The way that we experience, and drink wine is likely to change due to technology advancements and the global impact of climate change. We have looked into the ways the future of wine and vineyards are set to change in the coming years.
Technology Advancements for Wine and Vineyards
Winemaking has already made huge advancements from the original grape stomping practices, and over the last few decades new practices have come into use that make the process more efficient than ever. Precision viticulture is becoming more widely used, which involves the use of technology to monitor and manage vineyards more effectively using satellites, drones and sensors. This allows winemakers to obtain detailed information about soil composition, vine health and microclimates, making it easier to make decisions about irrigation, fertilization and disease management. Robots are also being utilized to increase productivity in wine warehouses.
Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Wines
Climate change and the increasing awareness of environmental issues have prompted the wine industry to place a greater emphasis on sustainability. Organic wine and biodynamic methods are two of the most common practices to improve sustainability. This means that certified organic grapes are used in a certified organic vineyard to avoid synthetic pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers. Organic wine growers use organic and mineral fertilizers, including manure, slurry and mineral salts to achieve organic wine.
Biodynamic wines take organic wine even further by synchronizing planting, pruning and harvesting with seasonal and lunar cycles, and incorporating the raising of animals in line with creating a more complete ecosystem. However, for a wine to be considered biodynamic it must be made using specific methods in line with internationally recognized standards.
Artificial Intelligence
AI is also become more widely introduced into the wine and vineyard sector, with AI being used in vineyards to assess plant conditions and detect early signs of disease, weather forecasting and improve crop predictions. It can also collect data from sensors to improve production by analysing the fermentation and aging process. In the marketplace AI is being used to provide personalised recommendations based on individual consumer preferences.
The Rise of Alternative Wine Styles
There has been a rise in alternative wine and vineyard styles as consumers become more adventurous and open to new experiences. Emerging wines include:
- Natural wines: Produced with minimal intervention and additives and using organic or biodynamic grapes to produce a more authentic wine
- Orange wines: Produced by fermenting white grapes with their skin on, offering a new flavour experience that is growing in popularity
- Pét-Nat Wines: These are sparkling wines that are a return to the old, original tradition of sparkling wine production and finish their fermentation inside the bottle.
Low and No Alcohol Wines
As health and wellness trends continue to grow in popularity, there is a higher demand for low-alcohol and alcohol-free wines. Winemakers are rising to the opportunity and are putting in the work to create high-quality low and no alcohol wines that do not compromise on flavour. This trend has been on the rise with more and more people opting for a healthier option.
Investing in new trends requires initial investment to fund new equipment and processes for your wine and vineyard. Choosing to fund these with Moorgate Finance means you have time to earn the money back on these investments, without a detrimental impact on cash flow in the meantime.
- Asset Finance: Acquire the necessary machinery and equipment
- Business Loans: Secure funding for larger projects
- Equipment Leasing: Stay up to date with the latest technology and equipment by opting for leasing options that allow you to upgrade assets, without the upfront costs.
Visit our website to learn more about how we can help you to finance your projects. Or hit Apply Now or call us on 01908 92 62 62.