Wine in danger: Why Generation Z is giving up alcohol
The decline in wine consumption in Germany is endangering the industry, while non-alcoholic wines are in vogue. Experts report.

Wine in danger: Why Generation Z is giving up alcohol
In recent years, wine spirits in Germany have changed noticeably. The wine industry is facing a dramatic decline in wine consumption, which has fallen to historic lows. Loud az online The younger generations, especially “Generation Z”, have emerged with changed consumer behavior. This generation appears to be increasingly abstaining from alcohol, which influences both their lifestyle and the winemakers' marketing strategies.
The German Society for Nutrition now even recommends a general avoidance of alcohol, which poses new challenges for the wine industry. In Germany, per capita consumption of wine was only 19.2 liters per year in 2023, and sales from German wineries fell by 6.6% in 2024. The catering industry even recorded a decline of 9% reports the BR.
The role of Generation Z
What do young people do instead? Around 50 percent of Generation Z in Germany say they do not consume alcohol. A health-conscious lifestyle and a preference for alternative forms of enjoyment are crucial for this group. Loud wine advertising agency This trend is leading to a decline in demand for traditional wines, as young consumers prefer innovative products and non-alcoholic versions instead.
To adapt to this change, it is essential for winemakers to rethink their production and marketing strategies. More and more companies are experimenting with non-alcoholic wines, which contain significantly fewer calories compared to their alcoholic cousins - non-alcoholic wines have around 16 calories per 100 ml, while classic wine has over 100 calories. The market for these alternatives is growing rapidly, with an annual increase of around 10% expected until 2031 az online.
Digital marketing is key
Another key to addressing the new target group lies in digital marketing. Winemaker Franziska Galena from Sommerach has looked around on Instagram, but sometimes feels too traditional for the current trends. On the other hand, Manfred Baumann from Handthal is lucky that his daughter takes over communication on social platforms, while Katharina Albrecht from Frickenhausen emphasizes that authenticity and direct contact via Instagram are unbeatable advantages for acquiring customers says BR.
The pressure on the wine industry is high. Winemakers must not only make changes in production, but also actively find new ways to communicate with younger consumers and meet their needs. Sustainability and transparency are a response to the desires of today's consumers, and the future of the wine industry could be heavily shaped by creative marketing and product innovation.
The wine industry needs to see the challenges as an opportunity and reposition itself. The decline in traditional wine consumption provides room for fresh ideas and innovative strategies that can align with future market trends.