Whether it’s relaxing at home, dining out at a restaurant or celebrating with friends and family, Americans are enjoying wine at a wider variety of occasions than ever before. In fact, 85 percent of frequent wine drinkers now believe that wine is equally appropriate for casual and formal settings alike.

Today’s attitudes and behaviors toward wine drinking were recently captured in the second Gallo Consumer Wine Trends Survey, commissioned by E. & J. Gallo Winery. The survey of 1,000 frequent wine drinkers found that 82 percent enjoy between one and five glasses per week, which they enjoy at a wide range of occasions.

“We are always glad to see Americans’ love of wine expand each year as they experiment with flavors, varietals and packaging formats,” said Stephanie Gallo, third generation family member and vice president of marketing at E. & J. Gallo Winery. “For more than 80 years, Gallo has strived for excellence and will continue its family tradition of crafting innovative wines that cater to Americans’ evolving wine preferences.”

A more casual approach to wine suggests that shoppers are more likely to try new wines across a range of prices. In fact, more than one-third of survey respondents classified themselves as a “wine adventurer,” while only 3 percent of those surveyed self-identified as “wine snobs.”

Exploring and experimenting

More sipping occasions means more opportunities to try new wines. The top factors that inspire a frequent wine drinker to try something new are recommendations from friends, family members and coworkers. Additionally, 86 percent of wine drinkers would be encouraged by a server, bartender or sommelier recommendation, followed closely by a recommendation from a wine store employee.

Not surprisingly, millennials are more influenced by the digital world than older generations. Survey data shows that millennials are more likely to be encouraged to try a new wine if it is featured prominently and positively in the media or if it is recommended on social media.

Thinking inside the box

Mirroring the changes in wine drinkers’ shopping habits, the wine industry is thinking ‘inside the box’ these days. Boxed wine has evolved considerably in the minds of consumers, thanks in large part to its convenience. The extended freshness of boxed wine allows wine drinkers to enjoy it at their own pace and the box’s portability allows for easy transport to all types of occasions. In fact, 1 in 4 surveyed agree that boxed wine is best for large social gatherings and is becoming higher quality.

Wine in a can is a relatively new concept that more than one-fourth of frequent wine drinkers expressed interest in trying – particularly for outdoor excursions. Among fans of alternative packaging, outdoor events remained the primary occasion for the use of these products, which also include mini bottles and tetra packs.

Overcoming wine fears

As wine culture becomes more approachable, common fears among wine drinkers are less prevalent. The survey found that fears, such as mispronouncing a wine’s name or being judged for wine choices, are still on the minds of some wine drinkers, but those who enjoy it regularly are not dramatically affected by these concerns.

“As an industry, we must continue working to remove these barriers in order to nurture wine’s expansion into everyday occasions,” Gallo said. “By exploring the more emotional implications of wine culture and sharing these findings broadly, we hope to welcome more people into wine.”

To learn more about the evolving wine culture, visit gallowinetrends.com.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

*FF

The post For the Love of Wine appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

To make your next event special, make sure to select a quality, award-winning wine. Created to guide wine enthusiasts towards the very best, the 100-point scale recognizes wines with 90 points or more as excellent selections. Each of the following wines has earned this distinction, and is paired with a well-suited celebration or special occasion. Use this guide to help make your holiday season even more festive and flavorful.

Gift-giving occasions. Whether offered as a holiday present for a friend or a thoughtful hostess gift, little shows your appreciation – and your good taste – quite like a great bottle of wine.

• White wine selection. For white wine lovers, William Hill Estate’s 2012 Napa Valley Chardonnay[i] offers smooth, rich character perfectly suited to winter months. This 91-point selection is a sought-after bottle that white wine enthusiasts will love.

• Red wine selection. For those favoring bold reds, Louis M. Martini’s 2011 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon[ii] is another 91-point winner. Crafted from superb Napa soil to showcase the depth and complexity of this classic varietal, it’s an expressive red wine with sophisticated depth of flavor.

Formal holiday settings. Many holiday occasions call for an elegant touch. When dining with the boss or colleagues, set the tone by serving a distinctive wine like the 2012 MacMurray Estate Vineyards Russian River Valley Pinot Noir[iii]. From an award-winning collection, this nuanced red wine offers layered, elegant flavors of red fruit and spice.

Holiday brunches. For daytime holiday festivities, opt for a classic white wine that pairs well with lighter midday fare. The 2011 Frei Brothers Reserve Russian River Valley Chardonnay[iv] delivers delicious flavors of baked apple and lemon zest and is made with fruit from a celebrated, cool-climate winegrowing region near the Pacific Ocean.

Festive feasts. Relax with family and friends this holiday over a delicious dinner paired with the 2012 Bridlewood Estate Winery Central Coast Blend 175[v]. Inspired by the relaxed lifestyle of California’s Central Coast, this rich, full-bodied red is crafted from Syrah, Grenache, Petite Sirah and Viognier grapes and wraps up with a lingering finish. Cap off a great holiday with this 90-point winner.

With a holiday schedule brimming with social engagements and gatherings, be sure you’re prepared for the season with wonderful wines to accompany every occasion. After all, nothing complements a great celebration like a well-selected glass of wine. For these and more wines that will make your holiday a hit, visit www.thebarrelroom.com.

*FF

Photo courtesy of Getty Images (people at table)

[i] 91 points,  EDITORS’ CHOICE (April 2014)

[ii] 91 points, Wine Review Online (August 2013)

[iii] 90 points, The Tasting Panel (March 2014)

[iv] 90 points, The Tasting Panel (June 2014)

The post Celebrations Big or Small; Delicious wines for any event appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.