economy

April 30, 2026

When it comes to wines, it pays to look beyond the fashionable

With ‘oeno-flation’ as it is, it’s hip to be square and branch out into less exclusive – and cheaper – varieties from often overlooked regions

When it comes to wines, it pays to look beyond the fashionable

TL;DR

  • Wine prices have increased by 40% since 2020, with high alcohol duty contributing significantly to the cost.
  • Fewer people are ordering wine, causing businesses to focus on higher-paying customers, leading to 'oeno-inflation'.
  • Exploring less exclusive and cheaper varieties from overlooked regions can be a strategy to combat rising wine costs.
  • The article suggests that the wine world is vast and offers many overlooked gems, such as Georgian saperavi or Austrian blaufränkisch.
  • Specific recommendations for affordable wines include Viorica from Moldova, Viognier Chenin Blanc from South Africa, Uruguayan Tannat, and Pinot from the center Loire.

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