Have a Merlot Christmas: Discover the Top Wine Trends for the Festive Season.

Have a Merlot Christmas and a Natural New Year

As the festive season approaches, we've carried out some research and can reveal some interesting insights into the region's wine preferences. This year, red wine, particularly Merlot, is topping the charts as the nation's favorite wine for Christmas.

Spend Trumps Taste for the Price-Conscious Consumer

With the ongoing cost of living crisis, many households are feeling the pinch. Over 60% of Northern Irish drinkers say price is the number one consideration when buying a bottle of wine. Most people plan to drink at home this festive season to save money, with only a third intending to eat and drink out.

Natural Wine Trending Among Gen Z

Natural wines are becoming increasingly popular, especially among the Gen Z audience. This trend is driven by health-conscious consumers looking for more organic and sustainable options.

Research Highlights

• More than a third of drinkers are opting for red wine this Christmas Day, with 10% avoiding wine altogether.
• Sauvignon Blanc is Northern Ireland's favorite grape variety year-round, but red wine is the top choice for those aged 35-55+.
• Prosecco is the preferred choice for nearly 40% of younger drinkers aged 18-342.
• Residents of Armagh have a clear preference for Prosecco.
• The average spend on a bottle of wine from an off-licence is between £10-£14, while in a restaurant or bar, it's £20-£29.
• For wine aficionados, the region or country of the wine and recommendations from friends are key factors in their purchase decisions.
• Confidence levels vary when it comes to tasting wine in public, with a third eager to taste, a third indifferent, and a third unsure of what they're doing.

Expert Insights

Jonny Callan, Wine Specialist at Drinks Inc., shares his thoughts:

“With the festive season upon us, our research shows that darker evenings bring a taste for darker wine. Red wine, particularly Merlot, is the top choice for Christmas Day, especially among those aged 35-55+. What’s very interesting is that fizzy options, while great for a celebration have fallen down the pecking order however natural wines are on the rise – as health-conscious consumers look to more organic and sustainable options both in the food aisle and in the off-licence. There’s now a bigger selection of natural wines on restaurant and wine bar menus, offering customers a point of difference.”

 For more information or to discuss your wine needs, please get in touch with us at Drinks Inc. – we're here to help you find the perfect bottle for any occasion. And if you, like many this Christmas fancy a red wine, discover our full range here.