The IWSR recently released a study that showed while overall wine consumption volumes have dipped a bit, the wine drinking population has actually grown. In fact, the number of regular wine drinkers (RWD) grew by 14 million between 2021 and 2022.
This momentum is mainly coming from those under the age of 40, while the on-premise has also been key to the revival of wine participation. In the case of bars, 2022’s number of RWDs is higher than they were in 2019. Millennials (25-39) and Gen X (40-54) are driving the rise in on-premise consumption, as Boomers (55+) typically drink less out of home due to a hesitancy to return to busy venues post-pandemic.
According to the IWSR report, “The return of RWDs to hospitality venues helps to explain the apparent paradox of more regular wine drinkers yet declining volume consumption: a larger number of people are drinking out, rather than at home, which is more expensive and, therefore, occurs more infrequently.”
Also affecting this trend is the growing movement toward moderation. Wine drinkers are drinking more regularly, but in smaller volumes when they do. They are also opting for more premium offerings when choosing to drink wine, with premium, super-premium, ultra-premium, and prestige wine volumes all increasing.
Now is the time to harness the positive momentum in wine participation. And for the on-premise, that means providing experience-led drinking occasions to provide differentiation from the at-home occasion. Offering more creative tasting experiences and/or a wider range of wine varietals, can help drive excitement amongst younger LDA wine drinkers. Everything from N/A wines and lower ABV wines to canned wines and more premium offerings are great additions to a venue’s wine list.
Fortunately, the Bar & Restaurant Expo will be showcasing a variety of wine options on the show floor for you to peruse and sample.
Here’s a round-up of some of the wine booths and activations you can’t miss!
Prosecco Lounge, Booth RZ5 & RZ6
New to the expo floor this year is the Prosecco Lounge, located in the Restaurant Zone. The Lounge is co-sponsored by Beyer Entertainment, which offers a variety of entertainment options for bars including pianos, and wine and spirits importer Enovation Brands, which sells Voga, Alberto Nani, Gemma di Luna, Ca Montini.
In the lounge, attendees will be able to sample Gemma di Luna prosecco while enjoying music played on a luxury piano. Talk about upping the on-premise imbibing experience!
Get Your Frosé On in Booth 1054
If you’re looking for a unique wine product to differentiate your establishment, look no further than Booth 1054, featuring Bloomers Frozen Drinks and Hampton Water Wine.
Bloomers Frozen Drinks is a CBD frosé mix that can be blended with ice and any bottle of prosecco, rosé, or Sauvignon blanc to make a delicious frozen wine beverage. Stop by their booth at the show to experience the mix blended with the French rosé Hampton Water Wine. The wine was created by Jon Bon Jovi, his son Jesse Bongiovi, and winemaker Gérard Bertrand.
The Number-One French Wine in Booth 23
Fine wines importer Advantage International will be showcasing J.P. Chenet, which is the number-one French wine brand in the world. With its instantly recognizable slanted bottle and delicious fruitiness, the wine is a great addition to your menus.
Wine by Lamborghini Revs Up in Booth 1050
Did you know that after retiring from the car business, Ferruccio Lamborghini went back to his roots as a farmer? In the ‘60s, he purchased an estate in Italy that lies between the south side of the Trasimeno lake and the medieval village of Panicale and began planting different grape varieties.
Today, Wines by Lamborghini offers quality fancy wines and premium Italian wines that can help your bar/restaurant meet consumer demand for premium wine offerings.
New Zealand Wines in Booth RZ4
More premium wine offerings will be on display from global wine company Delegat USA Inc. and its Oyster Bay brand of super premium New Zealand wines. Oyster Bay’s elegant and fragrant wines have captured the essence and purity of flavor of New Zealand’s maritime climate and alluvial soils – and the hearts of wine lovers the world over.
Non-Alcoholic Wine Offerings in Booth 9 of the Non-Alc Chill Zone
Thomson & Scott’s Noughty alcohol-free wines will be on display in the Non-Alc Chill Zone. With everything from sparkling to rouge and blanc varieties, now those customers who are looking to imbibe in moderation can have their wine and drink it too!
Japanese Food & Beverage Pavilion Serves Up Wine in Booth J26
Takara Sake USA Inc. will be showcasing not only sake, but also Takara Plum Wine in the all-new Japanese Food & Beverage Pavilion. According to Takara, “Plum wine is a traditional drink called ume-shu that has been enjoyed by Japanese people through the centuries. The bold flavor of ripened fruits and rich caramel notes that is characteristic of this beverage is created by combining shochu — white liquor — and ume, the Japanese plum.”
World Tea Expo Gets in on Wine in Booth 1160
Australian Tea Masters Pty Ltd is the largest and most accredited tea blending business in Australia, and its Founder and CEO Sharyn Johnston will be showing a new tea-infused wine.
These are just some of the wines and wine equipment/accessories you can see on the show floor from March 28-29. Be sure to register today!
Plan to Attend or Participate in Bar & Restaurant Expo, March 27-29, 2023
To learn more about the latest trends, issues and hot topics, and to experience and taste the best products within the bar, restaurant and hospitality industry, plan to attend Bar & Restaurant Expo, March 27-29, 2023 in Las Vegas. Visit BarandRestaurantExpo.com.
To book your sponsorship or exhibit space at Bar & Restaurant Expo, contact:
Veronica Gonnello (for companies A to G) e: [email protected] p: 212-895-8244
Tim Schultz (for companies H to Q) e: [email protected]p: (917) 258-8589
Fadi Alsayegh (for companies R to Z) e: [email protected]p: 917-258-5174
Also, be sure to follow Bar & Restaurant on Facebook and Instagram for all the latest industry news and trends.