Almost every operator that attends Casual Dining serves wine in their restaurants, pubs or bars. In this blog, we’ll talk about the history of dining with wine, a few trends to look out for this year, and how to boost your brand recognition with restaurants, pubs and bars.
Wine sales make an essential contribution to a restaurant’s turnover and profitability. But why do we dine with wine? Wine was introduced to England as far back as 43BC, evidence shows we adopted our love for wine and pubs (known as tabernae) from the Romans. We quickly adapted the name tabernae to taverns or alehouses, which became a source of respite for weary travelers who needed a drink and something to eat.
Wine plays an important role worldwide, it is produced in over 50 countries and each one has its own unique wine culture. In Italy and France wine is a way of life, sharing a drink with food connects families, friends and colleagues.
Wine in Moderation puts it perfectly, “The role of wine has transformed over time, moving from an important source of nutrition to a cultural complement to food and conviviality.”
Notably, the hospitality sector has played a pivotal role in the success of the wine industry, providing an inviting platform for wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike to explore a diverse range of flavors and experiences. Drinking habits continues to shift to wine from beer, 33.7% Brits now opt for wine. Wine lists have expanded to showcase an array of global offerings, supplying something to suit every palate and occasion.
From sustainability to homegrown: wine trends of 2024
One thing is for sure, sustainability is trending. Sustainable wine encompasses a spectrum of eco-friendly practices, including organic, natural, and biodynamic approaches. All contributing to a shining commitment to environmental responsibility in the wine industry. The beauty of this trend is that it overlaps with the need to “support local” and “homegrown.” More UK businesses will benefit as we see more homegrown wines on the market. The chalky soil and rising temperatures have supported East and West Sussex’s 138 vineyards.
According to Bibendum, it is not all about the UK, trend forecasts predict a focus on Portuguese blends (+7.8% vs. Last year), South Africa, US, Italy (Trentino-Alto Adige & Piedmont).
Due to the macro challenges being faced by the hospitality industry, businesses will need to find wine lists which are equally delicious and cost effective. Luckily advances in AI technology provide businesses with data driven decision-making. This trend may make some people feel out of their depth, but harnessing data through AI has tremendous power.
As consumer interest grows, wine-related activities such as wine tastings and pairings will become more popular – and so, it is an effective way to introduce your product to consumers.
Why exhibit your wine business at Casual Dining?
It’s not just about pouring a glass of wine; it’s about making meaningful connections, creating memorable experiences, and positioning your brand as a go-to choice for buyers and distributors.
Casual Dining’s event director, Stephen Herring adds, “exhibiting offers wine companies a unique platform to showcase their products to a highly targeted audience of senior industry professionals. Attendees are actively looking for new and innovative products, making it the perfect setting to introduce your wines to a receptive audience. With the growing emphasis on quality dining experiences, aligning your brand with the Casual Dining trade show can significantly elevate your visibility and credibility within the market.”
If you are considering exhibiting your wine brand to the restaurant, pub and bar industry, Casual Dining is the perfect place to do so.
Contact our sales team today:
Charlotte Stace
Sales Executive
E: [email protected]
Tel: 01273 077314
Stephen Herring
Event Manager
E: [email protected]
Tel: 01273 645167
