PROFILE WINE GROUP: Anthony Romantini
Anthony Romantini
Director of sales
Profile Wine Group
Based on your data, insights and experience, what’s trending for summer 2025?
Wine trends in 2025 are leaning toward light, refreshing, and lifestyle-focused choices. Sparkling wines—especially dry styles like bubbles—are more popular than ever for everyday occasions. Consumers are reaching for crisp whites, dry rosés, and chillable reds like Gamay and Pinot Noir. There's also growing interest in low- and no-alcohol options, smaller bottle formats like 375 mL, and wines made with sustainable or organic practices, reflecting a shift toward mindful, versatile, and value-conscious drinking.
Which of your products do you anticipate being hot sellers this summer?
This summer, several of our wines are standing out as hot sellers thanks to their versatility, value, and seasonal appeal. Villa Sandi Prosecco Il Fresco, including the 375 mL format, are perfect for celebrating any moment, big or small. For those craving something crisp, the Rocca delle Macie Moonlite Chardonnay is a fresh, vibrant white ideal for warmer weather. On the red side, Fantini Sangiovese and Montepulciano continue to deliver great taste and exceptional value. Straccali Chianti is also gaining traction as a lighter, easygoing option, while Argento’s Pinot Grigio and Malbec are go-to party/BBQ wines that offer fantastic quality at a great price. And for something a bit different, the Bersano Barbera d’Asti is a chillable red that pairs effortlessly with just about anything.
What are the outside influences shaping the space?
Under current economic pressures, consumers are becoming more selective with their wine purchases, placing a stronger emphasis on value and flexibility. Smaller formats, particularly 375 mL bottles, are seeing increased popularity as they offer an affordable way to enjoy quality wine without the commitment of a full bottle. These formats align with shifting lifestyles—perfect for solo dinners, outdoor gatherings, or sampling different styles without overspending. With rising costs across the board, shoppers are gravitating toward wines that strike the right balance between price and pleasure, making compact, versatile options like Il Fresco 375 mL especially appealing. This trend reflects a broader move toward thoughtful consumption—buying less, but better.
This is the first sales summer for convenience retailers. What advice can you share in terms of seasonal demand, sales cycles, category management, planograms etc.?
As convenience retailers enter their first summer selling wine, it’s key to align with seasonal demand and shopper behaviour. Focus on fresh, approachable styles—think crisp whites, chillable reds like Bersano Barbera d’Asti, and celebratory bubbles like Villa Sandi Prosecco Il Fresco, especially the 375 mL format, which caters perfectly to on-the-go and budget-conscious customers. Summer sales typically spike around long weekends and warm-weather events, so stocking up ahead of those periods is essential. In terms of category management, keep the selection focused but diverse—offer a mix of value-driven crowd-pleasers like Fantini Sangiovese, Argento Pinot Grigio, and party-friendly Malbecs. Use simple, eye-catching planograms that group wines by type (sparkling, white, red) and occasion (celebration, patio, BBQ) to help shoppers make quick decisions. Prioritize visibility, especially for chilled, ready-to-drink options and smaller formats, which cater well to convenience buying habits.
In terms of perfect pairings, what other convenience items go well with you offering?
When it comes to perfect pairings, our wine offerings align with a variety of convenience store staples, making it easy for customers to create a great experience on the go. Sparkling wines like Villa Prosecco and Il Fresco (including 375 mL) pair beautifully with salty snacks like kettle chips, popcorn or mixed nuts—ideal for casual get-togethers. Fresh whites like Rocca delle Macie Moonlite Chardonnay and Argento Pinot Grigio complement lighter fare such as deli sandwiches, sushi or veggie trays. For red wine lovers, Fantini Sangiovese and Montepulciano, or the chillable Bersano Barbera d’Asti, go well with pizza, cured meats and gourmet-style jerky. Argento Malbec or Straccali Chianti are great with burgers, BBQ items or even dark chocolate. Stocking these types of ready-to-eat pairings alongside the wine can help boost impulse buys and enhance the overall customer experience.
RETURN TO TASTES LIKE SUMMER Q&A SERIES
