The VinePair Podcast: Fine Wine Absolutely Needs Value Wine
Large beverage conglomerates, like Constellation Brands, have been shedding their value wine brands and doubling down on their more premium offerings lately. But despite what some wine critics might say, the reality is that in order for fine wine to thrive and gain more customers, it desperately needs entry-level bottlings.
More often than not, when people start their wine journey, budget-friendly supermarket wines are the first ones they encounter. Customers get hooked, and then they move on to higher-end wines once the training wheels come off. It’s the same case with craft beer, whiskey, watches, clothing, and essentially every other consumer good on the market. Unless someone’s born with a silver spoon in their mouth, their first watch probably isn’t going to be a Rolex and their first bottle of bourbon isn’t going to be Pappy Van Winkle. Without gateway wines, how will new drinkers fall in love with the category in the first place?
On this episode of the “VinePair Podcast,” Adam and Zach discuss a recent VinePair piece about the worrisome trend of wine companies divesting from value brands. Given how important these brands — and the value tier at large — are for bringing new consumers into wine, why can’t premium- and fine-wine folks accept that they need these wines to exist and succeed for their own success? Tune in for more.
Zach is reading: Reddit Bartenders Reveal What Makes a Good Regular
Adam is reading: The 30 Best Sauvignon Blancs for 2025
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