Wine is returning to the forefront of social life. After a lull behind cocktails like gin and tonic and beer, it is reclaiming its place at dinners, on terraces with friends, and alongside tapas. In the Alicante region, wine is again seen as a central element of hospitality and dining experiences.
The hospitality sector and local wineries are driving this wine revival. They are expanding options such as wine by the glass, making going out for wine in the famous Alicante afternoon a popular choice again.
I came to stay
The hospitality industry and winemakers are playing a crucial role in wine’s renewal. Smart operators have embraced accessible formats that let guests enjoy wine without committing to a full bottle. The goal is to bring wine into more venues, including cafes, lounges, and social spaces, without sacrificing quality or experience.
We see a growing trend of wine available at any time, whether in wine bars, lounges, or casual venues that blend bar and nightlife atmospheres.
As wineries adapt, they offer wines designed for diverse audiences. The idea is to make wine easier, cheaper, and more appealing to a wide range of consumers, while gradually expanding wine offerings to entertainment venues and nightclubs.
The wine consumption trend in entertainment spaces is evident in the United States and across Europe, with venues integrating wine into the social scene rather than steering guests toward exclusively alcoholic cocktails.
Trend in the most important capitals
Wine is increasingly present in entertainment venues and nightclubs across major capitals, including the United States, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, France, and the United Kingdom. Young people often start their nights with a glass of wine while enjoying their leisure time. In London, for instance, many women begin their evenings with a glass of white wine.
Vermouth is a classic that’s trending again in Spain
Vermouth is being reinvented beyond the traditional lunchtime vermouth hour. It fits neatly into the Alicante afternoon and appears in bars across the country. Recipes have been modernized, giving vermouth a fresher image and making it a star ingredient in cocktails.
Many wineries are crafting their own vermouth. Bocopa is launching Terreta Vermouth, while classic options remain available. The bottled varieties, with new designs, attract a new generation of palates. Vermouth is enjoying a fashion moment.
Starting with a Mediterranean-inspired base and a white wine made from Muscat Alexandria grapes, this vermouth blends aromatic herbs, spices, and citrus notes unique to the region. It offers a memory of wormwood, sage, and light cinnamon, with an intense, balanced, and long finish and a refined bitter edge. This product is handcrafted and centered on Moscatel grapes, with a profile dominated by wormwood, herbs, roots, spices, flowers, and fruits that create a distinctive tonic aroma and taste.
Bright red selections from 100% Monastrell grapes bring small, lively bubbles to the palate, offering a refreshing option for gatherings.
Is wine the key to living longer?
The documentary series Living 100 Years: Secrets of the Blue Zones, featuring researchers and writers from National Geographic and The New York Magazine, streams on Netflix. It explores lifestyles around the world that support longevity, including diet, exercise, and daily routines. A common thread across diverse regions is moderate wine consumption, linked to healthier aging in some studies.
Wine has properties that contribute to cell health and may offer protective benefits against certain diseases. Red wine, in particular, contains antioxidants that support the body, help balance metabolism, manage cholesterol, and offer anti-inflammatory effects. Moderate consumption can be part of a balanced lifestyle for many people.
Drinking a glass of wine can trigger endorphin release and mood elevation. Some research suggests that light, regular wine consumption may be associated with improved sleep quality for some individuals, though moderation remains essential.
Benefits of wine at night… but in moderation
Alicante is known for its red and white wines. The Moscatel de Alejandría variety shines in the region, complementing local gastronomy. Producers in Alicante emphasize offering a range of styles, from light and easy wines to more structured varieties aged in oak, to meet evolving consumer tastes. Local wineries highlight the importance of a thoughtful wine list that showcases Authentic Alicante varieties and regional identity.
Low in calories, helps you manage weight
Nutrition guidance often suggests that a glass of red wine can fit into weight-management plans, offering fewer calories than many mixed drinks. A glass of wine typically contains around a hundred calories, compared with higher calorie counts found in some cocktails. This contrast underscores the idea that enjoying wine can be part of a balanced approach to dining and social life.
When curating an appealing wine list, it matters to spotlight authentic Alicante wines, highlighting local vineyards as a mark of quality. The lineup can feature light, easy-drinking options from Alicante, including sparkling, young, and aged wines that reflect the region’s diversity.
Wine is a key part of the local terroir and identity, with Bocopa Winery often cited for its commitment to tradition blended with modern craft.
Improves digestion
Wine offers natural polyphenols from grapes that may support digestion and gut health. A moderate glass can be part of a meal, aiding nutrient absorption and contributing to a balanced gut flora.
Recent recognitions in the wine world include notable scores and awards, highlighting the strength of regional producers and the continuing appeal of Alicante wines to enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike.
This exploration of wine culture in Alicante demonstrates how the region blends heritage with contemporary trends, inviting both locals and visitors to enjoy wine in diverse settings—from intimate tastings to vibrant nightlife and day-time social moments.
Whether it is a quiet afternoon, a lively evening, or a casual night out, wine continues to be a staple that brings people together and enhances the experience of good company and good food.
100 things you didn’t know about wine
End with curiosity and a celebration of the world of wine, inviting readers to explore more stories, tastes, and regional specialties as the wine culture continues to evolve in Spain and beyond.