What exciting new trends has 2020 got in store for us? Ben Revell, Founder of Winebuyers, gives you his nine drink trends to look out for this year.

1) Are you ready to rum-ble? 

We’ve had the gin revolution and 2020 will be all about the rise of rum. We’re anticipating flavoured and spiced rum to experience a boom. Unlike gin, the production of rum requires heavy attention to detail from start to finish, meaning the craft takes far longer – but certainly worth the wait.

Winebuyers’ pick: Daymark 1683

2) Sustainable

Not just a buzzword, thinking green, being more sustainable and environmentally aware, is steadily becoming part of our everyday lives. With these decisions impacting every industry, the drinks industry too is making great strides to dramatically reduce their footprint on the environment.

Expect to see an increase in alternative formats such as bag in box wines, bagnums, wine in cans and keg wines served by the glass in restaurants.

Winebuyers’ pick: VinNaturo, Tank #10 2017

3) The Best from the East 

2019 was all about Croatian wines. In 2020 it’s time for Hungarian and Slovenian wines to shine. We recommend Béres Tokaji Furmint 2016 - a well-structured, fresh and fruity dry white wine, with a vivid cedar and lemon character on the nose and a tantalising peach flavour. Located in the scenic Tokaj wine region, this Hungarian white is a fresh, mouth-watering and easy drinking choice. 

Winebuyers’ pick: Béres, Tokaji Furmint 2016

4) Low & No 

As we all become more health-conscious and therefore cut back on the sauce, our changing habits when it comes to alcohol consumption have seen the “low and no alcohol” industry redefined. With a wonderful array of low and no alcohol wine and spirits available, from Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva at 0.5% to alcohol free flavoured gins, vineyards and distilleries are keen to cater for those healthier drinkers amongst us.

Winebuyers’ pick: Thomson & Scott Noughty

5) The Celebration of English Wine 

2018 was such a good summer, we had a bumper harvest and in 2019 more crops were planted. 2020 is going to bring with it some fantastic results in English wines, particularly from the south east of England, such as, All Angels, Gusbourne, Stopham Estate and Westwell. English sparkling wine – as a replacement for Champagne or Prosecco – is also going to go down a treat thanks to its proximity to the consumer (with a much lower carbon footprint involved) and fabulous taste.

Winebuyers’ pick: All Angels Vineyard, Classic Cuvée 2014 

6) Minimalism in Cocktails 

Whether it’s hot or cold outside, cocktails are always a popular choice and with craft spirits continuing to grow in popularity, in 2020 we’re going to see a simplicity in drink making. No longer will you need five or six ingredients, instead, the humble three will suffice. Spiced rums, flavoured vodkas and gins do the hard work while all you will need to do is add a mixer and a garnish to make it cocktail o’clock.

Winebuyers’ pick: Arbikie Chilli Vodka

7) Chile 

Another country we’re anticipating even greater things from in 2020 is Chile. While already renowned for being a producer of thousands of fine wines, its focus on improved viticulture, altitude and boutique production is set to take it to the next level. Viu Manent is a prime example and one of Chile’s longest established producers in the Colchagua Valley region. 

Winebuyers’ pick: Viu Manent, ViBo Vinedos Centanarios 2016

8) Farewell Champagne 

While Champagne is luxurious, 2020 will be all about the next alternative. Crémant is French sparkling wine, made just outside of the Champagne region, which is beautiful and produced using the same method as Champagne. Not being produced in the Champagne region, it can’t claim the name, meaning you can expect fine quality for a price tag of (at least) 50% less than Champagne. 

Winebuyers’ pick: OEdoria, Crémant De Bourgogne Blanc De Blancs

9) The rise of organic 

Organic wine has been incredibly popular in recent times and we anticipate that to only increase in 2020. We recommend Dehesa De Luna’s Tempranillo: this fruit forward red is exactly what has made the world fall in love with Spanish wines. 

Winebuyers’ pick: Dehesa De Luna, Luna Lunera Tempranillo