The London Wine Competition brings together some of the UK’s most respected sommeliers, buyers, and wine professionals. We asked this year’s judges what trend excites them most for 2026. Their answers highlight where the market — and consumer demand — is heading.

Rediscovering Rarity and Heritage

Georgios Iordanidis (Head of Wine, Annabel’s) looks forward to “people drinking rare wines again instead of hoarding them.”

Maria Boumpa (Wine Director, Da Terra) is excited by “the revival of heritage and nearly-forgotten indigenous grapes.”

Anastasios Karakasis (Head of Wine & Wine Buyer at Bacchanalia) notes a positive shift as “people now go more and more toward authenticity in wine.”

These voices point to consumers embracing heritage, provenance, and authenticity — and buyers rewarding producers who bring them to market.

Low & No Alcohol Takes Center Stage

Michele Orbolato (Thesleff Group) sees growth in “low- and zero-alcohol wines.”

Angelo Lorea (The Roof Gardens) agrees: “Low and No alcohol wines seem to be the next big thing.”

Elizabeth Mellish (Gleneagles Townhouse) adds that she’s “really excited about the growing focus on premium sparkling wines beyond Champagne,” tying premium fizz to mindful drinking.

The low/no trend is firmly established and climbing, representing an opportunity for both bulk wine producers and private label buyers.

Sparkling Energy

Tim Triptree MW (Christie’s) predicts a “resurgence for Champagne!”

Elizabeth Mellish expands this to include premium sparkling from beyond Champagne — a category that continues to win new fans.

Sustainability and Responsibility

Yves Desmaris (Galvin La Chapelle) highlights that “sustainable winemaking practices are increasingly important.”

Daniele Palomba underscores packaging: “Sustainability: lighter packaging significantly matters.”

Antonio Palmarini (Nela) sees a bigger cultural move: “There isn’t just one trend, but rather a shift toward holistic, sustainable practices.”

For the UK trade, eco-conscious sourcing and packaging are not just buzzwords but core buyer expectations.

Orange, Natural, and Alternative Styles

Carla Bertellotti (Vinos Latinos) is watching “orange wine, which keeps growing.”

Antonio Palmarini adds to this with his call for holistic and authentic approaches, which often align with natural and minimal-intervention wines.

Emerging Regions & Small Producers

Valeria Rodriguez is energized by “a drive to discover small producers and unusual regions.”

Joanna Nerantzi (5 Hertford Street) expects “emerging wine regions to take over wine lists by 2026.”

For importers and distributors, this signals a clear opening: seek out and champion the new regions.

Market Recovery and Consumer Behavior

Seray Kocaemre (Fabulator Vino) sees hope in “the market’s expected recovery in 2026, which will spark new energy.”

Matteo Furlan (The Dorchester) observes, “With wine consumption reducing, I’m excited about how producers will adapt with quality and creativity.”

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

Country-Specific Strengths

Paul Grimwood sees promise in “the growth of high-quality Spanish wine production.”

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

Lighter & Playful Perspectives

Beans Boughton MW (Alliance Wine) shared a cheeky take: “My first glass on January 1st.”

A reminder that while trends matter, wine enjoyment remains at the heart of it all.

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The 2026 Wine Landscape: What It Means for Buyers and Producers

From low/no alcohol wines to heritage grapes, sustainability, and the rise of emerging regions, judges’ insights reveal a market driven by authenticity, responsibility, and innovation.

For producers, this means now is the time to:

- Invest in sustainable practices and lighter packaging.

- Explore and champion heritage varietals and authentic regional expressions.

- Innovate in low/no and sparkling categories.

- Position wines to appeal to UK buyers seeking quality and differentiation.

The judges shaping the London Wine Competition are the same professionals who decide what gets poured in restaurants, stocked in retail, and listed by distributors. Their vision for 2026 is a roadmap for where the market is heading.

Also Read:
Top Tips for Entering the London Wine Competition – Straight from the Judges
Meet the Judges: Maria Boumpa, Wine Director & Restaurant Manager at Da Terra
Meet the Judge: Georgios Iordanidis, Head of Wine at Annabel’s