For years, Iris Trenkner-Panwitz has been at the forefront of cutting edge wine journalism with Weinwirtschaft magazine. The editor sat down with us to discuss what to expect from Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris 2022, changes in viticulture and which beverage trends are worth your investment.

What do you expect from Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris 2022?
First and foremost, I am curious to see how Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris will be received by the visitors. It takes a lot of optimism, self-confidence and courage to hold the fair on time as the only major wine event in Europe. I expect to have many interesting opportunities to talk to producers and buyers, to find out as many new products and news from the industry as possible for our readers. And I hope I can finally make new contacts again, after the long forced break – the basis for well-founded and up-to-date reporting in our medium.

What are the most important trends in wine and spirits that you follow?
There are many interesting topics and trends, some of which have been manifesting themselves for quite some time. In addition to non-alcoholic wine and sparkling wine, these certainly include increasingly alcohol-reduced wines and mixed wine drinks. The issue of sustainability is also becoming increasingly important, while organic has almost become the norm for some producers. But of course it continues to play a major role. We also follow with great interest the development of distribution structures since Corona times, the shift to the online-sector.

What are the biggest challenges and opportunities for the industry?
Climate change and the resulting weather extremes are already having an impact on viticulture. And according to the experts, this will become even more acute in the next few years. Adapting viticulture to this will probably be one of the greatest challenges. Piwi will play an increasingly important role, as will the rediscovery and cultivation of indigenous grape varieties. Nevertheless, it will not be possible to deal with extreme frost, heat or drought periods; this is an issue that must be tackled globally. On a small scale, however, the issue of sustainability has to be implemented, and that will be a major challenge for some companies. By now, however, most wineries have probably realised that this is not only a trend among the younger generation, but has become a necessity in order to secure the future of viticulture, its quality and the wine-industry.

On the other hand, climate change offers opportunities for new wine-growing areas in more northerly or higher regions. Some wines then develop a completely new style, which can be advantageous, but does not have to be. A wine with a hitherto fresh acid structure is more likely to lose out due to climate change.

Photo: Iris Trenkner-Panwitz, Editor, Weinwirtschaft

Photo: © AD LUMINA Ralf Ziegler