The wine world in motion
In November 2025, the article Crisis Wine: French Winegrowers Sound the Alarm appeared, in which journalist Erik-Jan van Drieënhuizen sharply depicted the challenges of the international wine sector. For this article, he spoke with our colleague Joep Speet, Magister Vini and sourcing manager at Delta Wines, among others.
Changing tastes and reduced consumption
According to Speet, the traditional wine world is at a crossroads. Globally, we are drinking less wine, especially younger generations. And if they do drink, their preferences have changed.
“We're drinking less, but better,” Speet says in the article. “Young people no longer want standard wine, but something special. This demands a different supply.”
This change hits traditional wine regions like Bordeaux hard. There, red wine is still predominantly produced, while markets in Northern Europe, including the Netherlands, have developed a strong preference for fresh, light white wines.
Climate change redraws the wine map
In addition to changing consumer tastes, climate change also plays a major role. Extreme drought, heat, and unpredictable weather are making winemaking increasingly difficult in Southern Europe. Meanwhile, opportunities are opening up in the north.
“In recent years, the Netherlands has become extremely suitable for fresh, light white wines,” says Speet. “This is not a temporary hype, but a structural shift.”
From crisis to opportunities
The article shows how complex the situation is for wine producers: from declining consumption and export problems to changing regulations and import duties. At the same time, Speet emphasizes that knowledge, quality, and flexibility are becoming increasingly important in a rapidly changing market.
Curious about the whole story, including the impact on French winegrowers and the opportunities for Northern European winemaking?