One of the well-documented consequences of COVID on the wine industry has been the disruption and disintegration of restaurant sales. Where does that leave wineries, particularly those who have spent years or decades building their brands on restaurant wine lists? That’s the “next step further” that is taken far less frequently during COVID: fewer opportunities to taste in restaurants means fewer opportunities to try new wines, which also means fewer opportunities for seeking out that wine in the retail space as well. Missing the Ambiance of the ExperienceRegardless of whether we’re considering COVID’s impact on retailers or its impact on restaurants, the common denominator is consumers’ adjustment to new conditions for their wine experience. Conversations about those wines are happening less often, so fewer consumers are experiencing them, much less in the ambience that was intended.

Source: Forbes January 25, 2021 12:56 UTC