Champagne & Sparkling Wine
Gone are the days where sparkling wines are reserved for special occasions or brunch. People seek a glass of bubbly to bring them joy from the couch to a ballroom. The versatility in price points and styles make the category attractive for most drinkers.
Our definition of celebratory moments has significantly changed.
Your child made it a whole week at school without a Covid contact? Open the Prosecco!
You are in the actual presence of a friend, not through a phone or computer? It’s time for Champagne!
The sun is shining? Your nail polish hasn’t chipped yet? You slept 8 hours? It’s Friday? Grab a bottle of Cremant d’Alsace or Cava and raise your glass.
A few of my favorites at various price points.
Fidora Organic Prosecco
Josep Foraster Rosat Cava
Piper Heiseick Cuvee Brut
Agrapart 7 Cru
RTD Cans (Ready to Drink)
The “usual suspects” have actually seen a decline in sales. Did everyone read about the millions of cases of Truly destroyed?
The peak may have passed for mass-produced seltzer, but it opened the door for more sophisticated options.
The convenience of RTD (ready-to-drink) beverages cannot be beat. Open a can and drink (or sometimes pour-garnish-drink, that extra step isn’t a hinderance). The most balanced and interesting of these options tend to be from smaller companies and craft producers. Ignore the point of sale marketing and look for these gems on the shelves. Even on the high end of prices, the cost is still below the average drink at a bar or restaurant.
The can format is perfect for when you want just one drink or throwing a few in a cooler for a trip to the park…..or your backyard.
Some of my favorites.
Better “Cheap” Wine
I don’t bash the likes of Barefoot and Yellowtail. If anything, I like to refer to them as gateway wines. They are low-risk options for someone wanting to try wine and they are intentionally inoffensive and easy-to-drink. While their formula works and has garnered immense commercial success, there are so many better options for people ready to experience the broader world of wine.
I like to guide people to specific regions that tend to offer major quality-to-value ratio like Pays d’Oc, Ribera del Douro, Chile, and Portugal.
If you’re willing to spend $8-10 a bottle, there are many delicious and fun wines out there! Heck, jump to the $15-20 range and your possibilities are endless.
Even if people have a “go-to” wine, they are willing to try new things when the cost risk is low. With growth in e-commerce options and technology that is improving consumer access and education, more people are adding variety to their drinking routine.
Some of my favorite values, that drink above the price.
Non-Alcoholic Alcohol
No one likes a hangover. Like all of life’s indulgences, moderation for booze is highly encouraged. However, whether you are temporarily teetotaling or abstaining from alcohol entirely, the universe (and some badass entrepreneurs) has finally handed us the gift of quality non-alcoholic beverage. I touted this category as the one to watch for growth over a year ago. I, and the data, support my sticking to that claim. Am I a futurist now?
Consumers are flocking to these flavorful, well-made renditions of their boozy counterparts.
Sip a cocktail, relax with a beer or pop a cork without guilt. These are the companies doing it best right now.
Regardless of what you’re drinking, an old adage rings truer today than ever….everything tastes better in good company. We are at a state of existence where we don’t take for granted the presence of friends and loved ones. I hope you’ve found something here to appreciate in your glass too.
Cheers!
