Wine lovers always look for exciting new brands to try. The wine industry is always changing, with fresh voices and innovative approaches emerging each year.
From small family wineries to cutting-edge producers, new talents are making their mark.
You’ll want to keep an eye on these up-and-coming wine brands in 2024. They’re pushing boundaries, experimenting with unique grape varieties, and crafting wines that capture the essence of their regions. Whether you enjoy bold reds, crisp whites, or trendy orange wines, these rising stars have something special to offer your palate.
1) Domaine de la Côte
Domaine de la Côte is a wine brand you should keep an eye on. This Californian wine label is making waves in the industry with its unique approach to winemaking.
Located in the Sta. Rita Hills region of Santa Barbara, Domaine de la Côte specializes in Pinot Noir. Their vineyards are just seven miles from the Pacific Ocean, giving their wines a distinct coastal influence.
The brand was founded by Sashi Moorman and Raj Parr, two well-known figures in the wine world. Their expertise and vision have helped shape Domaine de la Côte into a respected name among wine enthusiasts.
You’ll find that Domaine de la Côte offers a collection of five vineyards, each producing its own unique Pinot Noir. These wines are known for their elegance and complexity.
When you try their wines, you’ll notice the care and attention that goes into each bottle. The brand focuses on showcasing the terroir of the Sta. Rita Hills, resulting in wines that truly reflect their origin.
2) Raen Winery
Raen Winery is a rising star in the California wine scene. Founded by brothers Carlo and Dante Mondavi, this brand focuses on crafting exceptional Pinot Noir from the Sonoma Coast.
Their commitment to quality has paid off. Raen’s 2021 Royal St. Robert Pinot Noir earned the #4 spot on Wine Spectator’s Top 100 list for 2023. This recognition highlights the winery’s growing influence in the industry.
Raen’s wines are known for their elegance and complexity. The 2022 Royal St. Robert Pinot Noir, for example, received high praise from critics. It boasts a medium garnet color and excellent ratings.
You’ll want to keep an eye on Raen’s limited releases. Their wines often sell out quickly to members. If you’re interested in trying their Pinot Noir, you may need to join their mailing list or seek out their bottles at select retailers.
Raen also produces a unique rosé. Their 2023 Monarch Challenge Rosé blends old vine Grenache with Pinot Noir, offering a taste of their coastal vineyards in a different style.
3) Gail Wines
You might want to keep an eye on Gail Wines, a rising star in Sonoma Valley. This boutique winery focuses on crafting small-batch, high-quality wines that showcase the region’s terroir.
Gail Wines offers a diverse selection, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Chenin Blanc, and unique blends. Their “Doris” Cabernet Sauvignon has become a popular choice for many wine enthusiasts.
The winery’s approach to winemaking is refreshingly simple. They use organic farming practices and wild yeast fermentation to create pure, unmanipulated wines.
You’ll find Gail Wines’ tasting room in Sonoma, California. It’s open Monday through Friday, making it easy for you to stop by and sample their offerings.
If you’re looking for wines that offer a new perspective on Sonoma Valley, Gail Wines should be on your radar. Their commitment to quality and innovation sets them apart in the crowded wine market.
4) Ashanta Wines
Ashanta Wines is a promising new California winery you should keep an eye on. Founded by Chenoa Ashton-Lewis and Will Basanta, this brand embraces traditional winemaking practices with a modern twist.
The name Ashanta cleverly blends the couple’s names and pays homage to Chenoa’s African roots. “Asante” means “thank you” in Swahili, adding depth to their brand story.
Ashanta’s approach to winemaking is unique. They create zero-zero wines, meaning no additives or sulfites are used. This results in pure, terroir-driven expressions of California’s diverse landscapes.
You’ll find a wide range of wines in Ashanta’s portfolio. From experimental multi-fruit co-ferments to elegant California reds, there’s something for every wine lover’s palate.
The winemakers’ backgrounds in art and film influence their creative approach. This artistic flair is evident in both their winemaking techniques and bottle designs.
Ashanta Wines represents a new generation of California winemakers. They blend tradition with innovation, creating wines that are both exciting and expressive.
5) Rivella Wine Company
You might want to keep an eye on Rivella Wine Company. This up-and-coming brand is making waves in the wine industry with its innovative approaches.
Rivella specializes in crafting unique Italian varietals. Their focus is on bringing lesser-known grapes to the forefront of the wine scene.
One of their standout offerings is their Ribolla Gialla. This enigmatic white wine is gaining popularity among wine enthusiasts. You’ll appreciate its distinctive flavor profile and crisp acidity.
Rivella’s commitment to quality is evident in their winemaking process. They use traditional methods combined with modern techniques to create exceptional wines.
You’ll find Rivella’s wines to be versatile and food-friendly. They pair well with a variety of cuisines, making them perfect for your next dinner party or casual gathering.
Understanding New Wine Trends
The wine industry is seeing exciting changes in where grapes are grown and how wine is made. New regions are producing unique flavors, while innovative techniques are transforming winemaking.
Emerging Wine Regions
Wine lovers are discovering new tastes from unexpected places. Eastern European countries like Slovenia are gaining attention for their distinctive wines. You’ll find surprises in Portugal too, with its revival of native grape varieties.
Climate change is pushing vineyards to cooler areas. England is now making sparkling wines that rival Champagne. In the U.S., look for wines from Idaho and Michigan.
China is becoming a major player. Its Ningxia region is producing world-class reds. You might also try wines from India’s Nashik Valley or Canada’s Okanagan Valley.
Innovative Winemaking Techniques
Winemakers are using new methods to create exciting flavors. Amphora aging is making a comeback. This ancient technique uses clay pots to ferment wine, giving it a unique taste.
Grower Champagne is gaining popularity. These wines are made by the same people who grow the grapes, offering a true taste of the land.
You’ll see more wines aged in different materials. Concrete eggs and ceramic tanks are replacing oak barrels in some wineries. This brings out different flavors in the wine.
Regenerative agriculture is a growing trend. This farming method aims to improve soil health and fight climate change. You can taste the difference in wines made this way.
Sustainability in Winemaking
Winemakers are embracing eco-friendly methods to protect the environment and produce better wines. These practices involve careful vineyard management and innovative packaging solutions.
Organic and Biodynamic Practices
Organic winemaking avoids synthetic chemicals in the vineyard and cellar. You’ll find these wines made with natural pest control and fertilizers. Many wineries now go beyond organic to improve sustainability.
Biodynamic farming takes it further. It treats the vineyard as a living ecosystem. Winemakers use special composts and plant according to lunar cycles. This method aims to boost soil health and grape quality.
Some wineries use cover crops between vine rows. These plants prevent erosion and attract helpful insects. Others install solar panels to power their operations with clean energy.
Water conservation is crucial too. Smart irrigation systems help reduce water use in dry regions. Some wineries recycle wastewater for vineyard use.
Eco-Friendly Packaging Solutions
Lightweight glass bottles cut shipping emissions. You might see more wines in alternative packaging like boxes or cans. These options are easier to recycle and transport.
Sustainable closures replace traditional corks. Look for screw caps or plant-based corks. These choices help preserve forests and reduce waste.
Labels and packaging are changing too. You’ll find bottles with recycled paper labels or minimal packaging. Some wineries use innnovative designs to showcase their eco-friendly efforts.
Carbon-neutral shipping is gaining traction. Wineries offset their transport emissions through various environmental projects.
