
In times of economic uncertainty, many are postponing major pricey purchases. It might seem logical that with a fluctuating job landscape and a fear of state-of-the-world issues consumers would be cautious of all spending. However, retail analysts reveal a different trend: despite challenges, consumers are increasingly splurging on the small, everyday luxury items that add touches of delight to daily life and make everything feel just a bit more special.
According to INFORMS, “The trend of indulging in ‘little luxuries’ continues to drive consumer spending… small treats are popular even among those facing economic hardship, as these purchases provide a sense of comfort and indulgence.” Deloitte Consumer Tracker also says, “This trend is partly driven by a desire to enjoy life more and prioritize experiences, despite financial constraints.”
So whether treating yourself a “little bit” means ordering takeout instead of cooking, getting yourself a bouquet of flowers, lighting a scented candle to then cozy up on the couch, that random online impulse order you did in the wee hours of 3am while binge watching a show, or simply enjoying a bottle of delicious wine… these small treats can make every bit of difference. Sprinkle in the fact that the pandemic awakened many of our inner introverts, making us appreciate the comforts of home, a sentiment that continues into 2024.
Experts also note that we’ll see consumers spending more on little luxuries from the food and beverage categories. People are increasingly allocating their budgets towards these everyday delights, as finding ways to spark joy and maintain a sense of normalcy becomes essential.
What I love about food and wine is the magical ability to transport you to another place—no passport required. While we might dream of frequent globe-trotting, our wallets often have other plans. But that doesn’t mean we can’t indulge in some culinary escapism. Even if hopping on a plane isn’t in the cards just yet, you can still savor the flavors of far-off lands… or even of those right here in the United States.
Embark on an imaginative voyage with these 10 wines from around the globe. While this list is just a starting point (and in no particular order), it’s a delightful way to kickstart your journey of international tastes:

Greece: Haritatos Vineyard Hariton 2021
Enjoy the refreshing charm of this easy-drinking white wine, crafted from the rare Vostilidi varietal from the Ionian Islands. With light floral notes and juicy peach flavors, it’s perfect for sunny afternoons or relaxing evenings. This wine balances crisp freshness with a creamy texture, making each sip a delightful experience. Not to mention as a self-professed musicphile, I very much identify with how the brand communicates wine pairings: they also include a music pairing for each of their wines!
Find more info at: https://www.haritatosvineyard.com

Portugal: Quinta de Soalheiro Alvarinho (Albariño) Soalheiro 2023
This bright, lemon-yellow Alvarinho dazzles with its fresh and elegant aroma, showcasing the grape’s unique complexity. Hailing from the Monção and Melgaço regions of northern Portugal, this fruit-driven wine benefits from a special microclimate that optimizes the perfect conditions for maturing Alvarinho grapes.
Find more info at: https://soalheiro.com

Italy: Cantina Puiatti Ribolla Gialla 2022
This lively white wine bursts with flavors of golden apple, gooseberry, and aromatic herbs, offering a fresh and drinkable experience. Nestled between Slovenia, Austria, and the Adriatic Sea, Friuli’s unique microclimate combines maritime and continental influences, enhanced by the cool Bora winds. This climate is ideal for aromatic white varieties, allowing the grapes to mature slowly under abundant sunshine. Cantina Puiatti embraces modern winemaking to showcase the purity of Friuli’s indigenous and international grapes—no oak involved.
Find more info at: https://puiatti.com

South Africa: Boschendal The Rose Garden Rose 2023
There is a misconception that all Rosé has to be a pale pink color. While the classic pale pink Provence style is wildly popular, deeper-hued Rosés—from deeper ruby types to ones like this vibrant pink, almost salmon-toned one—offer unique flavors and complexities that are equally delightful. These richer variations defy the fallacy that all Rosé must be done one way, inviting wine lovers to explore a diverse spectrum of experience. This Boschendal Rosé bursts with juicy flavors of ripe strawberry and raspberry, accented by a hint of spice. Boschendal, nestled between Franschhoek and Stellenbosch in South Africa’s Western Cape, is one of the country’s oldest wine estates.
Find more info at: https://boschendal.com

