Insights from Wine Paris 2026: EVN Wine Academy Student Aleksandra Verolainen Shares Her Perspective

It’s no secret that wine supply has exceeded demand for years and global sales are declining. How is the industry responding? EVN Wine Academy student Aleksandra Verolainen shares her observations from Wine Paris 2026.

The exhibition took place in Paris from February 9 to 11, hosting over 6,500 companies from 63 countries. Armenia was represented by 23 producers with the support of the Vine & Wine Foundation.

Lighter, Low-Alcohol Wines

More producers are launching low-alcohol, fresh, and sparkling wines to meet evolving consumer preferences. A notable example is Claret, reviving Bordeaux’s light, fruit-forward reds without long maceration or malolactic fermentation (MLF).

Indigenous Grapes and Rare Terroirs

Importers increasingly seek quality wines made from indigenous grapes and unique terroirs. While many emerging wine-producing countries rely on French grape varieties, Armenia stands out with over 450 native grape types, offering a distinctive advantage in the global market.

Diversification Beyond Traditional Wine

Growth strategies now include expansion into non-alcoholic categories. The focus is shifting from traditional dealcoholized wines to premium options such as sparkling tea and botanical beverages, featuring complex, dry profiles and wine-like service.

Packaging Innovation

Packaging is also evolving to meet modern consumer demands. Producers are exploring screw caps, smaller formats, and Ready-To-Drink (RTD)-inspired retail designs to enhance convenience and accessibility.

Wine Education and Marketing

Wine education has been criticized for over-focusing on sommelier competitions and appellations, creating a gap with consumers. Producers are calling for fresh approaches, including new consumption occasions, wine tourism initiatives, and stronger storytelling.

Armenia’s Position

According to Aleksandra, Armenia is well positioned to adapt to these global trends, combining innovation with its distinctive terroir and rich winemaking heritage.