In episode 247 of The Drinking Hour, David Kermode looks to 2026 and what the new year has in store for the drinks world. Richard Siddle, editor-in-chief of The Buyer, joins to help with predictions.
Tax and duty is the opening topic, as the pair discuss how UK Government ‘intervention’ in the industry will influence the types of wines on supermarket shelves in 2026, including no and low wines and the challenges producers face to create wines in this category that people want to buy. Later, their conversation turns to how supermarkets will continue a turn to own-label versions of wines from famous brands to keep prices competitive.
Other topics up for discussion include an increasing range of by-the-glass wines in pubs and restaurants, a rise in red grape varieties that naturally produce wines with lower alcohol levels and more transparency in wine influencing.
Discover more episodes of The Drinking Hour with David Kermode here.