Spain: Gulp Hablo Orange
Take on that afternoon chill. This vibrant orange wine is a blend of Verdejo and Sauvignon Blanc, typical for the region but with a twist: a week of maceration on the skins. Expect aromatic notes of orange blossom and tropical fruit, with flavors of dried citrus peels, tea, and preserved apricots. Certified biodynamic farming means no pesticides or insecticides, this is bottled slightly hazy without fining or filtering. Part of the Gulp/Halbo line, this selection is low in ABV and juicy… and comes in a 1L bottle. Gulp/Hablo is a play on words: ‘Gulp’ means to chug, and ‘Hablo’ (Spanish for talk) suggests a wine perfect for lively conversation. When said fast, ‘Gulp/Hablo’ translates to ‘gulpable,’ perfectly describing these easy-drinking wines by the Parra Family. A solid orange wine for the price.
Find more info at: https://www.tedwardwines.com/collections/gulp-hablo

Australia: Dancing In The Doldrums Pinot Meunier 2023
Had this beauty introduced to me on a recent trip to NYC visiting old friends and colleagues. The summer heat has been no joke, especially on the East Coast, and a quite chillable red like this is very much warranted. The last Poppelvej wine I had was years ago, around the time the 2021 “Rookie” Grenache released. By contrast, Dancing In The Doldrums offers a lighter, earthier profile but is still a wine bursting with red fruit aromas, particularly maraschino cherries, revealing subtle notes of mint, celery salt, and white pepper. This wine comes from a Danish winemaker based in Copenhagen, who crafts low-intervention, natural wines from organically and biodynamically farmed vineyards in McLaren Vale and the Adelaide Hills in Australia.
Find more info at: https://poppelvej.com

USA – Oregon: Lonesome Rock Pinot Noir Estate 2021
This Pinot Noir boasts a rich profile of deep, dark berry flavors and prominent dark cherry aromas. With generous fruit and medium+ acidity, it’s an impressive, young cool-climate wine. Full transparency I did work with Danny for years at a local distributor in Chicago. But this isn’t just a name call. Here I was, a little eager sponge who wanted to learn anything and everything about wine that I possibly could. What I saw over those years though is if there’s anyone who understands hospitality and entertaining, it’s Danny. His infectious charm shines even when he’s simply sharing his latest cooking experiments, so I knew if he ever ventured off into his own project, it would be captivating just the same. Danny honed his skills in Oenology at the Université de Bourgogne and gained invaluable experience at Domaine Yves Chaley et Fille in the Hautes-Côtes de Nuits. In 2020, Danny and his wife, Suzy, took on Lonesome Rock, a breathtaking high-elevation vineyard nestled in the Pacific Coast Range. Lonesome Rock wines are made in extremely limited quantities.
Find more info at: https://lonesomerock.com

Austria: Judith Beck Ink 2022
Despite its deep color, this is a light, refreshing wine. The nose bursts with fresh red cherry, raspberry, and plum, enhanced by notes of black pepper and baking spices. On the palate, it’s juicy with soft tannins. Beck Ink is a crowd-pleasing red wine, a blend of Zweigelt and St. Laurent, that offers the robust character of a darker Pinot Noir, yet it’s perfect for summer, especially when served chilled. Judith Beck, who took over in 2004, brings international experience from renowned wineries like Château Cos d’Estournel and Errazuriz. The estate is known for producing exceptional wines from Austria’s warmest wine region.

USA – California: Summer Somewhere Wines Zuma Red Blend 2017
Named after a favorite Malibu beach, this red blend is as versatile as it is delightful. An everyday, medium-bodied wine with strong, elegant flavors. Think caramel apple, dark chocolate acai, and coffee. Made from a blend of Happy Canyon Cabernet, Santa Ynez Valley Merlot, and Santa Rita Hills Syrah. Summer Somewhere Wines is a family-run Malibu winery, perfect for celebrating life’s moments and remembering it’s always summer somewhere.
Find more info at: https://www.summersomewherewines.com

France: Champagne Pommery Brut Royal
Pommery Brut Royal, a lively and refined multi-vintage blend, embodies the essence of Pommery’s style: fresh, elegant, and vibrant. Crafted from select vineyards in the Côte des Blancs and Montagne de Reims, it showcases a pale yellow hue with green accents. Expect a vivacious nose with notes of citrus, white flowers, and berries, followed by a round, delicate palate. Brut Royal is a timeless classic, easily recognizable by its signature French blue and gold label.
Find more info at: https://www.champagnepommery.com

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