It’s always tricky looking ahead and trying to predict the future, especially during times of such uncertainty. But we like a challenge, so have put together a list of some of the top trends that are expected to make a big impression in the world of wine this year.

If you’re looking to broaden your wine horizons in 2022, here are some tips to get you started.

Heading off the Beaten Track

Not wanting to start on a negative, but the post Brexit post Covid 19 world faces many challenges, not least a few supply issues.

While others see problems, this actually opens up a world of possibility with the opportunity to try new wines and experiment with new grapes and regions.

Whilst your favourite wine might not be available, you can bet there’ll be something just as good-if not better-waiting to be discovered. You just might have to dig a little deeper and head off the beaten track to uncover a real gem.

There are many wine regions that have worked hard to make a name for themselves in recent years, Croatia, Greece and Eastern Europe (with Romania and Hungary leading the charge) spring to mind.

This is definitely the year when being bold in your wine choices and trying something new could really pay off.

Natural Wine

For a while, natural wine has been something of a curiosity, hanging about on the fringes of the wine industry, but it shows no sign of being a fad.

So what is a natural wine? While there is no legal definition (yet!) natural wine is generally understood to be simply fermented grape juice with nothing added. So the grapes are grown organically and hand harvested, the juice is fermented with naturally occurring ‘wild’ yeasts and there is nothing added during the winemaking process.

The wine is also left unfiltered, which all leads to a drink that is somewhat more challenging than your average bottle of wine, with funky aromas and complex flavours.

It’s fair to say that natural wine is a voyage of discovery, but worth the time if you want to discover a bottle that is a perfectly pure reflection of its origins.

Champagne Alternatives

Even the illustrious Champagne region has not been able to escape the issues of last year. Add a smaller harvest and high demand into the mix and there has been less Champagne around than usual in recent months.

But this clears the way for some of the other traditional method sparkling wines to step out of the shadows and claim the spotlight. And not before time!

Leading the way has to be the UK wine industry, with a growing reputation for producing top quality English fizz made in the same way as Champagne.

France also produces some lovely Cremant wines, all made in the traditional method and aged on their lees to give that characteristic toasty flavour. Likewise Cava is a great value and long underappreciated traditional method sparkling wine which is overdue a revival.

Sustainability Rules

Sustainability has been a hot topic, with many of us reevaluating our lifestyle to see where we can make some changes and live more sustainably. Even the wine industry is not immune to the need to act now to protect the future of the planet.

From more sustainable packaging, like cans and pouches, to organic wine and supporting carbon neutral wineries like Adobe, there are lots of ways to indulge your love of wine and live more sustainably.

Low and no alcohol Wines

Low and no alcohol wines have been around for a while, but in recent times they have improved in quality and become a real option when looking to cut down on alcohol without compromising on taste.

Whether you’re looking for a short term solution, or are wanting to reduce your alcohol intake permanently, there are now a wealth of drinks available, from naturally low alcohol wines like Moscato d’Asti or wines from innovators like Miguel Torres, and you won’t be embarrassed to take any of them to a party!

There has never been a better time to experiment and try something new. There is a wealth of truly exciting wine out there just waiting to be discovered, so be bold and you won’t regret it.