Why are lighter wines trending?
The inaugural State of the Grapes report released in August 2025 by Endeavour Group and Wine Australia offers fascinating insight into what Australians are drinking today. The report notes that while the overall share of wine has stabilised—up 0.1 % from 2023 to 2024 —there has been a decisive pivot toward lighter, more refreshing styles across every state. Pinot Noir, Pinot Grigio/Gris, Rosé and Prosecco have all grown their market share significantly:content. By contrast, fuller‑bodied varieties like Shiraz and traditional red blends have been in decline.
This move to lighter wines is being driven by younger drinkers who want refreshing, approachable wines that suit more casual occasions. The report links the rise of the spritz culture—sparkling‑wine–based cocktails—to Millennial and Gen Z consumers seeking accessible and Instagram‑worthy options.
Why Pinot Noir stands out
Pinot Noir is a darling of the Australian wine community. Wine Australia’s education guide explains that this temperamental grape thrives in our coolest regions and rewards careful cultivation with wines of “subtlety, elegance and finesse”. Although commercially produced only since the 1970s, Australian Pinot Noir now enjoys a growing global reputation. Key cool‑climate areas such as the Yarra Valley and Mornington Peninsula craft elegant Pinot Noir with bright red‑fruit flavours. Wine Folly notes that Mornington Pinot Noir is known for its “prettiness, supple tannins and bright red‑cherry fruit”, while Yarra Valley wines can rival Burgundy.
These characteristics make Pinot Noir versatile at the table. Serve it slightly chilled with grilled salmon, roast duck or mushroom dishes. Its light body and vibrant acidity also pair well with charcuterie and soft cheeses. In sparkling wine, Pinot Noir is one of the three traditional varieties used in the traditional method, giving structure and red‑fruit notes to premium Australian bubbles.
The appeal of Prosecco
Prosecco’s surge reflects a broader trend toward lighter, sparkling styles. The State of the Grapes report attributes growth in Prosecco to consumers seeking affordable, versatile wines. Its lively bubbles, green apple and pear flavours and gentle sweetness make it ideal for aperitivo hour, brunch or casual celebrations. Prosecco also forms the base of the Aperol Spritz and a host of other cocktails that have taken off among younger drinkers.
How Wine Simple helps you enjoy the trend
At Wine Simple we curate a selection of boutique Australian wines, including elegant Pinot Noir from Victoria’s premier regions and refreshing Prosecco from leading producers. We also stock Rosé, Pinot Grigio and other varieties highlighted in the latest consumer research. Our online store makes it easy to buy wine online and explore small producers by winemaker – perfect if you’re searching for a specific vineyard or want to discover something new.
Because location matters, we optimise our website for local search. According to SEO specialists, claiming and optimising your Google Business Profile with accurate name, address and phone details is essential for local visibility. We maintain consistent local citations and add location keywords like “Brisbane wine delivery” or “Queensland Pinot Noir” so our site appears when you search near you. Voice search is also on the rise—around 41 % of people use voice search daily—so we ensure our content answers conversational queries like “Where can I buy Pinot Noir delivered to Brisbane?”
Why shop with Wine Simple?
- Curated selection of Australian producers: We feature wines from artisan winemakers. When you search for a producer, our product pages help you learn their story and taste profiles.
- Fast delivery: We deliver across Brisbane, Southeast Queensland and interstate. Our fulfilment partners ensure that your wine arrives safely and quickly.
- Educational content: Our blog posts, like this one, share tasting tips, food pairings and industry insights to help you make informed choices.
More trends to watch
The report also highlights emerging opportunities. Consumers are exploring new grape varieties, and there’s growing interest in organic and low‑alcohol wines. Lighter wine styles will continue to evolve as producers experiment with different clones, winemaking techniques and regions. To stay ahead of the curve, follow Wine Simple for weekly blogs on winemakers, wine styles and food pairing inspiration.
Get started
Ready to embrace the lighter wine trend? Browse our Pinot Noir and Prosecco collections online and enjoy wine delivered straight to your doorstep. Whether you’re searching for a specific Australian winemaker or just want to buy wine that’s in season, Wine Simple makes it easy. Cheers!
