your first English sparkling wine.
In 2025, Sydney Sweeney will release her own line of wines, and I already smell unrealistic flawlessness that can’t possibly be lived up to.
In 2025, you’ll pay $20 a glass for very mid restaurant wine and vow never again.
In 2025, you’re going to visit a vineyard or winery that’s less than an hour from where you live.
In 2025, Trader Joe’s will reduce the wine foot print in stores another 20%. Take “before” pictures now, please.
In 2025, you’re going to add the category “Slow Wine” to your natural / bio / organic wine vocabulary.
In 2025, the first sommeliers will be replaced in restaurants by robots after customers report the robot somms are more warm, friendly, and natural than the human version.
In 2025, you will have your first box wine since high school. And it will be good.