As we raise a glass to 2026, David Carne looks into his crystal ball to predict what lies in store this year for wine lovers

Recent years have been challenging for the wine industry, with tricky harvests and falling consumption. Yet several exciting trends look set to build momentum in 2026.

Sparkling wines
While global consumption dipped in 2025, sparkling wines proved remarkably resilient. In the UK, Crémant and English sparkling continue to grow, with competition driving value and encouraging new grape varieties and blends. Expect to see stiff competition and some new entrants in this part of the market, which hopefully means good value for the consumer.

English wines
English wine continues to grow in both volume and quality of production. Nyetimber, one of the Sussex production houses, beat a line-up of other sparkling wines to be named the winner in the IWC championship this year with their 2016 Blanc de Blancs. Increasingly English wine is not just about sparkling, expect to see more still whites and even some reds of acceptable quality this year.

Quality wines
Although consumers are drinking slightly less, they are trading up. Producers are investing in premium tiers and longer maturation periods to allow greater aroma and flavour complexity to develop in the bottle. Savvy buyers may find excellent value premium bottles in 2026.

Lower alcohol wines
Higher UK duties and growing interest in low and no-alcohol drinks are shifting styles. This means lighter red styles are coming into fashion, and more fruit driven whites are increasingly popular. White drinkers may be pleasantly surprised by some of the lighter red styles, and red drinkers may find lighter styles mean they can continue drinking reds during the summer months.

Rare varieties
As a long-time advocate for the wines of Central Europe and the New World, 2025 saw new offerings from places such as Romania, Georgia, Ukraine and South America. I am expecting to see this trend continue as production costs rise in Western Europe and we look further afield to find good value wines.

Natural and orange wines
Orange wine is wine made from white grapes which are left in contact with their skins which tends to give a more golden/orange hue to the wines. Typical flavours can include dried apricot, peach skin, nectarine, orange peel and tangerine, accompanied by subtle spices, nuttiness and bruised apple. I expect to see this trend continue, and for other natural wines to become increasingly popular.

Sustainability and climate change
Climate change is reshaping wine regions. UK, Northern Europe and parts of South America now produce better-quality wines, while some traditional areas adopt heat-resistant hybrids and new varieties. This will undoubtedly change what is available for consumers. Expect to see more winemakers following the example of the Cava DO in Spain which has decreed that all superior quality wines must be organically produced.

Packaging
Producers are experimenting with lighter, more sustainable packaging. Cans, paper bottles and lightweight glass are gaining traction as alternatives when wines are intended for early drinking. This works well for wines which are intended for immediate consumption rather than ageing, and with transportation costs rising looks set to continue into 2026.

In summary
This year could be a very exciting one for wine drinkers in the UK. Hopefully we will see better quality wines, more variety and greater emphasis on sustainable production. As always, whatever you are drinking, please drink responsibly, and watch out for recommendations in Birmingham Living magazine.

DAVID’S RECOMMENDATIONS FOR JANUARY

Something Fresh and Fruity
The Wine Atlas Fetească Regala – £6.08, Asda.
This wine from Romania boasts sweet red apple, peach and tropical fruit notes along with a crisp fresh acidity. Hard to beat at this price point.

Something Sparkling
Graham Beck Blanc de Blancs 2018/19 – £22, Majestic.
Lime, green apple and pear ease gently into a brioche, nut a gentle spice finish. Beautifully refreshing and luxurious.

Something English
Balfour ’1503′ Pinot Noir 2023/24 – £18, Majestic.
Red fruit dominated (strawberry and cherry), a fresh style, with some subtle spice from the short period of oak aging and silky tannins.

Something Big and Bold

Journeys End V4 Cabernet Bold Sauvignon – £18.50, Tanners Wines. Big, bold and complex, this is a serious wine. Characteristic minty notes on the palate and a cedar aroma, supported by blackcurrant, cassis and oak flavours which give a rich mouthfeel.

Something Classic
Leon Perdigal Chateauneuf Du Pape – £26, Majestic.
Red fruit dominated, with some nice spicy and liquorice notes. This wine has an excellent finish and really smooth tannins. Drink now or age for up to 5 years.

Something Different
Journey’s End Bluegum Merlot 2022 – £12.75, Sainsburys.
At this price point the complexity on this wine is punching well above its weight. Red and dark fruit (think blackcurrant and raspberries), with some floral, herbal, vanilla and smoke notes. Smooth with a long complex finish.