As we move into 2026, the wine world is changing rapidly. In Ireland and worldwide, consumption continues to fall, as people drink less or switch to alternative beverages. No and low alcohol wines are moving into the mainstream.
Those with more adventurous palates are trying out wines from lesser-known regions and countries. Northern Europe, once considered too cold for viticulture, is now producing some seriously good wines.
This week, I feature four slightly different wines that I expect to do well in 2026. If you fancy something completely different, Blackrock Cellar in Dublin has the very tasty Pizzorno Tannat from Uruguay for €23.
As far as general trends go, sales of all kinds of single serve drinks continue to increase and wine is no exception. Expect to see more small cans of wine in your local retailer in 2026.
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I feel sure that sales of Portuguese wines will maintain their growth this year. We are already fans of Alvarinho and Vinho Verde, but Portugal offers a wealth of great wines, red and white, in every conceivable style. Dão is one of my favourite regions, producing easy fruity wines at keen prices and some seriously good wines once you spend a little more.
In recent years we have seen the welcome arrival of some fascinating Central European wines. More, please in 2026. The Ponzichter below is unique, as well as being very drinkable. It is made from grapes grown in two countries and from a blend of two vintages. Burgenland was once part of Hungary, within the Austro-Hungarian Empire, but was ceded to Austria in 1921.
I have written about Irish wine before. David Llewellyn of Lusca is one of the pioneers, having completed his 21st vintage in Lusk, Co Dublin in 2025. Rondo is a hybrid grape variety that is proving very successful in Ireland.
Pinot Grigio Blush Fizz, IGP Terre Siciliane
11%, €2.29 (plus 15c deposit) for a 20cl can
A single serving of lightly sparkling rosé with refreshing raspberry fruits and a slightly off-dry finish.
From Aldi
Dão Adega de Penalva Indigena Tinto, Portgual
12.5%, €14.50-€14.95
Medium-bodied with succulent red cherry and fruits and supple tannins. This would go nicely with chicken or pork dishes.
From Pinto Wines, Dublin 9; BaRossa Wine, Dublin 4; Blackrock Cellar; Delgany Wine Cottage, Co Wicklow; Corkscrew, Dublin 2; D-Six off-licence, Dublin 6; Fitzgerald’s, Fermoy, Co Work; The Grapevine, Glasnevin, Dublin 9; Mitchell & Son, Sandycove, Co Dublin and Dublin 2; McHugh’s, Dublin 5
Ponzichter Solera Europäischer Wein, Hungary & Austria, Biodynamic
12.5%, €25
Delightful, aromatic and delicate with fresh soft dark fruits; plums, dark cherries and blueberries with fine tannins. A joy to drink.
From BaRossa Wines; Cooper’s Bottle Shop, Dublin 13 and Dublin 3; Delgany Wine Cottage; Lennox Street Grocer, Dublin 8; Lilith, Dublin 7; Pinto Wines, Dublin 9
Lusca Vineyard Rondo 2021, Ireland
12.5%, €60
Medium-bodied with refreshing ripe plum and black cherry fruits, a touch of spice and a smooth finish. Try it with free-range pork chops or maybe Dublin coddle?
From Lusca Vineyard, www.lusca.ie; WineOnline.ie; Celtic Wines, Dublin 2; The Wine Centre, Kilkenny; Searsons, Monkstown, Co Dublin; Greenacres, Wexford; McEntee’s, Kells, Co Meath
